The Beginning:
The history of Muslims in New Brunswick dates to the late 1960’s and early 1970’s with the settlement of a handful Muslim families primarily in Saint John, the largest city of the province. At an early stage these families realized that they needed to unite and co-ordinate with each other to safeguard their Imaan (faith), Deen (Religion), and ultimately their Islamic identity.
This resulted in rotational communal gatherings on Sundays. Typically, these meetings began with Salat-ul-Dhuhur (Afternoon Prayers) which were followed by Dars (Religious teaching) sessions for adults and children. Then light refreshments were provided for the community to enjoy. Over time the meetings gradually grew larger as the community expanded in numbers.
Initial Growth:
During the mid 70’s the average economic growth of New Brunswick, especially Saint John helped increase the size of the Muslim community. The city of Saint John graciously provided (at no charge) a large part of a building for the Muslim community. The building was located at Bayside Drive.
Sunday gatherings were shifted there and the first ever organized Madrassah (Islamic School) in Saint John was started. The adult teaching/ learning session after Dhuhr prayers (Afternoon Prayers) continued as did the growth of the community. The community had successfully identified itself as one happy, united family.
During the mid to late 70’s, the arrival of Muslims in Fredericton and Moncton boosted the community. The smaller communities looked up to the now relatively more organized Muslim community in Saint John for guidance and support. Muslims in Saint John and the province were now on the threshold of a new era where Muslims unite, province-wide under the umbrella of the Muslim Association of New Brunswick.
Birth of MANB:
The era of the late 70’ and early 80’s embarked several historical events for Muslims in New Brunswick.
- The first, perhaps the most critical, was the formation of Muslim Association of New Brunswick. The community applied and successfully got the status of non-profit, charitable organization for the newly formed MANB. The first and the only legally established Muslim Association in the Province of New Brunswick.
- History was also made when the provincial Legislative Assembly passed a by-law authorizing solemnization of Islamic marriages in New Brunswick, which would be deemed legal across the province and the country.
Headquartered in Saint John, MANB catered all the possible needs of Muslims across the province.
The Masjid (Mosque) Plans:
The small but strong Saint John Muslim Community felt the need for a Markaz (Center) that would serve its religious and communal needs; hence the plans for building a Masjid.
The Masjid was to be a self-help project. No funds were solicited or received from foreign or local Organizations, Embassies and Financial Institutions. It was a project almost entirely funded, supported, and executed by the still relatively small Saint John Muslim Community, with some contributions made by the Muslims in the Maritimes and Ontario.
Hijrah Bazaar :
Globally the Muslims were welcoming the 15th century of the Hijri Calendar (Islamic Calender). The community organized a huge fundraising event named “Hijrah Bazaar”. It was held at the Exhibition Park, East of Saint John, and was open to the public.
It was a drive to make public awareness of Islam and to sell handicrafts, Islamic Arts, artifacts, food, Islamic books etc. which were generously donated by the Muslims. The Bazaar was a huge success, attracting Muslims, and non-Muslims alike from all over the province. Good media coverage of the event helped the cause greatly.
The Masjid (Mosque)—Historical First:
The community proceeded to purchase land and build its very own Masjid. From the sod turning ceremony to the construction, the masjid project reflected true community spirit. The young and old, men and woman, all pitched in to give shape to this sacred structure. Many weekends were spent working on the masjid, starting on hands and knees, to nails and paint, and to serving food and drinks to the dedicated community workers. People donated enthusiastically and generously to make their dreams into reality.
The Masjid was designed to be functional yet reflect some Islamic architecture. It would be Shariah compliant structurally with heavy emphasis on ensuring accurate Qiblah direction. The local Muslim community set another historical first by building the first ever masjid of its kind in the Atlantic Provinces.
Community/Public Relations over the years:
MANB and the community at large now embarked on fostering community and public relations across the province. Pockets of Muslim sub-community outside Saint John became fully affiliated chapters of MANB. By the late 1980’s the Association became a strong single voice for the Muslims in the Province of New Brunswick.
To build good public relations with the society, successful open house events were held at the masjid. Civic, political dignitaries, and the public were treated to well planned Islamic exhibition, tours, and public lectures by Muslim scholars.
The city of Saint John was quite receptive. Invitations were extended and accepted by the bustling Muslim community for invocations at the Saint John Common Council meetings, UNBSJ convocations, Radio, TV, and newspaper interviews. Religious, educational, and other institutions/organizations were encouraged to visit the masjid for better understanding of the Muslims, their beliefs and practices.
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1994:
