Irshad Osman - Iqra.ca

From Masjid to Banquet Hall: Preserving the Soul of Ramadan

Ramadan was revealed to cultivate taqwa — an inward vigilance, an awareness that Allah sees what others do not. And yet, in many of our cities Ramadan increasingly unfolds beneath chandeliers, stage lighting, and ticketed buffets.

Reflections

A "Local First" Vision for Ramadan 2026

For too long, our giving has been largely reactive—responding to the most heart-wrenching images from around the world or the loudest appeal from relief agencies. This year, we are advocating for a shift toward a "Local First" model.

Environment

Faith in Action: Why Climate Justice Is Now a Spiritual Duty

An urgent call for moral courage and immediate climate action echoed through Toronto on November 10, 2025 as faith leaders and community members gathered for a powerful interfaith service.

News

Toronto's Muslim Community urged to fight food insecurity with innovative approach

Many Muslim donors tend to prioritize international aid, often unaware of the pressing local needs or how these specific Islamic charitable mechanisms can be effectively channeled to support local food banks and combat hunger within their immediate communities.

interfaith

Toronto Imam Irshad Osman selected for Interfaith fellowship

Toronto Imam Irshad Osman has been chosen to be part of the second cohort for the Sacred Journey Fellowship by Interfaith America. Interfaith America expressed its honor in uniting a new cohort of dedicated, civically engaged leaders from across the nation. These leaders are wholeheartedly committed to fostering connections at

Editor

An introduction to Muslim philanthropy in Canada

By Muneeb Nasir and Irshad Osman Philanthropy holds a vital place in Islam, deeply ingrained in principles of compassion, charity, and social responsibility. Islamic teachings intertwine philanthropy with various acts of worship, making it a mandatory aspect of a Muslim's life. Giving back is not limited to financial

Editor

Ethical concerns arise over Canadian Muslim relief agencies' voluntourism practices

By Muneeb Nasir and Irshad Osman Muslim Relief organizations are in overdrive, aggressively marketing to the Canadian Muslim community, and a new form of fundraising practice is cropping up among the larger charities - voluntourism, which combines tourism and volunteering. As a background on the extent of Muslim donations in

Editor Featured

Türkiye and Syria Earthquake - Which charities to support?

By Muneeb Nasir and Irshad Osman Two devastating earthquakes hit southern and central Türkiye in the early hours of February 6, 2023, and it also affected regions of north-western Syria. This is the fourth costliest earthquake in world history. The property damages and the financial loss are estimated at USD

News

Honouring human rights defenders

Justice For All Canada, a Canadian human rights organization, recently held a benefit event, #LoveUmmah - A Night For Human Rights, to recognize Canadian activists and human rights defenders. The following individuals were recognized for their exceptional service: The Ally of Justice Award honoured Hon. MP Salma Zahid as a

News

Shaken by a grim discovery, an Imam builds a bridge to Indigenous Communities

By Imam Irshad Osman, Danforth Islamic Center, Toronto The grim discovery of the mass graves of Indigenous children in the Kamloops residential schools [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kamloops-residential-school-findings-1.6084185] in the summer of 2021 sent shockwaves across Canada and the world, once again unearthing the unspoken sensitive

News Featured

Forum addresses Muslim Indigenous Relationships

“When you respect, respect is given; when you hold back, it is held back,” Shahina Siddiqui, a well-known Canadian Muslim leader, told participants during an online forum [https://fb.watch/9qnul-Xtim/] on Muslim Indigenous relationship held on Sunday, November 14th. “That has been the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Muslims

News Featured

Muslim youths looking to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples

Muslim youths will be engaged in a project that aims to build trusting relationships with Indigenous communities. “We will be launching this initiative on Orange Shirt Day, i.e., the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation when Canadians will reflect on their commitment towards the Indigenous communities,” says Imam Irshad

Canadian Muslims

Canadian Muslims Celebrate 'Eid with prayers and festivities

By Muneeb Nasir Canadian Muslims celebrated `Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday, June 4 2019, with community prayer gatherings and festivals in cities across the country to mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. In Ottawa, the national capital of Canada, the Muslim Association of Canada held the ‘Eid

Canadian Muslims

Fasting strengthens communities

By Irshad Osman (Naleemi) (August 21, 2011) – Ramadan creates “winning moments” for the believers. Every single act in this beautiful month is a victory…it is a step in the journey towards success in both worlds. It could be those early hours when we wake up for a meal, it

Danforth Islamic Centre

Danforth Islamic Centre sets example in fight against malaria

(April 21, 2010) – The Danforth Islamic Centre (DIC) located in Toronto’s east end joined in the Congregations Act [http://congregationsact.com/] to support the Fight Against Malaria campaign and has set an example for other faith communities by tripling its fund-raising target. On Friday April 9, 2010 an awareness

Haiti

Haiti Earthquake – was it punishment from God?

By Irshad Osman Another disaster….this time in the Western hemisphere. We all stood bewildered and dumbfounded upon hearing the news of the earthquake in Haiti. The number of deaths in Haiti is estimated at over 300,000 while the displaced are over 1 million. Another 1.5 million people

531

Toronto Celebrates Charter for Compassion

(November 20, 2009) – Toronto residents took part in the launch of the Charter for Compassion [http://www.charterforcompassion.org] last week by holding lectures, discussions, film screenings, reflective walks and dedicating weekly sermons to the topic of compassion. The Charter for Compassion, officially launched on November 12, is a 330-word