A Short History of Islam in Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Islam has been present in Nanaimo, BC for many years, with records indicating that the first Muslim settlers arrived there as early as the late 1800s. The original Muslim settlers were mostly miners and merchants of Indian, Lebanese, and Syrian descent. They established a small community and built a mosque, the first of its kind in the area.

In the 1970s, Muslims from other parts of Canada began to arrive in Nanaimo, most notably Pakistani and Somali immigrants. This influx of new Muslims further strengthened the presence of Islam in the city. By the 1980s, the Muslim population had grown significantly and the first Islamic Centre was established in Nanaimo.

Today, Islam continues to be an important part of Nanaimo’s diverse population. Muslims from various backgrounds, including those from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, are now living in the city. As a result, Nanaimo now has several mosques and Islamic centres that serve the local Muslim community.

What is the Approximate Population of Muslims in Nanaimo, BC, Canada?

According to the 2016 census, the estimated population of Muslims in Nanaimo, BC is 2,945, which makes up approximately 2.8% of the total population. This is a significant increase from the 2011 census, which showed that the Muslim population in Nanaimo was 1,590.

When Have the First Muslims Moved to Nanaimo, BC, Canada?

The first Muslims to move to Nanaimo, BC, Canada arrived in the late 1800s. These settlers were mostly miners and merchants of Indian, Lebanese, and Syrian descent. By the 1970s, other Muslims from other parts of Canada had begun to move to the city.

What are the Current Demographics of Muslims in Nanaimo, BC, Canada?

The Muslim population in Nanaimo, BC is diverse, with people from different ethnic backgrounds, including those from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. According to the 2016 census, the top countries of birth for Muslims in Nanaimo are India, Pakistan, and Somalia.

Which is More Prominent in Nanaimo, BC, Canada – Shia or Sunni Islam?

The majority of Muslims in Nanaimo, BC follow Sunni Islam. However, there is a small, but growing, Shia Muslim community in the city.

What are the Main Mosques in Nanaimo, BC, Canada?

There are several mosques and Islamic centres in Nanaimo, BC. The main mosques are:

• Nanaimo Mosque
• Islamic Centre of Nanaimo
• Masjid-e-Noor Mosque
• Masjid-ul-Haq Mosque
• Masjid-ul-Noor Mosque

These mosques provide religious services and activities for the Muslims in Nanaimo, as well as a place for community members to come together and socialize.

In addition to the mosques, there are also several Islamic schools in Nanaimo that provide religious education to the Muslim youth in the city.