Introduction
“The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.” Prophet Muhammad PBUH
The Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA) was established and continues to thrive because of the support and commitment of the Muslim community. Through the 100 Seeds campaign, the community has the opportunity to support the educational, social, religious and outreach work of the MIA. The 100 Seeds campaign aims at getting community members and families to make a regular commitment through automatic bank account withdrawals or credit card processing. Alhamdulillah, our mosques are open daily, our children are learning, our families are gathering and our community is growing. Together, we can plant the seeds of a bright future for Islam in Manitoba.
We encourage you to be a planter and give $100/month or $3.33/day or the amount that fits your circumstances.
Religious Affairs
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (Quran 51:56)
In 1976, Muslims in Manitoba inaugurated the first mosque ever to be established in the province in old St. Vital. Today, the historical mosque in St. Vital continues to thrive. The MIA expanded further in 2007 into a large community centre and mosque located on Waverley St. Both mosques are open for 5 daily prayers. Friday prayers bring together over 1500 Muslims every week.
The holy month of Ramadan is a very busy time with Taraweeh prayers and community Iftaars. The MIA-organized Eid prayers and celebration brings together close to 7000 Muslims!
The MIA offers many opportunities for learning and growth.
Over 150 children are enrolled in the Al Fajr Quran Institute weekend program. Al Fajr Hafiz program is at full capacity with several mature students enrolled to memorize the Quran. The MIA Al Noor weekend school has served the educational needs of Muslim children for over 20 years.
Parents who attended Al Noor when they were young are now enrolling their children. The MIA also organizes seminars and lectures, such as Youth Summit, specialized fiqh courses and community lecture nights.
The masjids are also used by many groups who organize learning circles and educational activities.
Education
..and say my Lord, increase me in knowledge..
(Quran 20:114)
Community Services
The believing men and believing women support each other…
(Quran 9:71)
Through the MIA, the community expresses its support and love for its members. MIA facilitates spiritual and social support for those who are ill, arranges funerals for bereaved families efficiently and economically, and connects members of the community to services and support networks. In 2013, the MIA Takaful program, through Zakat and Sadaqa donations, assisted over 70 families and individuals.
“ The financial support that I received to help me rebuild my life is something that pulled me through, gave me hope, and sustained me through days I still don’t know how I survived…”
– MIA Takaful recipient
“ I always do acknowledge that there was one particular year that Takaful from MIA supported me…I had the kids in 3 different daycares…Transportation, childcare costs, and living expenses were supported while I worked and studied…”
– MIA Takaful recipient (Now a successful businesswoman)
Community Outreach
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction
(Quran 16:125)
We carry the immense responsibility of representing Islam to the general community. Through open houses, mosque tours, speaking engagements and outreach efforts, hundreds of people every year gain a better appreciation of Islam and Muslims. The MIA also remains engaged in issues that affect us all. From campaigns to eliminate poverty, to meeting with politicians and government agencies, to editorials in local newspapers, the MIA strives to ensure that Muslims are engaged and heard.
“[MIA staff] did a fantastic job with of the tour with our students….Thank you for welcoming our students into your mosque.” – Universite de Saint-Boniface
“We appreciate the time and effort in hosting us. Tour was informative and a wide range of questions were answered well.” – 17 Wing Chaplain Team
The MIA depends on the generosity of the community. Currently, very little revenue comes to the MIA outside major fundraising events. It is very difficult to budget for the full fiscal year and the masjids are left with low reserves for a significant part of the year. Through your regular monthly contribution, the finances of the MIA can be stabilized and other non-donation based sources of revenue can insha Allah be explore. Further, 20% of all regular monthly donations at the level of $100 or higher will be allocated to establishing a long-term endowment (waqf) to support the operations of the MIA.
When you support the MIA, please provide your mailing information so that we can send you a tax receipt. The MIA is a charity registered with the CRA and your donations are eligible for a tax credit. The tax credit is 25.8% on the first $200 donated and 46.4% (combined federal and provincial credits) on anything over $200.
Financials
The only ones who should maintain God’s mosques are those who believe in God and the Last Day, and keep up prayer, who pay the prescribed charity and who fear no one but God, such people may hope to be among the rightly guided.. (Quran 9:18)
Cash Flow
Expenses
The MIA is a social hub for Muslims. In addition to organizing many events that bring the community together (potlucks, Iftaars, Eid celebrations), the MIA maintains an open door policy to all groups within our community to organize their functions and events.
We strive to maintain a family friendly open atmosphere so that we can all come together and forge the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
The MIA facilities are open to language groups, study circles, Muslim seniors, sisters programs, children’s programs, and sports activities.
Social Events
O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess. (Quran 7:31)