A Short History of Islam in Toronto, ON, Canada

Islam has a long and vibrant history in Toronto, ON, Canada. It dates back to the late 19th century when a small group of Muslims from Syria and Lebanon migrated to the city and established the first Islamic community. Since then, the influence of Muslim culture has grown steadily, with the community now numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

The earliest Muslim immigrants to Toronto were mostly from the Levant region, which includes Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. They were predominantly Sunni Muslims, and over the years, they established mosques and religious organizations. In the early 20th century, more Muslim immigrants came to Toronto from the Indian subcontinent, and by the mid-20th century, the Muslim population had grown significantly.

In the 1970s, Toronto’s Muslim community began to diversify, as more immigrants and refugees arrived from all over the world. This included people from Pakistan, Somalia, and other African countries. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Muslim population of Toronto continued to grow, and the community began to become more prominent in the city’s cultural and political life.

Today, Toronto’s Muslim community is one of the largest and most diverse in North America. According to the 2011 National Household Survey, approximately 600,000 Muslims live in Toronto, representing 15% of the city’s total population. This makes Toronto home to the largest concentration of Muslims in all of Canada.

What is the approximate population of Muslims in Toronto, ON, Canada?

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, approximately 600,000 Muslims live in Toronto, representing 15% of the city’s total population. This makes Toronto home to the largest concentration of Muslims in all of Canada.

When have the first Muslims moved to Toronto, ON, Canada?

The earliest Muslim immigrants to Toronto were mostly from the Levant region, which includes Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. They arrived in the late 19th century and established the first Islamic community in the city.

What are the current demographics of Muslims in Toronto, ON, Canada?

Toronto’s Muslim population is one of the most diverse in North America. The community includes people from a variety of countries and backgrounds, including countries in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Europe. According to the 2011 National Household Survey, the most common countries of origin of Muslims in Toronto are Pakistan (25%), India (17%), and Somalia (12%).

Which is more prominent in Toronto, ON, Canada – Shia or Sunni Islam?

Sunni Islam is the more prominent branch of Islam in Toronto, ON, Canada. The earliest Muslim immigrants to the city were primarily from the Levant region, which is predominantly Sunni. However, the city’s Muslim population is now much more diverse, and includes a significant number of Shia Muslims.

What are the main mosques in Toronto, ON, Canada?

Toronto is home to many mosques, including some of the oldest and largest in Canada. Some of the most prominent mosques in Toronto include:

• Jami Mosque: Located in the Thorncliffe Park neighborhood, this is the largest mosque in Toronto and one of the oldest in Canada. It was founded in 1969 and serves a diverse Muslim community.
• Masjid Toronto: Located downtown, this is the oldest mosque in the city. Founded in 1976, it serves a predominantly South Asian Muslim community.
• Islamic Foundation of Toronto: Located in the East York neighborhood, this mosque was founded in 1978 and serves a diverse Muslim community.
• Salahuddin Islamic Centre: Located in the Scarborough neighborhood, this mosque was founded in 1983 and serves a predominantly South Asian Muslim community.
• Bilal Masjid: Located in the Rexdale neighborhood, this mosque was founded in 1988 and serves a predominantly South Asian Muslim community.

In addition to these main mosques, there are many smaller mosques and community centers throughout the city. Toronto’s mosques are a testament to the city’s vibrant Muslim community and the important role it plays in the city’s cultural and religious life.