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 |
|---|---|
| Hakim Ghulam | Chair |
| Ruheen Aziz | Vice-Chair |
| Shaikh Mohammad Iqbal | 2nd Vice-Chair |
| Delvinder Zamir | Treasurer |
| Sharooq Hasnain | Secretary |
| Faraz Khan | Director-at-large |
| Muaaz Jutt | Director-at-large |
| Noris Zeid | Director-at-large |
| Siti Abdullah Birkan | 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
Hakim Ghulam
Chair of the Board
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.
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.
Shaikh Mohammed Iqbal
2nd Vice Chair
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.
Delvinder Zamir
Treasurer
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).
Sharooq Hasnain
Secretary
Having grown up in this community, Sharooq has witnessed firsthand how it has flourished over the years. She is excited to be part of this group and contribute to its continued growth, using their role to help shape initiatives that align with the organization’s vision.
Outside of working as a manager for a private clinic, she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends partaking in local activities!
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.
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
Noris Zeid
Director-at-large
Salam Alaikum! I’m Noris Zeid, and I’m thrilled to be apart of this wonderful team. I was born in Palestine but my parents embarked on a new journey when I was just seven months old, moving to the welcoming city of Winnipeg. Since then, this vibrant community has been my home to my family and now grandkids.
Growing up in a family that has always valued hard work and dedication, I learned the importance of entrepreneurship from a young age from my father and have been the proud owner of a HVAC Company for over 30 years.
Being a child of refugees coming to Canada in the 1970s has fundamentally shaped my perspective. It’s a unique experience that has allowed me to navigate life as a Muslim in this beautiful city. My goal is to bring a fresh perspective to our community, advocating for inclusivity and understanding among all of us.
I find immense joy in giving back and being involved in my community, something my beautiful late mother has always enjoyed doing. Whether it’s coaching my kids’ soccer teams or lending a hand at various MIA events, I cherish every opportunity to contribute. I’ve had the pleasure of hosting numerous Foodaramas, bake sales, and breakfast events at the masjid, where I get to connect with my community members and share in the joy of food, friendship, and fellowship. These experiences have not only strengthened my bonds with others but have also enriched my understanding of our diverse community.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. I look forward to continuing my journey and contributing to this incredible community we share!
Siti Birkan
Director-at-large
Siti Birkan was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and moved to Saudi Arabia at the age of seven due to the civil war. At 15, her family relocated to Syria in search of better opportunities, where she lived for 18 years and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Damascus University.
Passionate about humanitarian work, Siti volunteered with several NGOs during her university years, including international organizations like UNICEF, DRC, UNHCR, and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC).
In November 2019, Siti arrived in Winnipeg, Canada. She began volunteering with the Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA) and later joined its staff as a Community Services Manager, continuing her commitment to serving and supporting her community. Currently, she works as an accounting clerk while continuing to stay engaged in her community.