Toronto Islamic Centre Faces Funding Challenge to Keep Its Property
The owners of the mosque have already paid $3.5 million through donations and interest-free loans from the community, but they still need another $5.4 million to secure the building. The next payment of $600,000 is due in April, CBC News reported on Friday.
The mosque, located at Yonge Street and Davenport Road, moved into the space in March 2019, after the previous location at 575 Yonge Street was sold.
The owners decided to buy the building in September this year, rather than paying the $47,000 monthly rent.
They did not pursue a mortgage because of Islamic beliefs that prohibit paying and receiving interest.
The mosque serves as a hub for various programs and activities for the Muslim community, such as prayers, Islamic teachings, emotional wellbeing classes, and women's empowerment.
It also reflects the diversity and multiculturalism of Toronto, according to some of the attendees.
"It's not only important for the community, it's important for Canada," said Asad Chaudry, who has been attending services at the centre for a decade. "You see people from every background ... this place is a mini Canada. And we need to save it," he said.
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Shaffni Nalir, the imam and the general manager of the mosque, said he is grateful for the generosity of the community members who have donated and loaned money to the mosque.
He said he hopes that the mosque can continue to receive support and remain a place of faith and belonging for the community.
"We are so focused on taking care of the community that the community is coming back to take care of the mosque," he said.
"I keep telling myself to keep staying focused, trying my best to do whatever I need to do, and then help will come," he said.
Source: Agencies
