Muslims are people who adhere to the religion of Islam, a monotheistic religion centered on the oneness of God. Islamic beliefs are focused on the Five Pillars of Islam, fasting, charity, prayer, faith, and holy pilgrimage (Hajj), as well as the teachings through the Quran and the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad. There are many different sects of Islam, the two largest being Shi’a and Sunni, each with its own interpretations of jurisprudence and daily practices. Muslims come from various ethnic, cultural, and racial backgrounds, and the faith is practiced globally, not just in the Middle East. London is home to a large and growing Muslim community, with over six different mosques serving the Sufi, Shi’a, Sunni, and Ismaili communities.
Resources for Muslim individuals and communities in London
Islamophobia Support Line: Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre: A free, confidential, and supportive counselling and referral service for Muslim women and youth who have experienced religious, racial, or culture-based violence.
Nisa Helpline: Free, confidential phone peer counselling support and culturally sensitive guidance for Muslim women.
National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) | Report an Incident: If you have experienced an Islamophobic incident or hate crime, the NCCM offers a reporting tool with follow-up guidance and support, including legal advice or consulting when needed. They provide advocacy and assistance for Canadian Muslims who have experienced anti-Muslim discrimination or hate crimes.
Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) Support Line: CCMW provides Muslim women in abusive or violent situations with personalized connections to resources and supports catered to their situation or area.
Hurma Project: A resource hub offering emergency crisis hotlines to support Muslims. The Hurma Project also provides education and support for those facing spiritual abuse within the Muslim community.
Naseeha Help and Textline: Naseeha offers a 24/7 text and phone hotline that provides emotional and mental health support, both short- and long-term, with culturally competent care by trained Muslim counsellors. Services are available in a variety of languages, including French, Somali, Arabic, Urdu, and Farsi.
The Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration (MRCSSI): A not-for-profit social support and service agency serving the Muslim community in London, Ontario. MRCSSI offers a wide range of services for families, children, survivors of abuse and domestic violence, and the general Muslim community.
Community Resources and Guide to Rights: National Council of Canadian Muslims: The resources on this page include two guidebooks: Know Your Rights & Responsibilities: A Guide for Canadian Muslims and Know Your Rights: A Guide for Muslim Post-Secondary Students.
Muslim Parents' Open Letter to Their Children: This video created by Jubilee Project features a heartfelt message from Muslim parents, addressing their children with advice, encouragement, and reflections on faith. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural and religious values while navigating the challenges of growing up.
Bullying: Islamic Speakers Bureau (ISB), Atlanta : A resource guide for educators, parents and community organizations. It highlights the signs that a Muslim student may be experiencing bullying and the best ways to provide support and intervention.
Coaching for School Coaches: Islamic Speakers Bureau, Atlanta: A document for school coaches to encourage awareness of religious accommodations that Muslim student-athletes may need, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hijabi Ballers Community Conference #IAM2020 Toolkit: A resource toolkit for coaches, sports clubs, and athletes on working with Muslim female athletes. The toolkit covers topics around clothing, food and drink practices, religious traditions observed, prayer, and physical contact. It can serve as a helpful resource for you to successfully advocate for yourself and ensure you are being treated fairly.