Didn’t Vaughan always need a Masjid? Masjid Vaughan opened its doors on April 15 2018. It is a community project of Risalah Foundation. The Masjid Vaughan sits in the heart of Maple near Vaughan City Hall.
The heritage building that houses Masjid Vaughan has a long history. It stretches back over 140 years. Its mid-century gothic architecture has been carefully restored. The restoration reflects a North American Islamic aesthetic. This creates a sense of serenity and majesty for its Sunni Muslim community. Praise be to God for this blessing. Gratitude is due to everyone who helped establish this first Masjid in Vaughan.
Masjid Vaughan is more than just a place of prayer. It is a hub for numerous community initiatives. Dar al-Burhan is located at Masjid Vaughan. It is a three-year Quran memorization program. Exceptionally qualified Quran instructors guide students. Dr. Moaaz Safwat is the Dean of the academy. Experienced guidance counselors and a professional administration also support the academy.
The Muslim Family Academy also meets at Masjid Vaughan. It is a unique Islamic weekend school for children ages 5 to 17. The academy nurtures love of God. It also fosters love for His Messenger and the Quran. Students gradually move towards advanced sessions. They study Theology, Jurisprudence, Spirituality, Etiquette and Prophetic biography. The academy helps students develop a basic Islamic literacy. It promotes a holistic spiritual outlook.
Masjid Vaughan also supports NORMM. NORMM stands for Network of Reintegration and Muslim Mentorship. This community project reduces the risk of religiously motivated violence. It uses individualized programming, counselling and mentorship. The corrections, justice and social welfare sectors recognize NORMM. They acknowledge its success in rehabilitating radicalized individuals.
Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat Salem is the Head Imam of Masjid Vaughan. He is a distinguished scholar of the Quran. He has multiple Ijazat from esteemed scholars worldwide. Shaykh Moaaz leads some weekly prayers. He delivers the Friday Khutbah monthly. He conducts Eid prayers. He leads Taraweeh during Ramadan. Shaykh Moaaz offers valuable guidance to the Masjid’s Imams and teachers. He consults with the Risalah Foundation on academy development. He also assists in counselling and supports community outreach.
Imam AbdulBaseer Sharif also serves at Masjid Vaughan. He is a dedicated Islamic educator and prayer leader. He has exceptional memorization of the Quran. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence. Imam AbdulBaseer leads the daily prayers. His profound Quranic knowledge inspires the community.
Jumu’a prayers are held at 1:30 PM Adhan and 1:35 Khutbah. Salat is at 2:00 PM. Ample parking is available at Vaughan City Hall on Fridays. The Masjid is governed by principles of transparency, inclusion and tolerance. It promotes positive dialogue and civic engagement.
Masjid Vaughan is a beacon of faith. It is a place of learning. It is a center for community. It embodies the values of Islam in the heart of Vaughan. The first Masjid of its kind for the city of Vaughan needs to be paid off. A permanent display in the lobby honors philanthropists. They made significant contributions towards making this house of God debt-free.