Islamic History Month

BY Sahada Alolo

Islamic History Month was officially recognized by the Canadian government back in 2007, thanks to the late MP for Ottawa Vanier, Mauril Bélanger. It happened because community leaders and organizations across the country pushed for a national platform to celebrate Muslim heritage, and they made it happen. Since then, every October has been filled with events that bring people together through lectures, cultural showcases, art, and interfaith dialogue.

Here in Ottawa, folks like Imam Dr. Zijad Delić and groups like the Ottawa Muslim Women Organization (OMWO) have played a big role in keeping the spirit of this month alive. Through talks, workshops, and community gatherings, we’ve worked hard to make sure Islamic History Month isn’t just a celebration for Muslims, it’s a chance for everyone to connect, learn, and share in the richness of our culture.

As president of OMWO, this month means a lot to me personally. It’s a time to reflect on our journey, honour the contributions of Muslim Canadians, and open doors for meaningful conversations. It’s also a reminder of how far we’ve come in reclaiming our Muslim narratives to combat hate and islamophobia and how much more we can do when we come together to share and learn.

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