THE OTTAWA ISLAMIC CENTRE AND ASSALAM MOSQUE is a Canadian nonprofit organization operating as a mosque and community center in Ottawa, Ontario. The organization serves the Muslim community by promoting the teachings of Islam based on the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), emphasizing a comprehensive Islamic way of life. Beyond functioning as a place of worship, the Centre acts as a community hub offering various services aimed at fostering Islamic identity and engagement among Muslims in the area[1].

Overview and Mission

The Centre underscores ethical and moral beliefs according to Islamic principles and aims to educate about the authentic history of Islam. Its mission encompasses nurturing a vibrant Muslim community and serving as a resource for worship, learning, and social interaction. The Centre promotes the Five Pillars of Islam which include Shahadah (faith), Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (almsgiving), and Hajj (pilgrimage)[1][2].

History and Challenges

The Ottawa Islamic Centre and Assalam Mosque was initially granted charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2009 after applying in 2003. However, it faced significant challenges regarding compliance with CRA requirements related to oversight of guest speakers and activities held at its premises. A 2016 CRA audit found the organization failed to adequately vet speakers, resulting in presentations that included extremist views, hate, and intolerance. This led to the revocation of its charitable status in 2018.

The CRA's decision was based on findings that the mosque allowed individuals and groups promoting intolerant messages to use its facilities, and that it did not maintain sufficient records such as transcripts or recordings of speeches to verify the content delivered. The mosque administration expressed disagreement with the CRA’s ruling, emphasizing their intention to be a bridge between the Muslim and Canadian communities and highlighting previous internal governance struggles that had impacted organizational oversight[4][5].

Community Role

Despite its regulatory setbacks, the Centre continues to function as a religious and community institution. It provides educational programming guided by Islamic scholars and facilitates religious observances and community events. The organization seeks to maintain an inclusive atmosphere consistent with Canadian values and the original vision of its founder, Mohamed Rashad Moalimishak, for a welcoming and unified Muslim community[1][5].

This article summarizes the key facts about the Ottawa Islamic Centre and Assalam Mosque as a significant religious and cultural institution in Ottawa’s Muslim community, including its mission, activities, and regulatory history.