From Church to Mosque: A historic transformation in Halton Hills

The Istiqlal Islamic Centre of Toronto (IICT) in Halton Hills, Ontario, stands as a remarkable testament to architectural adaptation and community building. 

Inspired by Jakarta, Indonesia's monumental Istiqlal Mosque, this center has found its unique home within a 145-year-old historic church building in Ballinafad, originally built in 1878 and recognized as one of Halton Hills' oldest heritage properties.

The conversion of this former church into a mosque involved thoughtful architectural modifications to suit Islamic worship. 

This included reorienting the main prayer space to face the Qibla (Mecca), removing existing pews to create large, open prayer areas, and installing dedicated ablution facilities (wudu). 

While preserving the building's historical exterior, the interior now incorporates essential elements like a mihrab(prayer niche) and minbar (pulpit), adorned with Islamic calligraphy, seamlessly blending heritage with new purpose.

Beyond its physical transformation, the IICT is a dynamic and welcoming community hub, particularly for Muslims of Indonesian heritage in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Its name, "Istiqlal" (Arabic for "independence"), symbolizes its profound connection to its Indonesian namesake.

 The center is deeply committed to fostering peace and harmony and actively promotes cultural exchange within a multicultural society.

The IICT offers a wide array of engagement aspects and programs designed to serve its community and beyond:

• Religious Education: The center regularly holds weekly halaqa (religious study circles), providing a space for spiritual learning and discussion. They also facilitate the five daily prayers and Friday sermons.
• Community Meals & Fellowship: Potluck dinners are a regular feature, encouraging fellowship and the sharing of diverse culinary traditions, especially Indonesian recipes, as reported by HaltonHillsToday. Imam Umar Farooq mentioned to HaltonHillsToday (June 12, 2023) their practice of "sharing food from their gatherings with their neighbours," highlighting a strong sense of community outreach.
• Major Islamic Events: The IICT hosts celebrations for significant Islamic calendar events, such as Eid al-Adha, bringing the community together for festive occasions.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Showing a clear commitment to broader community engagement, the IICT plans for interfaith dialogues, aiming to foster mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Hindus, as detailed in the HaltonHillsToday article.
• Social Initiatives: Looking forward, Imam Umar Farooq envisions the IICT becoming a community food bank, a hub where "anyone can feel very comfortable to walk in and pick up any food items that they may otherwise be lacking for any reason," according to the HaltonHillsToday article. They have also engaged in charitable partnerships for international relief efforts, such as for earthquakes in Turkey and floods in Pakistan.
• Public Welcome: The center actively welcomes non-Muslim visitors, providing guidance on appropriate attire and offering access to a viewing gallery, reinforcing its role as a bridge for cultural and religious understanding.

The Istiqlal Islamic Centre of Toronto, operational since Ramadan 2022 in its current location, embodies a vibrant community spirit rooted in its unique historical setting and a forward-looking vision for interfaith harmony and social welfare.