Surrey library exhibit celebrates Islamic heritage month

On Sunday afternoon, Surrey Central library goers would have passed by an exhibit celebrating Islamic heritage month.

Organized by the Islamic Circle of North America Sisters Vancouver, the exhibit was packed with tables and poster boards about mosques around the world, Arabic calligraphy, Muslim contributions to society and much more. Of course, there was also a table offering chai and snacks.

The ICNA aims to foster connections with the community, promote educational resources about Islam and provide humanitarian support for those in need.

The outreach coordinator, Jabeen Almas explained their work goes beyond simply teaching people about Islam, but also working to dispel any misunderstandings about the religion. According to Statistics Canada, from 2020 to 2024, police-reported hate crimes targeting Muslims in Canada rose from 84 incidents to 229 — about a 173 per cent increase.

“[We want] to reach the people … and encourage them to learn more about Islam because there are many misconceptions about Islam nowadays,” said Almas.

The exhibit had a table dedicated to why Muslim women may choose to wear a hijab. In Arabic, hijab simply means veil and the head covering is a way to observe modesty and also reflect a woman’s connection to her faith.

Despite some provinces targeting religious attire, head coverings are not unique to Islam and many religions have similar practices such as Judaism and Sikhism.

Part of their work is also finding commonality with other faiths to help bridge perceived divisions. Almas said in December, they are planning a project that will promote that Muslims also believe Jesus Christ to be a prophet, something she suggested some Christians may not know.

She also said holding the event in the library was important because of the location’s foot traffic and ability for anyone, regardless of faith, to walk in and learn more. She added that many people may not know how much the Muslim community has contributed to different inventions or revelations throughout history.

This includes innovations in the fields of astronomy, algebra, robotics, surgical tools and perhaps the community’s most famous creation: coffee. The drink originates in 15th century Yemen and was used by Sufi Muslims to help stay up at night to pray.

“We want to show [community members that] Muslims have a role in the past and in the present as well,” she said.

More contemporary trailblazers in the community include Salma Lakhani, who became Canada’s first Muslim lieutenant governor general for Alberta in 2020. And Ginella Massa, a Canadian journalist who hosted the CBC’s Canada Tonight in 2021 and became the first national news anchor to wear a hijab in North America.

“It’s a religion of peace, and so our main motive is to convey this message to others,” said Almas.