New Community Centre brings Islam faith to Paris

By Casandra Turnbull

As Paris continues to grow, the culture and faith of the residents in the community is diversifying Last weekend residents and local dignitaries brought greetings to the founders of Paris’ first Muslim Community Centre located on Spruce Street.

The Jamia Masjid Bilal and Community Centre officially opened its doors on November 18th , 2022, with the purpose of providing residents a place to gather, utilize specialized services, help serve and give back to the community and practice Islamic values and faith.

Last Sunday’s open house gave people the opportunity to learn more about Islam faith and meet the people behind Paris’ newest community centre.

“The open house was a phenomenal and absolutely amazing experience for everyone. Everyone who came really enjoyed coming and learned something that they didn't know before. We had an exhibition showcasing what is Islam, commonalities between Islam and other faiths, Islam's contribution to society, and Women in Islam,” said Muhammad Umair, Director of Communication and Public Affairs for the centre.

“Also, we allowed people to ask any questions they had, clearing any misconceptions or misunderstandings. We shared our vision that we have set for our community centre, which is "Help serve and support the Paris community." Also, afterward, we had great food that we shared with everyone,” he added. His father, Muhammad Tariq

Shaikh is credited with the idea to open the centre in Paris after his family moved to town in 2019. Shaikh is currently the president of the Community Centre “My family moved from Toronto to Paris, and it was a big change for us, moving from a big city to a small town. At the time we moved, there were only a handful of Muslim families in the Paris community.

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