The Al Rashid Foundation of Canada
The Al Rashid Foundation of Canada (ARFC) exists to carry forward a legacy that began in 1938 with the opening of Canada’s first mosque. What started as a modest place of prayer has grown, over generations, into a collection of institutions that support faith, education, family life, and community well-being across Edmonton and beyond.
Our Purpose
At the centre of the Foundation’s work is a clear commitment to lead and serve the Muslim community through religious, social, and educational programs.
This purpose is lived through everyday moments and major milestones alike, through prayer and spiritual guidance, through classrooms and youth spaces, through counselling, care, and community support. ARFC exists to ensure this work is thoughtful rather than fragmented, sustainable rather than reactive, and always grounded in the dignity of the people it serves.
Mission Statement
Vision
Our Values - CARE
Compassionate – In accordance with Islam we seek to understand and address the requirements of our community.
Accountable – We are trustworthy and transparent in our operations.
Respectful – To everyone regardless of race, culture, religion, or gender.
Enterprising – We are innovative and work with various organizations to accomplish our Mission.
Where Our Impact Is Focused
The Al Rashid Foundation of Canada focuses its impact on the areas that most shape the strength, resilience, and future of the community.
Faith and spiritual leadership remain foundational. Through Al Rashid Mosque and its Imams, the Foundation supports daily worship, pastoral care, counselling, marriage and family guidance, and dignified end-of-life services. These moments, often unseen, form the spiritual backbone of community life and provide stability in times of joy, hardship, and transition.
Education is another central pillar of impact. From early learning and Quranic education to one of the largest Islamic schools in Canada, ARFC supports spaces where children and young people grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Through scholarships and educational foundations, the Foundation also helps remove financial barriers so students can pursue higher education and leadership pathways with confidence.
Supporting people across the lifespan is equally essential. Youth leadership programs, women-led initiatives, and seniors’ services ensure that no stage of life is overlooked. These programs foster belonging, reduce isolation, and create opportunities for mentorship, service, and civic engagement, strengthening both individuals and the wider community.
The Foundation also plays a critical role in social care and public responsibility. From crisis response and shelter support during extreme weather, to outreach in schools, correctional institutions, and civic spaces, ARFC’s work extends beyond its walls. This commitment reflects a belief that faith-based service should contribute positively to the broader society we all share.
Together, these areas of focus form a continuum of care, supporting people not just at one moment in time, but throughout their lives.
A Vision for the Generations Ahead
While rooted in history, the Foundation is firmly oriented toward the future. ARFC is guided by a shared vision of a strong Muslim community preparing generations of leaders contributing to prosperity for all Canadians.
This vision recognizes that community strength depends on education, ethical leadership, social infrastructure, and long-term planning. It is why the Foundation invests in sustainable institutions, responsible growth, and projects designed to serve not only today’s needs, but tomorrow’s realities.
Stewardship Built on Trust
The Al Rashid Foundation of Canada was created to steward trust earned over nearly a century. It provides governance, coordination, and oversight so that institutions operate with clarity, accountability, and shared direction.
This stewardship reflects a commitment to being trustworthy and transparent in our operations, to treating people with respect regardless of race, culture, religion, or gender, and to working with care and integrity in all decisions. An enterprising spirit, being innovative and collaborating with partners, guides how the Foundation adapts and grows while remaining grounded in its mission.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The work of the Al Rashid Foundation of Canada is ultimately about continuity and responsibility. It honours the courage and cooperation that built Canada’s first mosque, while ensuring that today’s institutions remain strong, relevant, and responsive.
By focusing on faith, education, care, and leadership, the Foundation safeguards a legacy not as a memory, but as a living contribution, one that continues to shape lives, strengthen community, and enrich Canadian society for generations to come.
