A Short History of Islam in Williams Lake, BC, Canada

Islam has been present in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada since the 1840s. The first Muslims were fur traders, who settled in the area as part of the Hudson’s Bay Company. These Muslims were primarily of Arab, Persian, and Turkish descent, and came from the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and Central Asia. They were mostly Sunni Muslims, but there were also some Shia Muslims present in the area.

By the early 1900s, the Muslim population had grown to include both immigrants and refugees from around the world, including from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Somalia. This diverse Muslim community has grown over the years, and today Williams Lake is home to an estimated 900 Muslims, making up around 1.5% of the total population.

What is the approximate population of Muslims in Williams Lake, BC, Canada?

The approximate population of Muslims in Williams Lake, BC, Canada is around 900 people, making up around 1.5% of the total population. This population is comprised of immigrants and refugees from around the world, including from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Somalia.

When have the first Muslims moved to Williams Lake, BC, Canada?

The first Muslims to move to Williams Lake, BC, Canada were fur traders who arrived in the 1840s as part of the Hudson’s Bay Company. These Muslims were primarily of Arab, Persian, and Turkish descent, and came from the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and Central Asia.

What are the current demographics of Muslims in Williams Lake, BC, Canada?

The current demographics of Muslims in Williams Lake, BC, Canada are comprised of immigrants and refugees from around the world, including from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Somalia. The majority of Muslims are Sunni, although there is also a small population of Shia Muslims.

Which is more prominent in Williams Lake, BC, Canada – Shia or Sunni Islam?

The majority of Muslims in Williams Lake, BC, Canada are Sunni, although there is also a small population of Shia Muslims.

What are the main mosques in Williams Lake, BC, Canada?

The main mosques in Williams Lake, BC, Canada are the Williams Lake Islamic Cultural and Education Centre and the Masjid Al-Salam. The Williams Lake Islamic Cultural and Education Centre (WLICEC) was opened in 1996 and serves as a hub for the Muslim community in Williams Lake. It provides a range of services, including religious education, cultural events, and community support. The Masjid Al-Salam is a smaller mosque, but it is an important part of the Muslim community in the city.

Both the Williams Lake Islamic Cultural and Education Centre and the Masjid Al-Salam provide an important space for the Muslim community in Williams Lake to come together and practice their faith. They are also important places of gathering for the wider community, offering educational and cultural events to promote understanding and acceptance between different cultures and faiths.