Our Story
"A man's true wealth is the good he does in this world." Prophet Mohammed(صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) CIMA is a non-profit Indian Muslim organization operating in Calgary, Canada, dedicated to promoting the values of Islam and serving the needs of the local Muslim community. Our mission is to foster a sense of community, provide educational opportunities, and support charitable initiatives that benefit both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
At our core, we believe in the importance of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility, and we strive to embody these values in all that we do. We seek to build bridges between different communities and promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Our organization provides a range of services and programs, including educational classes and seminars, social events and gatherings, and charitable initiatives such as food drives and fundraising efforts for those in need. We also offer support and resources for new converts to Islam, and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the Muslim community.
Overall, our organization is committed to making a positive impact on the world and advancing the principles of Islam in a way that is both meaningful and relevant to the lives of those around us.
Our Philosophy
As a non-profit Muslim organization operating in a foreign country, our philosophy is centered around the principles of compassion, community, and service. We believe that it is our duty as Muslims to use our resources and abilities to make a positive impact on the world and to serve those in need.
At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that Islam is a religion of peace, love, and compassion. We strive to embody these values in all that we do, whether it be through our community outreach programs, educational initiatives, or charitable efforts.
We believe in the importance of building strong, supportive communities that are welcoming and inclusive to all members, regardless of background or circumstance. We aim to create an environment in which individuals can connect with one another and foster meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Furthermore, we are committed to serving the needs of the broader community, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike. We believe that it is our responsibility to help those who are less fortunate and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Overall, our philosophy is rooted in the teachings of Islam and the belief that we can make a positive impact on the world by living our values and serving others.
Our Team
Varisha Saleem
President – CIMA
Assalamalaikum,
I am the current President of Canadian Indian Muslim Association and I thank you for taking the time to get to know our team. I hail from Uttar Pradesh in India. My aim as the first President of CIMA is to lay down a foundation for our very unique association based on Islamic values. I pray the salat of Istikhara before taking any decisions regarding our work and make du’a that Allah keeps all of us on the right path. I also aim to ensure that CIMA becomes a self sustaining organization, which can last in its authenticity long after we are gone and can continue to support the Indian Muslim community in Canada. I also believe that true dignity lies in helping others and as Muslims it is our duty and obligation to serve humanity.
Allah says in the Qur’an,
“O people of Islam! You are the best people ever raised for the good of mankind because you have been raised to serve others; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah.” (3:111)
Based on this, my aim is to empower the Muslim community to feel that they have agency and that they can be the creators of change and goodness. So, I want to focus on developing the sense of ‘khidmat’ in our community, which can help the wider Canadian society.
Board Members
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