From humble beginnings to a thriving community center serving thousands of families across the Greater Toronto Area
A small group of dedicated Muslim families came together with a vision to establish a place of worship and community gathering. The Islamic Society of Toronto (Masjid Darussalam) was founded in a rented space, serving approximately 50 families in the area.
Through generous community donations and fundraising efforts, we purchased our first permanent building. This milestone allowed us to expand services and launch our weekend Madressa program, enrolling 75 students in the first year.
Responding to community demand, we established a full-time Islamic school offering comprehensive Quran memorization and Islamic studies programs. Our first Hifz class graduated 12 students who completed memorization of the entire Quran.
As our community grew to over 2,000 families, we purchased adjacent property and completed a major expansion. The new facility tripled our prayer space and added dedicated classrooms, a women's center, and administrative offices.
Launched dedicated youth mentorship and leadership programs, along with the Sisters' Hub providing specialized services for women. These initiatives addressed the growing needs of our diverse community demographics.
Opened a state-of-the-art sports and recreation center featuring basketball courts, fitness facilities, and multipurpose rooms. This addition strengthened community bonds and promoted healthy lifestyles among youth and families.
During the pandemic, we mobilized to support families in crisis. Distributed over 15,000 meals, provided emergency financial assistance to 200+ families, and launched mental health counseling services. Our community showed resilience and compassion.
Today, we proudly serve over 10,000 community members with 500+ students enrolled in educational programs, 50+ weekly activities, and 100+ dedicated volunteers. As we look to the future, we remain committed to excellence in serving the spiritual, educational, and social needs of our growing community.
"What began as a dream shared by a handful of families has grown into a vibrant community center that touches thousands of lives. Every milestone in our history represents the dedication, sacrifice, and faith of our community members who believed in building something lasting for future generations."