Annual Report
Canadian Society of Peace and Relief
Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (رضی اللہ عنہا)
Progress and Updates 2021
By the Grace of Allah and by the Blessings of Rasoolullah (ﷺ) Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (سلام اللہ علیہا) is an Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jama’ah Masjid. This masjid was established in 2018 by the Canadian Society of Peace and Relief (CSPR) and under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Imam Syed Badiuddin Soharwardy. Canadian Society Peace and Relief which is a registered charity in Canada. The name of the masjid was given after the name of Sayyidah Zainab (RA), the daughter of Sayyidna Imam Ali Ibn Talib (کرم اللہ وجھہ الکریم). Due to this name some sectarian and misguided people spread lies about this masjid being a Shia Masjid. These lies are not surprising to us as we know such people are responsible for the division and disgrace of Muslim Ummah. The reason of having our masjid’s name after Sayyidah Zainab (RA) is to recognize the unparallel and huge contribution of Muslim women for Islamic faith and its values. Sayyidah Zainab (RA) was not only one of the grand daughters of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) but also, she is the symbol of courage and leadership for Muslim women. Sayyidah Zainab (RA) stood up in front of a tyrant ruthless ruler, Yazeed in 61 AH and defended the honours of her family and the religion of Islam.
Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) is the ONLY Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at masjid in Ajax where Sufi tradition of Islam is practiced and promoted. Since its inception in 2018, Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab has become the centre of excellence for learning Islam, particularly the beliefs and traditions of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’t, as well as for strengthening interfaith relationships. Over the past less than two years, Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab has served the community so well that many Muslims from other parts of the GTA not only travel long distances to pray and attend programs here, but their financial support shows that they are pleased with the services and facilities at the Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA).
Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) is the centre of Muslim unity in the GTA where Muslims of different backgrounds, traditions and denominations come together to promote peace and harmony among all Muslims and among all people. Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) is the centre where the love and the obedience of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the most important value. At Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) celebrating the life of Rasool-ullah ( ) and the lives of Aulia Allah is an important tradition. We love and respect the Ahlul Bayt (progeny) of Rasool-ullah ( ) and all the Sahabah (companions) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We create awareness about their lives and their contribution towards humanity and the religion of Islam.
Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) promotes better relationships among all Canadians. We believe we can be the best Muslim and the best Canadian at the same time.
Masjid
A large area of the property is used for masjid. There are separate prayer halls for both men and women. In addition to the five daily prayers; Friday prayers, Eid prayers, Taraweeh prayers, religious observances such as Qur’an Khawni, Fateha, Milad Sharif, Urs Sharif, Giyarween Sharif, lectures and study circles are held at the masjid. One full time Imam; Shaykh Muhammad Khalid Usman Alvi Al-Azhari is leading the prayers and the preaching. Local and international guest speakers, prominent scholars, religious leaders are invited to participate in various events and speak at the conferences held at the masjid. Alhamdulillah, it’s a very busy place where hundreds of religious activities take place around the year.
Financial Support
Every year, Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) provides financial support to needy families and students. This support is critical for those families and individuals. Your Zakat and Sadqa money are used for this help.
Interfaith Dialogues and Cooperation
Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) is the leading mosque in the Ajax and the surrounding areas for strengthening interfaith relationships and understanding. Recently, Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) held an interfaith dialogue and understanding program. These programs were attended by several Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Agnostic and Atheist leaders. These dialogues help in creating awareness about the beliefs and teachings of Islam and other faiths.
Prayers (Salat)
Shaykh Muhammad Khalid Usman Alvi Al-Azhari is a full time Imam at the Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA). He provides Imam Services to the community and lead the five daily prayers, Friday prayer, Eid prayers, etc.
Madrasah Kanzul Emaan
The Qur’an Hifz and Nazirah classes and Islamic studies classes for children and adults have started at the masjid. There are separate classes for girls and boys. Very highly qualified female teachers supervise and teach the girls’ classes. The Quràn hifz and Nazirah classes are held from Monday – Friday, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Parents are requested to enroll their children in these classes. A nominal tuition fee of $30.00 per student is charged. Discounts and fee waivers are available for multiple brothers and sisters or needy families. For further information on the Madrasah, please contact the Imam of the Masjid OR the management.
Study Circles (HALAQAH)
Several study circles (Halaqah) are held at Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) for worshippers and the general public. These programs are held after prayers at the masjid and include the following programs.
- Quràn Tafseer
- Dars-e-Hadith
- Fiqh (Jurisprudence)
- Tajweed
Shaykh Muhammad Khalid Usman Alvi Al-Azhari gives lectures in these programs. People are encouraged to attend these free programs.
Weekly Study Circle for Sisters
Dars-e-Tafseer Study Circle for Sisters is held on every Saturday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. There is no fee for this program but registration is required.
Believers Guidance (for girls 12 and up)
Believers Guidance is a girls tarbiyah program every Sunday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, it is focused to connect girls with Masjid to learn following key aspects:
- Aqidah
- Seerah
- Hadith
- Sunnah
- Adab
- Islamic way of life & celebrations
Counselling and Mediation services
The Imam at Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) provide counselling and mediation services to families in family disputes and issues. This service is provided free of charge and is available to families.
Fatwa and Da’wa Centre
The Imam at Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) provides religious edicts (fatwa) on questions and issues concerning Islamic Sharia. Imam also provides information on Islam and clarify any misunderstandings about the Islamic faith. The Imam is available to the public for lectures and presentations on Islam.
Annual programs
1. Youm-e-Ameer ul Mo`mineen Sayyidna Farooq-e-Azam (May Allah be pleased with him) – Moharram
2. Shohada-e-Karbala (AS) Conference – Moharram
3. Urs Mubarak Hazrat Dataa Ganj Bakhsh (Rahmatullah Alaih), A`la Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Brelvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) and other Aulia Allah (RA). – Safar
4. Jashn-e-Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him) – Rabi ul Awwal
5. Giyarween Sharif – Rabi ul Thani
6. Annual Mehfil-e-Naat and Moshairah – Jamadi ul Awwal
7. Youm-e-Ameer ul Mo`mineen Sayyidna Abu Bakr Al Siddique (May Allah be pleased with him) – Jamadi ul Thani
8. Youm-e- Wiladat Ameer ul Mo`mineen Sayyidna Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) – Rajab
9. Urs Hazrat Khawja Moinuddin Chishti (Rahmatullah Alaih) – Rajab
10. Al Asra wal Me`raj – 26 Rajab
11. Lailatul Bara` (Shab-e-Barat) – 14 Sha`baan
12. Welcome Ramadan – Sha`baan
13. Youm-e-Ameer ul Mo`mineen Sayyidna Imam Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) – Ramadan
14. Youm-e-Sayyidah Fatemah Al Zahra (May Allah be pleased with her) – Ramadan
15. Youm-e-Ummul Mo`mineen Sayyidah Khadijah tul Kubra (May Allah be pleased with her) – Ramadan
16. Youm-e-Ummul Mo`mineen Sayyidah Aisha Siddiqah (May Allah be pleased with her) – Ramadan
17. Youm-e-Sayyidna Imam Hasan Ibn Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) – Ramadan
18. Youm-e-Fath-e-Makkah and Youm-e-Badr – Ramadan
19. Jashn-e-Nozul-e-Quràn (E`tikaaf and Qiyamul Lail) – last 10 nights of Ramadan
20. Lailatul Qadr – 27th night of Ramadan
21. Summer Youth Camp
22. Charity Seminar
23. Eid ul fitr – 1st Shawwal
24. Eid Bazar
25. Hajj Seminar
26. Youm-e-Ameer ul Mo`mineen Sayyidna Usman Ibn Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) – DhulHajj
27. Urs Mubarak – Hazrat Allama Syed Muhammad Riazuddin Soharwardy (Rahmatullah Alaih) – Dhul Hajj
28. Eid ul Adhha – 10th Dhul Hajj
In addition to the above programs, special programs are held based upon the availability of guest scholars, speakers, Naat Khawn, Qurra and dignitaries.
Appeal and Invitation
Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab’s (RA) doors are open to all community members. We invite you to join the volunteer team and advisory team. We invite men, women and youth to participate actively at the masjid and contribute your skills, talent and knowledge in order to improve the services provided at the masjid. After serving the masjid for minimum two years as an active volunteer one can join the management team. Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA) is 100% transparent to the community and welcomes you to join the team in order to serve the House of Allah.
The Property and the Financial Summary
The Canadian Society of Peace and Relief, an Ontario regulated charity with the Canada Revenue Agency, bought the property for mosque at 40 Station Street, Ajax, Ontario. Over 38,000 square feet property was purchased for $2.6M. We paid $125,000 towards the down payment and the remaining loan is being paid off. The management committee made a commitment to pay off the entire loan within 9 years or sooner. By the Grace of Allah and the blessings of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we are on track in paying off this loan. As of Nov 2022, we have paid off $464,071, while $2.1M is outstanding and expected to be paid off in the next 11 years. Moreover, Qardh-e-Hasanah of $130,000, which needs to be paid off as soon as possible.
Representing
Jamia Masjid Sayyidah Zainab (RA)
- Accountant: Golam Mowla, CPA, CGA
- Bookkeeping: Saif Molowi
- Lawyer: Kozlowski & Company
- External Auditor: Muhammad W. Mirza, CPA
- Website: www.szmcc.ca
- Cleaning: Masjid Volunteer Team
- Snow Removal: On Point 2 Plow & Snow Removal
- Planner: W.E. Oughtred & Associates Inc.