Islamic Foundation of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario)

Canada / Ontario / Whitchurch-Stouffville / Toronto, Ontario / Nugget Avenue, 441

www.islamicfoundation.ca

One of the Largest Mosques in Toronto 416-321-0909

IFT is one of the oldest Muslim organizations in Canada. It was established in 1969, when an old 3000 square foot building was purchased at Rhodes Avenue and converted into a mosque.

The 2.3 acres land, where the Islamic Center currently stands, was purchased in 1984. It was a giant leap towards the vision of an institution beyond a neighborhood mosque - a center that would provide quality programs in areas of religion, education and social services for the residents of Greater Toronto area and bring them closer. Equally important, was the realization that we can prepare our children for the challenges of this society and ensure our own future, only through fostering excellence in education, in an environment that nurtures Islamic values. Thus, an elementary school was also conceived as an integral part of the Center.

As we embarked on the project, Allah (SWT) tested our determination and patience. Even before the construction began, we were faced with a court challenge that lasted over 5 years to obtain a building permit. Alhamdulillah, the Center was completed in 1992 at a cost of about six million dollars, almost all raised by the local Muslim community. Today the Center is a majestic, white stone, three-storied high building. A 125 feet tall minaret captures the skyline, complemented by a copper-cladded dome, symbolizing the Muslim presence in Canada. The building is 53,000 sq. ft. in area, with prayer halls for brothers and sisters, 12 well-equipped classrooms, a cafeteria and kitchen, a gymnasium, a library, a mortuary, wide and bright corridors, an elevator and over 200 parking spaces.

The Center is easily accessible by car and public transportation, and is open for the five daily prayers. The Friday congregation prayer is attended by close to 2000 worshippers. The full-time school has a qualified staff, with over 600 students from Junior Kindergarten to grade twelve. More than four hundred students attend the evening and weekend Islamic classes.

The Center also has a full time Hifz School in addition to evening Hifz classes. In addition, their are daily programs for adults, ranging from Arabic and Fiqh classes to sports activities for both brothers and sisters. We believe in working together and feel proud to organize programs with other Muslim organizations - be it a sports activity or a fundraising event to help during a natural disaster.

As for the organizational structure our governing body is the elected "Majlis", consisting of seven members. To have checks and balances, there is an elected "Board of Trustees" which holds the title to the property and advises the Majlis. To ensure accountability, the constitution requires that audited accounts be published yearly and that the books and meetings be open to the members.
In order for the Foundation to continue with its services, it needs your duas and support, both financial and through your participation.

Jazakumullah Khairan.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   43°47'52"N   79°14'30"W
This article was last modified 8 years ago