The Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA) traces its roots to the late fifties and early sixties of the 20th century, when Muslim immigrants to Manitoba came together to worship, learn and socialize. MIA was officially incorporated in 1969 and has grown from its humble beginnings to being the oldest and largest membership-based Islamic organization in Manitoba.
The MIA owns and operates the historic first mosque in Manitoba, located in old St. Vital and a modern mosque and community center, referred to as the Manitoba Grand Mosque, on Waverley Street. The MIA facilitates for Muslims in Manitoba the opportunity to practice their faith. In addition to religious services, the MIA offers the community educational programs for children and families, charitable assistance to those in need and social and cultural programs. We help our community members thrive as Muslims in Canada. The MIA is governed by an elected 9 member board.
MIA Board of Directors
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Khawja Latif | Acting Chair |
| Ruheen Aziz | Vice-Chair |
| Delvinder Zamir | Acting Secretary |
| Hakim Ghulam | Treasurer |
| Delvinder Zamir | Director-at-large |
| Faraz Khan | Director-at-large |
| Muaaz Jutt | Director-at-large |
| Mohammed Iqbal | Director-at-large |
MIA Staff
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Nada Farag | Office Manager |
| Sheikh Ammar Khatib | Director of Education & Religious Affairs |
| Sheikh Ahmed Abdulkadir |
Imam of Grand Mosque |
| Nimota Sanusi | Administrative Assistant |
Bios
Khawja Latif
Acting Chair
Khawja Abdul Latif is a professional Engineer and city planner by profession. He was born in Bangladesh and educated in Bagladesh, Thailand and Manitoba. Khawja worked as a civil servant in Bangladesh until 2001. He has lived in Winkler and Winnipeg and currently works for the Province of Manitoba. He has organized several fundraising events for MIA in the Bangladeshi community and was a member of the resident scholar recruitment committee.
Ruheen Aziz
Vice-Chair
Ruheen (Iftikhar) Aziz was brought up in Winnipeg and then moved to Toronto with her family. She returned in 2010 with her husband and children to settle down in Winnipeg. Ruheen is an entrepreneur and runs several businesses in Winnipeg. In her spare time, she volunteers with various charities and mentors Muslims who want to start their own businesses.
Ruheen has been a volunteer with MIA since 2010. She helps organize the annual Ramadan bake sale and has volunteered for the MIA funeral services and takaful committees.
Hakim Ghulam
Treasurer
Hakim Ghulam, a Canadian CPA and Chartered Accountant from England and Wales, is not only an entrepreneur but also deeply committed to community service. This commitment is evident through his active engagement in volunteer roles with the Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA). Since relocating to Winnipeg with his family, Hakim has consistently contributed to the MIA. Notably, he has delivered khutbahs/sermons for several years, led funeral prayers, and overseen the Quran education program. Hakim brings with him a wealth of diversified professional experience and skills, having served on the boards of schools and other non-profit organizations across Canada.
Muaaz Jutt
Director-at-large
Muaaz Jutt was born and raised in Edmonton and moved to Winnipeg in 2011. He is an entrepreneur, operating businesses in and around Manitoba, and a father of 4.
Since moving to Winnipeg, Muaaz has been involved with MIA through various volunteer roles. He has been a volunteer khateeb for the past 5 years, the secretary of the MIA Fiqh Committee, member of the MIA resident scholar recruitment committee and was a member of the takaful committee.
Delvinder Zamir
Director-at-large
Delvinder Zamir was born and raised in Singapore. She moved to Winnipeg to pursue her studies in 2009 and reverted to Islam in 2014. She is a mum to a toddler and also works in the post-secondary field, as a student affair professional.
Delvinder’s involvement with the community started at the University of Manitoba, Muslims Students Association (UMMSA) and recently she has been involved with chairing the MIA School Committee. Outside of MIA, she is actively involved with the Punjabi community where she is a Treasurer of the Punjab Foundation of Manitoba (PFM), a Pavilion Coordinator for Folklorama, and a Youth Council Chair of the India Canada Cultural & Heritage Association (ICCHA).
Shaikh Mohammed Iqbal
Director-at-large
Dr. Shaikh Mohammed Iqbal is originally from India . He has received medical training in India, UK and Australia . He worked in New Zealand, Saudi Arabia before coming to Winnipeg in Feb 2016. He is a Pediatric Respirologist and an Associate Professor in Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba.
Muhammad Faraz Khan
Director-at-large
Muhammad Faraz Khan moved to Winnipeg in 2007. He is working as a heavy duty technician at a reputed large equipment rental company. Faraz Khan has supported and volunteered at several organizations including MIA. His some of the major volunteer ventures include: Ramadan Drive through iftaar program, Fajr Ajar program, Funeral home fundraising breakfasts and dinners programs