Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC)
Why is October an Islamic heritage month?
October is Islamic Heritage Month in Canada because the Parliament of Canada proclaimed it in 2007 to recognize the significant contributions of Canadian Muslims to society.
The month is a time to celebrate Muslim heritage and achievements in areas like arts, sports, and sciences, while also educating the public about Muslim culture and raising awareness to combat prejudice and Islamophobia.
Government recognition: In 2007, the Parliament of Canada passed a motion to designate October as Canadian Islamic
History Month, notes Canada.ca and Province of Manitoba.
Cultural contributions: The month acknowledges the diverse achievements of Canadian Muslims in fields such as literature, mathematics, science, and sports, says Canada.ca.
Education and awareness: It serves as an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the history of Islam in Canada, the cultural diversity of the Muslim community, and to foster a more inclusive society, according to Canada.ca and Red Deer.
Combating Islamophobia: The observance also aims to combat discrimination and Islamophobia by raising awareness and understanding within the broader community, as stated by Canada.ca and The City of Red Deer.
Community engagement: The month features events, discussions, and initiatives across the country to celebrate Muslim heritage, says RRC Polytech and Atlantic Muslim Resource Centre.
Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, has released the following statement in celebration of Islamic Heritage Month:
“October marks Islamic Heritage Month in British Columbia, an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, traditions and contributions of the world’s diverse Muslim communities, while also challenging harmful stereotypes and breaking down barriers that separate us.
“Muslims have been part of Canada’s story for more than a century, and today, over 125,000 Muslims call B.C. home. The Muslim diaspora is one of the most diverse in our province, with people coming from countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. They contribute to every aspect of life in B.C., from serving as teachers and health-care workers to running small businesses and pioneering vital academic research.
“At the same time, Islamophobia has been on the rise globally and many across the province have called for targeted support to counteract these trends. That is why our government has dedicated resources specifically to fighting Islamophobia, including the Racist Incident Helpline and our Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants. Work is already underway on creating the Anti-Racism Action Plan, as part of the historic Anti-Racism Act passed in 2024, and will specifically address Islamophobia.
“While it is vital to actively fight racism, it is just as important to take the opportunity to celebrate when we can. Muslim values are Canadian values, whether that is the belief in helping others or fighting for equality for all. This October, I encourage all people in British Columbia to participate in local events, explore the rich heritage of Islamic art and literature, and learn about the history and achievements of Muslims here in our province and across the world.”
Source: .news.gov.bc.ca/release
