Islamic Supreme Council of Canada(ISCC)
Introduction
Islamic Supreme Council of Canada was founded by Prof. Imam Syed Badiuddin Soharwardy in Calgary on June 18, 2000, with the following mission and objectives. Presently, its head office is in Calgary, Alberta. ISCC members are from all the denominations of Islam. ISCC believes that Muslims should not be divided based on their schools of thought. ISCC encourages healthy differences of opinion among its members and follows the Islamic decision-making process, which is more democratic than Western democratic principles. ISCC is a Canadian organization, which is based upon one common belief,” There is no God but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is his (last) Messenger” and provides a non-sectarian environment to its members. ISCC members exhibit this unity through their behaviour.
Mission Statement
To be the leading Muslim organization in Canada to educate Canadian Muslims about the true beliefs of Islam and cooperate and collaborate with other faith communities on common interests. To engage in interfaith dialogues to build bridges with Canadian faith and social groups. To help the government of Canada, the media, and the people of Canada to understand the teachings of Islam and issues of Muslims. To contribute positively to Canadian society. To provide guidance to the Canadian political, social, Judicial, financial, and economic institutions on the issues related to Muslims in and outside Canada, which may impact Canadian society. To help Canada in developing better political, trade, social, academic, and cultural relationships with Muslim countries.
Major Objectives
1-To preach and advance the teachings of the Islamic faith and religious tenets, doctrines, observances, and culture associated with that faith.
2-To establish, maintain and support Masajid (mosques) with services conducted in accordance with the tenets and doctrines of the Islamic faith.
3- To preserve Muslim culture and Islamic values.
4- To establish schools, higher education institutions, food banks, Muslim cemeteries, and a network of social services across Canada.
5- To support and maintain missions and missionaries to propagate the Islamic faith.
How mission and objectives will be accomplished
Insha Allah (God willing), the mission and objectives will be achieved by;
· Following the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and exhibiting it through the behaviour of members.
· Establishing the relationship with the Canadian government’s ministries/departments/organizations and guiding them on Islamic issues.
· Establishing relationships with the religious and social institutions/organizations in Canada and working with them on common issues.
· Establishing working relationships with media organizations.
· Establishing Masajid (mosques), foodbanks, ISCC chapters, and branches in all major cities of Canada
· Establish websites and email distribution systems for quick access to Islamic and community information.
· Publish a monthly newsletter/magazine.
· Broadcast TV and Radio programs on Canadian media.
· Organize lectures, seminars, rallies, gatherings, and meetings.
· Use social media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.
What have we accomplished so far?
· To fight against violence, terrorism, extremism, and injustice, ISCC has a sister organization called “Muslims Against Terrorism (M.A.T.). MAT was established in Calgary on January 11, 1998 and has spread out worldwide. MAT has its own website, http://www.m-a-t.org.
· Besides the email distribution system, ISCC and all its affiliates are on social media reaching out to thousands of Canadians on daily basis.
· ISCC has its women and youth wings, the Islamic Association for Canadian Women (IACW), and Canadian Association of Muslim Youth (CAMY). The major responsibility of IACW is to educate and create awareness about the teachings of Islam related to women’s rights and role in society and remove any misconceptions about it.
· The Canadian Association of Muslim Youth (CAMY). This is the children and youth wing of ISCC. The main responsibilities of this organization are to educate Muslim children and youth regarding their rights and responsibilities, provide Islamic education, organize sports clubs, field trips, and most importantly provide ISCC with its future members.
Organization
Every two years, ISCC holds its own elections.
ISCC Chapters
Currently, the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada has eleven chapters. Each chapter is independently operated by the local council. The following is the list of ISCC chapters.
1-Calgary, Alberta Chapter – President, Br. Irshad Ahmad
2-British Columbia Chapter – President, Dr. Muhammad Niaz Khan
3-Ontario Chapter – President, Dr. Ijaz Qureshi
4-Toronto (Scarborough), Ontario Chapter – President, Dr. Sayed Haider Ashraf
5-Montreal, Quebec Chapter – President, Tariq Bhatti
6-West Montreal, Quebec Chapter – Vice President Maolana Hafiz Intizar Qadri
7-Windsor, Ontario Chapter – President Br. Najmi Shaukat
8-Edmonton, Alberta Chapter – President Br. Nawaz Panwar
9-Airdrie, Alberta Chapter – President Br. Waqar Butt
10-Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Chapter – President, Br. Asad Siddiqui
11-Halifax, Nova Scotia Chapter – President, Br. Hamza Zahid
The following organizations are affiliated with the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada.
Muslims Against Terrorism (http://www.m-a-t.org)
Islamic Association of Canadian Women
Canadian Association of Muslim Youth
Freedom of Speech Center, Calgary
Interfaith Club of Calgary
Reference:
https://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com