The ISIJ of Toronto has its origins in the late 1960s when a community of members began convening for significant religious occasions. Since then, our organization has evolved into a thriving Shia Muslim community, garnering recognition as a source of inspiration for other Muslim communities across the continent.
Presently, the ISIJ of Toronto proudly counts almost 4500 member families, totaling approximately 7000 individuals. The membership is predominantly, though not exclusively, composed of Shia Muslims of Indian origin from East Africa, bringing with them a rich history of worship, congregation, and community service.
Managing the affairs of a community of this scale necessitates dedication, organization, and a collective commitment to the principle of “being your neighbor’s keeper.” Reflecting this ethos, we have established three separate places of worship in Thornhill, Brampton, and Hamilton, with ongoing plans for expansion into Barrie.
In 1979, the ISIJ of Toronto erected the Jaffari Islamic Centre (JIC) in Thornhill, which, for many years, held the distinction of being the grandest mosque in the Greater Toronto Area, if not the entire country.
In 1994, the ISIJ of Toronto acquired a second 28-acre property in Thornhill, envisioning its development into a multifaceted facility and complex. This vision materialized with the construction of the Jaffari Community Centre (JCC), a 165,000 square foot facility located at 9000 Bathurst Street in Thornhill. The JCC boasts a full double-gym, a substantial congregation area, classrooms, banquet halls, a library, bookstore, funeral facilities, and fitness amenities. Future plans include the construction of a condominium building and a seniors’ residence at the same location, aiming to comprehensively address diverse community needs.
Subsequently, in 2003, the Masumeen Islamic Centre in Brampton and, in 2016, the Razavi Community Centre were completed, symbolizing years of hard work and dedication. The ISIJ of Toronto actively supports and houses the As-Sadiq Islamic School, inaugurated in 1994, where parents entrust the school with the education of their children from preschool (2.5 years) to grade 12.
Today, our community effectively manages various functions integral to the operation of an efficient organization, including burial facilities, youth programs, periodic publications, library services, seniors’ activities, and more.
The Board of Directors of the ISIJ of Toronto extends deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the staff and volunteers who continually serve the community. Furthermore, the ISIJ of Toronto considers itself exceptionally fortunate to comprise a membership that demands excellence and consistently provides the necessary support to fulfill our mission.
