Jami Omar

Accomplishments
This section is provided with a view to providing information to our visitors to the site and those community members who may not be familiar with the activities of your association. With the help of Allah(S), the association has achieved the following major milestones: 

 

1. Acquisition of Real Property
In 1993, JMOC acquired a 2000 sq. ft. bungalow along with 1.1 acres land, located at 572 Moodie Drive to establish a temporary place of worship. All funds were raised locally and donated by the Muslim community.

 

2. Jami Omar Masjid
In 1994, the facility was renovated to establish the Jami Omar Masjid. Initially, daily and Juma’ prayers were started in the basement. Gradually, internal modifications were undertaken to meet the growing needs.

 

3. Madrasa Noorul-Islam
In 1994, Madrasa Noorul Islam, which provides and promotes Islamic education in Ottawa since 1988, was relocated to 572 Moodie Drive. It provides 10 hours of education weekly, covering Quran recitation learning, Hifz, Qiraat, Tajweed, Fiqh, Seerah and Arabic language. The education is provided at no cost. The enrolment has increased from 30 to 140 at present. 

4. Parking Lot
In 1996, construction of a parking lot was completed to accommodate 42 cars on site. 

5. Taghseel & Takfeen Facility
In 1997, Ottawa’s first taghseel facility was established, consisting of full cold storage and modern equipment. It became operational within 6 months of planning, design and government approval. All services including coffin, kafan, supplies, and transportation are provided free of charge or at cost for those who can afford to pay. Contributions are optional. Dedicated key volunteers of the community run the entire operation.

6.  New Prayer Hall and Amenities
In 1997, a 1000 sq. ft. prayer hall was constructed and the basement was renovated to provide wudhu area, washrooms and other amenities. Since opening in 1998, the entire masjid gets filled beyond its capacity on Fridays.

 7.  Additional Lands
In 1999, a residentially zoned 1.7 acres of land was acquired to build a well designed multi-functional center. Consistent with its vision, in 2003, JMOC further acquired about a 1.0 acre abutting land to build a future senior’s residence for the aging population of the community. All necessary funds to date have been collected through local efforts from within the community.

 8.  Zoning Change from Residential to Institutional
In 2002, an application to change the zoning of the new land was made. The zoning was granted by the city. However, there was an appeal made to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) by the opponents that was subsequently rejected in September 2003. Approval of the zoning status was maintained in favor of the masjid.