Muslim Community of Calgary

Muslim Community of Calgary: A Place Where Everyone Belongs, I’ve lived in Calgary for a while, and its diversity is striking. Located in Alberta, Canada, Calgary has this ability to make every single person, irrespective of their nationality, feel welcomed. I’ve been reflecting on the Muslim community here, who, in my opinion, make the city even more wonderful. Today is March 24th, 2025, and with Ramadan just behind us, I wanted to express my thoughts about this community that adds so much life to Calgary.

A Community That Keeps Growing

I recall having heard a few years back that Calgary had about 58,000 Muslims as of 2001, and I would bet that figure is quite larger now—probably even doubled. Both the city and its Muslim population have experienced rapid expansion. Just a few days ago, I read about a huge Ramadan celebration at Rajveer Banquet Hall in Northeast Calgary. This was the fifth annual suhur event, a pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, and they were attempting to raise 10,000 pounds’ worth of food for the food bank in Calgary. By the time the article was published, they had already been able to gather a few thousand pounds, which, in my opinion, is astounding. I mean, these people are fasting throughout the day, and they are still helping others.

What I cherish the most is the amount of variety this community boasts. There are folks from Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, and many other nations coming together to pray and celebrate. I can picture them at a mosque where, after breaking the fast, they share plates of samosas or spicy biryani and converse in Urdu or Arabic. The Muslim Council of Calgary, which has been functional since the late 1950s, does a commendable job of unifying everyone regardless of their roots.

Finding Community & Changing Lives

Learning about how much members of the community give back is what always touches me. I found out about a volunteer group, Muslim Families Network Society, that does food and clothing drives all year round. Let me tell you about this incredible event they had in 2017 at Camelot School. It was held at the Marlborough Park Community Centre, and on top of lots of donated clothes, they also provided rice, sugar, and halal meat to thousands of families. If I recall correctly, they projected to help about 10,000 people that year, and, with how many new people are moving to Calgary, I am sure that number has increased.

They also have wonderful ways of engaging with the rest of the city. Last summer, around August 2024, I came across a post about a “Peace Parade” happening downtown. It was hosted by the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada. I remember seeing around a hundred Muslims walking, talking to people, and preaching how Islam is all about peace. Atthar Mahmood, one of the organizers, said their only goal was to let people talk to them and get to know them. I thought that was so fascinating. Some mosques, like Akram Jomaa, offer open-door sessions where you can choose to wear a hijab or get a henna tattoo. I would love to attend one of those classes.

Supporting Children Struggling to Navigate Life

The Muslim society around here definitely tries its best for their children, too. There are many Quran and Arabic classes offered around the city to ensure younger children are able to retain their religion. The Muslim Students’ Association at the University of Calgary offers prayer meetings and some career functions, which can be comforting for students who may feel overwhelmed by the size of the school. Last December, the Muslim Ahmadi Youth Association curated an exhibit about Islam at the Central Library. Fahad Hassan Amjed was there explaining many misconceptions, including the fact that Islam has a great deal of respect for women. It is incredible to witness such youth taking initiative.

A Community that Feels Like Family

Calgary’s Muslim community is like a huge extended family to me. They support each other in whatever way they can, be it educational or charitable in nature or just sharing a meal together. They make the city warmer and more interconnected. For some reason, I keep on imagining myself at an Iftar gathering, where I would love to listen to the call to prayer and sample some of the wonderful dishes that I have heard so much about. For now, however, I am just glad that I know that they are there, making Calgary a better place for everyone.

FAQs About Muslim Community of Calgary

Conclusion

The Muslim Community of Calgary, under the leadership of the Muslim Council of Calgary, has been a cornerstone of the city’s Muslim population for over six decades, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. With its commitment to Islamic principles, the MCC provides essential religious, educational, and social services, from daily prayers to charitable outreach, while promoting unity among Calgary’s diverse Muslim population. By offering spaces for worship, community engagement, and support for those in need, the Muslim Community of Calgary continues to strengthen the fabric of the city’s multiculturalism landscape, welcoming all who wish to connect and contribute.