Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.
On behalf of the Muslim Community of Quebec (MCQ), our management team and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors for your generous contributions. Your support is deeply appreciated, and it truly makes a difference.
We are currently working on expanding our mosque’s prayer area to better serve our growing congregation. Our goal is to increase capacity from 234 to 702 Mussalleen (prayer attendees/worshippers) through a project we call the MCQ Space Management Project.
Our journey began on Monday, April 10, 2023, and by Thursday, April 27, 2023, a dedicated team of volunteers—including civil and structural engineers, architects, and RBQ-certified contractors—came together to develop a complete project plan and architectural design. Alhamdulillah, all these professionals donated their time and expertise entirely free of charge no cost to MCQ.
Our long-term vision is to reconstruct the current building into a three-story mosque at an estimated cost of $24.9 million. Achieving this ambitious goal will require time, effort, and substantial financial support — along with a clear strategy, thoughtful planning, and unwavering dedication.
Immediate Need: Alhamdulillah, our congregation continues to grow, but our current prayer space can no longer accommodate the needs of our community. Currently, especially on Fridays, many worshippers are forced to wait outside due to limited space. To address this urgent issue, we have adopted a practical and achievable short-term solution:
Demolish smaller rooms to create an open-concept prayer hall.
Increase capacity from 234 to 702 Mussalleen
Completion timeline: approximately 1 month
Estimated cost: $250,000
"This short-term plan addresses an immediate and pressing need. It is practical, achievable, and urgently necessary — and with the support of our community, we believe it can be completed within our means and resources, insha’Allah."
Transparency & Communication:
As President of MCQ, I bear full responsibility for ensuring transparency and accountability to our donors, the public, and government authorities. I am committed to making sure all funds and resources entrusted to us are managed with the highest level of integrity and used strictly for their intended purposes.
If you have any questions, or suggestions, or would like to discuss this project, I warmly invite you to connect with me:
In-person: Every Friday after Jummah, in the MCQ Conference Room
Email: President@MuslimCommunityOfQuebec.ca
Phone: 514-489-5267
Jazakallah Khairan, Barakallahu feek
Afzal H Sheikh
President
Muslim Community of Quebec (MCQ)
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
After the Taraweeh Prayer, a group gathers, as usual, to enjoy beautiful moments together. It symbolizes tranquility, peace, devotion and unity, holding the bond of Islamic tradition during Ramadan.
As the group congregates in the softly lit prayer hall, the air is filled with a sense of serenity and contentment. Conversations flow effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and smiles exchanged between friends. The aroma of traditional Ramadan sweets wafts through the air, adding to the ambiance of warmth and camaraderie. In this sacred space, individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, united in their devotion to faith and community. Each moment shared after the prayer becomes a cherished memory, strengthening the bonds of friendship and reinforcing the values of compassion and solidarity intrinsic to the spirit of Ramadan.
I feel the essence of happiness with fresh and purified air gently blowing throughout the prayer hall. It seems as if angels are flying overhead, carrying a message from the MCQ prayer hall to almighty Allah, acknowledging that we, as almighty Allah's best of creation, are remembering Him. Angels, returning to the audience, with a message back: almighty Allah is not yet despairing of men and women. - President MCQ.
In the serene aftermath of the Taraweeh Prayer, a moment with the young men. Bathed in the soft glow of the prayer hall, a group of devoted individuals come together, bound by their shared faith and the spirit of Ramadan.
Amidst the gentle murmurs of conversation and the sweet fragrance of traditional Ramadan treats, laughter resonates, echoing the bonds of friendship and community. Each moment becomes a cherished thread woven into the fabric of unity and devotion.
As we engage with these young souls, let us do so with hearts filled with love and minds open to guidance. For in nurturing their potential and instilling in them the values of compassion and tolerance, we lay the foundation for a brighter future.
Radiant Youth: A Beacon of Hope and Promise
Engaging with the young members of the mosque today has been truly uplifting. Their vibrant energy and invigorating enthusiasm fill the air with a palpable sense of optimism and hope.
As they gather facing the mosque, their faces aglow with youthful exuberance, it becomes evident that they represent the future of our community. It is our solemn duty to nurture their potential, to guide them along the path of righteousness, and to instill in them the values of compassion, tolerance, and service to others.
In their laughter and animated conversations, I see the seeds of tomorrow's leaders being sown. It is incumbent upon us, the current custodians of this sacred space, to provide them with the tools they need to flourish and succeed.
Just as the elders before us preserved the traditions and teachings of our faith, so too must we pass on this torch of knowledge and wisdom to the next generation. For in their hands lies the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future for our community and beyond.
May our interactions with these young souls be guided by love, understanding, and a sincere desire to see them thrive. And may they, in turn, carry forth the torch of faith with unwavering dedication and commitment, illuminating the path for generations to come.
Together, let us pledge to nurture and support our youth, for they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the hope of today.
[16:98] When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in GOD from Satan the rejected.
O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.(2:183)
Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew. (2:184)
You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. (Al-Quran) Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. (2:185)
Surah Al-Qadr (The Night of Power) In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious Most Merciful. 1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr 2. And What will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is? 3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. 4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord’s permission with every matter. 5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.
Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful. (2:177)
PREPARATIONS FOR RELEGIOUS DUTIES (Cleanness)
Ablution
[5:6] O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.
What Nullifies Ablution
[4:43] O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
Menstruation
[2:222] And they ask you about menstruation. Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves."
PREPARATIONS FOR RELEGIOUS DUTIES (Dress code)
Dress Nicely For The Mosque
[7:31] O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.
Dress Code for Men
[7:26] O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.
[24:30] Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
Dress Code for Women
[24:31] And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.
[33:59] O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful
Dress Code Relaxation
[24:60] And women of post-menstrual age who have no desire for marriage - there is no blame upon them for putting aside their outer garments [but] not displaying adornment. But to modestly refrain [from that] is better for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.
[33:55] There is no blame upon women concerning their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their brothers' sons or their sisters' sons or their women or those their right hands possess. And fear Allah. Indeed Allah is ever, over all things, Witness.
[4:82] Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.
I hope this message finds you in the best of health and Iman. On behalf of MCQ and our management team, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors and volunteers for your continued generosity and dedication.
Your support makes a real difference. Without your contributions—whether through time, effort, or donations—this organization would not be able to fulfill its mission and serve our community. Your commitment and trust mean the world to us.
May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly, bless you and your families, and grant you continued success in both this life and the hereafter.
Once again, Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your invaluable support. We look forward to another year of growth and service together, Insha’Allah.
Barakallahu feekum.
Afzal H Sheikh
President
Muslim Community of Quebec (MCQ)
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
2023-June-9: At a meeting in the MCQ conference room with Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and Ms. Anna Gainey Executive Chair, Canada 2020, Ms. Anna Gainey expressed looking forward to continuing to build a strong and successful relationship with MCQ. She brought up the MCQ Federal Grant application to Honourable Marc Miller where MCQ president Afzal H Sheikh mentioned that although the application was accepted the Program is currently unable to process applications from Québec-based applicants that are subject to M-30 of La loi sur le ministère du Conseil exécutif until the Government of Canada and the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes (SQRC) reach an agreement on the most effective approach to implementing the program in Québec.
March 21, 2023: Ms. Ann-Nathalie côté, Agent sociocommunautaire, and Ms. Geneviève Coderre of the local police department briefing to assess our safety in helping to keep our community safe, in a meeting at MCQ with the Muslim Community of Quebec (MCQ), management team: Afzal H Sheikh-President, Sammy Chalati-past president & COT member, Ashraf Liaqat-COT member
June 9, 2023: At a meeting in the MCQ conference room, Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and MCQ President Afzal H Sheikh exchanged views about community development, especially in a multicultural environment. The MCQ president explained to the Honourable Minister that the MCQ is a 42-year-old establishment which has 3 areas of activities, community services, educational institutions, and religious services. He also added that in terms of infrastructure, this organization is running without any federal, provincial, and municipal government help. He expresses his strategy, planning, design & development for the reconstruction of buildings to adapt to the growing population.
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February 6, 2023: MCQ COT Member Br. Ashraf Liaqat is handing over a check to the representative of Syrian Kids Foundation Sr. Souzan Malla.
Cause: The audience of MCQ is providing their support in response to the devastating Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. The MCQ management team is transferring 100% of the funds without any administrative cost to be distributed to the beneficiaries of the Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Response.
A powerful earthquake in Türkiye (formally known as Turkey) and the surrounding region struck in the
early morning of February 6, 2023. Reports indicate that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8 on the
Richter scale. The epicenter of the earthquake was in southeastern Türkiye, near the Turkish city of
Gaziantep — around 60 miles from the Syrian border and a hub for humanitarian assistance in the region. Less than 12 hours later, a second earthquake hit the region, with almost the same scale of 7.7 Richter.
Ms. Anna Gainey Executive Chair, Canada 2020, along with Lisa Montgomery, Chief of Staff for Hon. Marc Miller expressed, meeting and speaking to all the brothers and sisters of the Muslim Community of Quebec (MCQ) Montreal mosque. Before entering the prayer hall, MCQ representatives exchanged views about Muslim culture and the decorum of the prayer hall especially about the Friday prayer.
2023-04-28: Ms. Margaret Guest Constituency assistant, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount, House of Commons of Canada, speaking about different community programs that are available from Federal Government. Sr. Fayza Rifai, MCQ COT Member, cited the necessity of a place where elderly citizens can get together for the recreation of their time.
THE MCQ APPRECIATES YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION
Your donation to MCQ is tax-deductible
Your generosity is appreciated! Your support truly does make a difference. This organization relies on your generous contributions.
Please accept our warmest regards and best wishes.
Note: If you are donating for a specific cause, such as
1. Zakat,
2. Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (Zakat-ul-Fitr),
3. Scholarship,
4. Food Basket,
5. Membership Dues, or
6. Any other specific purpose,
please mention it in the ‘Leave a comment’ box in the next step. Otherwise, all donations will be allocated for ‘expansion of mosque prayer area’ by default.
You can donate by clicking the donation button below:
To better communicate with MCQ and its attendants, the IT department is establishing a confidential database containing information about the executive committee, members, volunteers, and attendees. This database will be exclusively used to share information regarding Ramadan, Eid, conferences, lectures, announcements, notices, upcoming and current events, and programs. Registration is free. To register, please complete the short form below:
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