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Founded in 1972–73, the Council of Muslim Communities of Canada (CMCC) was the first national Muslim organization in Canada. Its mandate was to create a national voice for Muslims that transcended denominational lines. Though it no longer exists, many of its most important initiatives remain. The CMCC paved the way for later Muslim organizations at local and national levels. The CMCC ran on a shoestring budget and ceased operations in the early 2000s.
Origins
The CMCC emerged out of the Ontario Council of Muslim Communities. The CMCC grew quickly beyond Southern Ontario, at which point its main office moved to Ottawa in 1978. While not the first Muslim organization in the country, it was certainly the first national one.
The CMCC and its projects were shaped by several early activists in Southern Ontario. These include Ahmed Fuad Sahin, Muin and Talat Muinuddin, Ebrahim Sayed, Qasem Mahmud, and Murray and Alia Hogben.
Structure
The CMCC relied on the voluntary leadership of Muslims from around the country. It was structured into local chapters in cities and regions with relatively large Muslim communities (e.g., Edmonton, Montreal), which would come together annually for national workshops and conventions. Each city and region would also put on their own programs.
National Celebrations for the Year 1400
One of the CMCC’s largest public initiatives was to organize a national celebration commemorating the year 1400 in the Muslim calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, this coincided with the year 1979. The year-long celebrations kicked off in Vancouver with a workshop on Islam. The CMCC continued to hold other events throughout the country to highlight the important milestone.
Islam Canada
The CMCC created the periodical Islam Canada. It was the first Muslim publication in Canada. In June 1972, Islam Canada published its first issue. The periodical consisted of editorials as well as verses from the Quran and Sunna. It also featured global and Canadian news relevant to Canadian Muslims.
Canadian Council of Muslim Women
In 1982, the CMCC helped form the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) in Winnipeg. It was initially led by Lila Fahlman and Talat Muinuddin. As of 2025, the CCMW still exists and remains actively involved in numerous projects involving Muslim women across the country.
Summer Camps
Another major initiative of the CMCC was the creation of summer camps for young Muslim campers. In 1980, the camp became known as Camp Al-Mu-Me-Neen and in 2013 was rebranded as Camp Deen, which continues to exist as of 2025.
International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF)
Another important CMCC initiative is the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF). Founded in 1984, the IDRF aimed to sponsor refugees to Canada and engage in development projects in the developing world.
