Downtown Calgary Mosque

Downtown Calgary Mosque: A Taste of Tranquility in the City Having lived in Calgary for a while now, I can confidently say it is a constantly alive city, especially the center with all the tall structures and moving automobiles. But there’s this one place I’ve been thinking about lately: the Downtown Calgary Mosque, which is managed by the Islamic Information Society of Calgary, also known as IISC. It is located at 1009 7th Ave SW and occupies a crucial area of the city. I have not personally visited this mosque yet. I have heard many things about it, and I would like to talk about my feelings.

A Big Win for the Community

Calgarians tell an incredible story about the mosque’s origins, as I do. Back in 2017, the IISC initiated the purchasing of a two-story building located in downtown Calgary, spending 2.55 million dollars. People were deeply overjoyed, which makes sense given that a core mosque was opening in the main city. The tower was better than the previous location, 8th and 8th, which had been closed for a significant duration of time. Given the large Muslim population in Calgary, there was a clear need for a new location. If I recall correctly, in late 2019 renovations started, and they were expected to take a few months. At this point they have likely finished, and I would assume it is a beautiful spot to visit.

The second level has been configured for the five daily prayers, which is great for those who work around the area. However, on Fridays there is a much larger volume of people who attend Jummah, and for them the room has made quite a few changes to accommodate them. I can vividly envision the people mingling with people as they cram themselves into the space. The best part is that the attendees range from businessmen in full suits to individuals wearing traditional attire, yet they all unite in prayer.

A Spot to Connect and Recharge

My favorite thing about the Downtown Calgary Mosque is that it is more than a place for prayer; it is a space for social connection. I can picture people stopping by during their lunch break to possibly catch up with a friend they haven’t seen recently. I’m sure they also host events, such as the one during Ramadan, which ended a while ago. Perhaps they set out tables filled with food—think dates, spicy samosas, and a big platter of rice—and everyone gathers to tell stories. I can almost hear the laughter, the kind that makes you feel a part of something greater than life.

The IISC has always been about uniting people, and I feel this mosque accomplishes that purpose really well. They even have plans for it to serve as a venue for family get-togethers and larger prayers in the future. I can see children running around during Eid all dressed up while parents catch up and exchange how life is treating them in Calgary. Even in the midst of a bustling city, this place evokes a sense of homeliness.

Uniting Individuals in the Downtown Area

This mosque has the best position in downtown, which makes outreach easier for everyone, not only for Muslims. I can picture them having their doors wide open for interfaith gatherings, perhaps telling people to come and learn about Islam over tea. The IISC does similar things to the Al-Kahf Youth Centre, so I’m sure they are finding ways to make the mosque inviting for the entire community. That is so neat to me—fostering those connections right in the center of the city.

I am sure this facility is like a treasure for those who work in the center of the city. The city can be really frantic with meetings, traffic, and everything else going on, but knowing there is a spot to escape for a moment ensures that there is space to stop and have a meaningful quick prayer that helps ground you. I envision someone leaving the mosque feeling slightly lighter, refreshed, and prepared to tackle the remainder of their busy day.

A Place That Means Something

Even after shifting locations several times, the Muslim scholars’ mosque remains a central building for the Muslim population of Calgary. It is a testimony to how much the Calgary Muslim community has grown over the years. It shows that religion and social life can coexist in the city’s most populated areas. I wish one day I could visit the mosque to say a prayer or just rest my mind. For now, I find solace in the knowledge that downtown Calgary boasts a meticulously designed space for those in need.