MUSLIMS IN NIAGARA FALLS In
the beginning there was oneÉThe earliest record of Muslims in Niagara Falls is
that of Mr. Hassan Karachi. He had settled here in 1961, having started a paint
manufacturing business. Dr. A.F. Sahin, a urologist working out of the Greater
Niagara General Hospital, soon joined him. These two families had provided a nidus
for a small Muslim community. Other
Muslims in small numbers began trickling into the area attracted by the beauty
of the Falls and the friendly diverse community. In its infant stages the small
group of Muslims met in the basements of private homes for communal prayers, and
for imparting religious instruction to the children. On
festive occasionÕs cuisine from various cultures were sampled, and those who were
brave ventured into trying some of the spicy treats. With the growth there became
a need to organize the community. With this in mind the Islamic Society of Niagara
Peninsula was established in 1978. Two
years later, a parcel of land was purchased at 6768 Lyons Creek Road and the Little
Mosque that grew got its beginnings. After litres of paint remover, tubes of A535,
blisters, broken nails and black and blue thumbs, from carrying dry wall and wielding
hammers and saws, by the blind leading the blind, history was in the making, and
a modest facility was erected. The
first Mosque in the Niagara Peninsula was established. A dream of a few dedicated
families became a reality for so many, and Imam Rizk Akoush became the first full
time Imam at the Mosque. The establishment of the Mosque and the acquisition of
the first community owned, non-profit Muslim cemetery in Ontario in 1988, was
the impetus for further growth of the community. As more Muslims moved into the
area need for expansion arose. In
1994 the old structure was refurbished, adding a gym, library, classrooms and
kitchen. To avoid backaches and bruises professionals were hired to do the job.
This addition enabled the Society to have a full time school, a weekend school
and a meeting hall for multi-faith gatherings and social activities. The structure
with its copper dome and two minarets beckons new Muslims to the area, and adds
to the diverse mosaic of the City of Niagara Falls. | 
