The Message of Islam Foundation

In 1958, a beacon of faith emerged in Montreal: The Message of Islam Foundation. It wasn’t a grand mosque at first, just a shared dream nurtured in the homes of newly arrived Muslim families. The first Muslim family from Lebanon settled in Ottawa in 1903. Later, after the First World War, Arab Muslims and Christians, some French-speaking, found a home in Quebec. The Message of Islam Foundation’s story, however, is intertwined with the arrival of families from India and Pakistan in the mid-1950s. Habibullah Khan, a chartered accountant from Patna, India, who later migrated to Karachi, Pakistan, settled with his family in Verdun in 1955. Their home became a gathering place for the small Muslim community, fostering the idea of a formal association. The Message of Islam Foundation was officially incorporated in Quebec in 1958, with Habibullah Khan as its first president. Its mission: to preserve Islamic heritage and create a nurturing environment for Muslim families and their children. As the community grew, so did the need for a dedicated space. The Foundation rented an office on Sherbrooke Street West, not far from McGill University. Eid prayers, community dinners, and even a memorable Eid ul Adha celebration on St. Helen’s Island, complete with a BBQ, became cherished traditions. Monthly lectures and Ramadan Iftar gatherings strengthened the bonds of faith. The Foundation finally found a home in 1967. A former WWII army barrack at 2520 Laval Road, Ville St. Laurent, was purchased for $25,000. Through community donations and countless volunteer hours, the building was transformed into a mosque. Roohi Kurdy became the first Imam. By 1971, the Muslim population in Montreal had grown to almost 5,000, straining the Laval Road mosque’s resources. The roof leaked, and the ceiling even collapsed in a classroom. Despite having only $13,000 in their coffers, the community embarked on an ambitious expansion project in 1972. Led by a dedicated construction committee and fueled by donations and fundraisers, the expanded mosque became a reality. The Message of Islam Foundation stands today as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Montreal’s Muslim community. From humble beginnings in family homes to a thriving center of worship and community, it has played a vital role in preserving Islamic heritage in Canada.