Today, Muslim communities in Canada celebrate Eid al-Adha, marking the end of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eid al-Adha is a time to gather with family and friends, share a special meal, help those in need, and reflect on the meaning of sacrifice.
Across the country, Canadian Muslims celebrate with carnivals, games, food and bazaars. Mosques offer ceremonies and community religious services.
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There are over one million Muslims in Canada. It is the second largest religion in the country after Christianity. Most Muslims live in Canada’s largest cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.
An often quoted Environics Survey 2016 suggests that Muslims are more proud of being Canadians than the general population and that the source of their pride comes from Canada’s freedom and democracy.
Daniel Stockemer’s book Muslims in the Western World further analyzes show that Muslims in Canada have a relatively high level of life satisfaction and feel that Canada treats them better than comparable Western countries.
Muslims have lived in Canada since 1871 when the census found 13 European Muslims among the population. Then in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1934, the first Muslim organization was registered by immigrants from Lebanon. The first mosque was established in 1938 in Edmonton, Alberta.
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Although there was a slight increase in the Muslim population after World War II, Muslim immigration resumed in the 1960s and 1970s after Canada removed the discriminatory tiered immigration system that gave preference to immigrants from Western European countries. Instead, Canada moved to a points-based system that assessed immigrants on economic factors such as work experience, education, and language ability.
Throughout their long history in Canada, Muslims have contributed to politics, business, sports, art, entertainment, journalism, science, and every other aspect of Canadian culture.
There are a number of resources and services run by Muslims for Muslims to help people feel welcome. If you’re looking for Eid-related activities in Canada, check your local event guides online or ask a community member.
If you plan to be in Canada the next Eid al-Adha, here are some resources and groups that offer services to Muslims:
- MuslimLink.ca offers a directory allowing Muslims to connect in 16 different cities across Canada.
- Canadian Council of Muslim Women is an organization with chapters across Canada dedicated to the empowerment, equality and equity of all Muslim women.
- National Council of Canadian Muslims is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that protects human rights and civil liberties in Canada and fights discrimination and Islamophobia.
- Muslim Wellness Canada operates food banks, meals-on-wheels programs for seniors, and shelters for women and children and for refugees.
- Salam Canada is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Muslims.
- Canadian Islamic Broadcasting Network is an online radio station that offers Islamic talk programs.
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