History
Established in 1996, the Islamic Institute of Toronto is a premier Islamic Educational Institution, located in Toronto Canada offering post-secondary courses in Arabic Language, Islamic Jurisprudence, Ethics and Spirituality, Islamic History and Civilization, Comparative Religion and Civic Engagement amongst others.
The IIT is committed to the Prophetic legacy of promoting Islamic education that is authentic and relevant to the times in which we live. Our aim is to develop a solid core of professional teachers who are qualified in both the subject matter and the methods of delivery; who reflect the universal Islamic values in their personal lives and who share the vision of a better world through the Qur’anic imperatives of teaching and learning.
Our education programs are complemented by a wide variety of other social and recreational programs, giving our students and wider community the opportunity to interact and develop together. Children and youth are also given the opportunity and encouraged to volunteer, so that learned concepts come to life in a tangible manner.
Our philosophy is that the ultimate objective of any worldly endeavour is the achievement of felicity in the next world, therefore we will seek to create harmony between the intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions of each individual student. Our institution will be a safe and respectful place where students, teachers and community members will work harmoniously to achieve academic excellence and to grow in knowledge, faith and practice; where there is recognition and understanding of the rights of fellow students and teachers, fellow human beings and love for the country in which we live.
We encourage you to explore our site and to join us on the journey of enlightenment.
Mission
The IIT’s mission is to nurture and establish Islam as a living reality in the lives of Muslims and to enhance the Islamic identity in society at large. The IIT’s mission calls for a commitment based on a sincere desire to see positive change in the world around us. The IIT will work with various organisations and groups, Muslim or not, to promote tolerance, mutual understanding, social justice, civic responsibility and god-consciousness through the platform of education.
Campus Project
The Islamic Institute of Toronto
The Islamic Institute of Toronto has evolved from a fledgling institution to become one of Canada’s premier Islamic educational institutions. This journey began in 1996 with a vision to create an institution that provides education and training, promote scholarly research and provide community outreach. By being committed to its core values of disseminating authentic Islamic knowledge and promoting the middle way, IIT has been a stabilising force within the community.
Humble Roots
From its humble roots in the basement of a professional building at 1825 Markham Road, IIT moved into its new facilities at 1630 Neilson Road in 2006 on an eight acre plot of land. The building houses an elementary school, adult and children evening classes, a bookstore, a gymnasium and administrative offices. In addition to offering courses in Arabic language, Aqeedah, Quranic Arabic, Islamic Jurisprudence and Seerah, the IIT also works with Scouts Canada to promote scouting; leadership training for youths, seminars and workshops are also provided at the IIT.
Team Work, Collaboration, and Community
The IIT’s story exemplifies the power of collaboration and working together. It symbolises the power of perseverance, patience, commitment and community engagement. Reflecting on the past years, this institution has indeed come a long way, by Allah’s grace. While the building is a means to an end, it is an important milestone. Despite the financial challenges, the land was bought in 2001, and the ground breaking ceremony in 2004 was attended by the Imams and Directors of all the major Islamic Centres and other dignitaries in the Greater Toronto Area. It was perhaps one of the largest outpourings of community support in the history of Muslims in the GTA. Tents constructed on the grounds (reminiscent of the tents in Mina and Arafat) were bursting at the seams – the festive atmosphere, punctuated with recitation of the Quran, speeches and children scampering and playing, was a preview of what this institution was striving to promote.
Building Construction
Construction began in 2004 with the pouring of the foundation and work began in earnest in 2005. Since that time, the organisation hasn’t looked back – through the hard work of the volunteers and the unwavering support of our donor community, an occupancy permit was granted in 2006. It was indeed a blessing from Allah that we spent a portion of the blessed month in that year worshipping in our own facility rather than rented space at a high school in the Town of Markham. Firmly nested in a residential community in the north east end of the city, the IIT is fast becoming a community hub.
Vision 2030 & Beyond
While we have achieved much, Alhamdulillah, we have much more to do – the completion of the second floor, with fully equipped and furnished classrooms, enables us to increase our offerings in the elementary school and fulfil our commitment for a state of the art library, reading room, computer lab, and more, inshallah.