For more information please visit http://macnet.ca
MAC – Muslim Association of Canada
The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) is a religious, educational, social, charitable and non-profit organization. MAC provides religious and educational social services and programs designed to assist in the comprehensive educational and spiritual development of the Muslim individual, family and community.
MAC’s roots are deeply enshrined in the message of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Its modern roots can be traced to the Islamic revival of the early twentieth century, culminating in the movement of the Muslim Brotherhood. This movement influenced Islamic activities, trends and intellectual discourse throughout the world including those of Muslims who came to Canada in search of freedom, education and better opportunities.
MAC is a wholly Canadian organization that operates only in Canada. It has no organizational link or affiliation with other organizations. It strives to practice Islam as embodied in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and as understood in its contemporary, comprehensive, and balanced context by the late Imam Hassan Albanna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood. MAC regards this ideology as the best representation of Islam as delivered by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
MAC Methods
The Association firmly believes that the way forward for the Muslim Community and Islamic work in Canada must be through the education, improvement and training of each individual Muslim, each Muslim family and each local Muslim community. The path of education and self-improvement is a long and difficult path that may not yield fruits as quickly as the path of action that does not go through the effort of educating individual Muslims as a prerequisite. Yet, we believe, based on our reading of the seerah of the Prophet peace be upon him and an understanding of Muslim history, that there is no alternative to this sometimes slow and painstaking endeavor.
The basic unit through which education and self-improvement takes place is the Circle or the Usrah. The Usrah is a group of up to 6 brothers or sisters who meet regularly to go through a graduated study program but also to discuss local projects and implement MAC’s overall plan in their area.
Over the last three years we have engaged in an attempt to define and describe ourselves. Through extensive membership discussions we achieved consensus around a statement that describes how we see ourselves: Our identity and purpose, as well as the core values that animate us. As with any other organization, we are engaged in a continuous effort to live up to our values and to continue to improve our performance.
To read our statement of Identity and Purpose and our core values, click here [PDF, 2MB].
MAC is
Professional and efficient in its planning and executing its plans.
Giving roots to Islam as a comprehensive way of life in Canada.
Nurturing and using a methodology of total character development that produces Muslim individuals, families, and communities that are spiritually vibrant, intellectually sophisticated, and physically performing good works and involved in their society.
Spreading our understanding of Islam within the Muslim community and to the larger society.
MAC Mission
The Mission of the Muslim Association of Canada is:
“To establish an Islamic presence in Canada, that is balanced, constructive and integrated though distinct, within the social fabric and culture of Canada”
Balanced…because we seek to understand Islam in a comprehensive manner based on the teachings of the Qur’an, the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and as expounded on by the collectivity of scholars over the history of Islam. We believe that, in the twentieth century, the approach of Imam Hasan Al-Banna best exemplifies this balanced, comprehensive understanding of Islam.
“Thus we have made of you An Ummat justly balanced…” (Surat al-Baqara)
Constructive…because we believe that Muslims must leave a positive and productive effects wherever they may be.
“…and We record That which they send before And that which they leave Behind…” (Surat Yasin)
Integrated though distinct…because we envision Muslims as a community in Canada that is an essential, integral and vibrant part of this society yet maintaining its religious attributes as a community of believers with distinct needs and values.
Our work involves MAC, and impacts the Muslim community in Canada, and Canadian society at large. MAC sees a time when Canada is a society where Islam is part of the discourse and is not perceived as an alien faith or a tradition.
The Muslim community in Canada is characterized by a prevalent understanding of Islam that is balanced, comprehensive, and demonstrates the relevance of Islam and its values to our life in Canada’s present day society. Involved in the debate to shape domestic and foreign policies and injects its values in this debate.
MAC Vision
MAC’s vision is as follows:
The prevalent understanding of Islam in the community is one of balance, constructive engagement, and relevance to life.
Understanding of Islam and Islamic values is commonplace in Canadian society.
Muslims are well represented in the political scene and in the legal profession, the media, and social studies.
MAC is the premier Islamic organization articulating vision, developing leadership, mobilizing grassroots, and offering institutional services.
