October is Canadian Islamic History Month, designated to celebrate and recognize the rich history, contributions, culture and achievements of Muslim communities in Canada. 2026's Theme is Islamic Calligraphy, so the Workers of Colour Multicultural Mentorship Committee challenge you to practice some calligraphy this month and have read up on the interview our committee recently had with an SEIU-West member.
1. Who was the first person to accept Islam?
Khadijah (RA)
2. What is the 7-7-7 rule in Islam?
It’s Islamic parenting guideline that splits a child’s first 21 years into three stages of 7 years each:
- Ages 0-7: play with them.
- Ages 7-14: Teach and discipline them.
- Ages 14-21: Befriend them.
3. Which of the 5 pillars of Islam represents the fundamental declaration of faith?
- Shahada (declaration of faith): belief in one God (Allah) and Muhammad (pbuh) as His messenger.
- Salah (prayer, 5 times a day): direct connection with Allah.
- Zakat (charity): giving away 2.5% of savings yearly to poor and purifying wealth.
- Sawm (fasting in Ramadan): self control, patience, and feeling for the hungry.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah, once if able): unity and equality of all Muslims.
4. What is Islam and who is Allah?
Islam is a religion and complete way of life. The word means "submission" (to God) and is linked to "salaam," meaning peace. A follower is called a Muslim, meaning "one who submits to God." Muslims believe Islam is the same core message given to all prophets, from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, ending with Prophet Muhammad about 1,400 years ago in Arabia. Its holy book is the Quran, believed to be Allah's exact words revealed to Muhammad.
Allah is the Arabic word for God, the one and only Creator. It's not a separate "Muslim god"; Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also say Allah. In Islam, Allah: Is One (no partners, no children, no equals). This belief is called Tawheed. Created everything, and controls and sustains all of it. It is unlike anything we can imagine. He has no body or form. Allah is most merciful and just. Nearly every Quran chapter begins "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." Allah has 99 names describing His qualities, like Ar-Rahman (the Merciful) and Al-Hakeem (the Wise).
5. What is the concept of marriage in Islam?
In Islam, marriage (nikah) is a sacred contract and an act of worship. The Prophet called it "half of the faith." It's a legal agreement between a man and a woman, made in front of Allah, built on love, mercy, and responsibility.
6.. How old do they have to be to start wearing a hijab? Is it mandatory or optional?
There's no fixed age in years. In Islam, hijab becomes required when a girl reaches puberty. It’s mandatory in mainstream Islam, but a personal choice in practice.
7. What is the importance of Fasting in Islam?
Fasting during Ramadan (called Sawm) is the 4th pillar of Islam, so it's mandatory for every healthy adult Muslim. From dawn to sunset, Muslims don't eat, drink, smoke, or have intimate relations, for the whole month (29 or 30 days). If you can say no to food and water all day, you can say no to anger, lying, and bad habits. Fasting isn’t just about the stomach: you also guard your tongue and behaviour.
9. What is the purpose of Life in Islam?
In Islam, the main purpose of life is to worship Allah. The Quran (51:56) says Allah created humans and jinn only to worship Him. But "worship" (ibadah) means more than prayer. It includes everything you do to please Allah: being honest at work, caring for your family, helping people, and even sleeping or eating with good intention. In Islam, a normal day can become worship.
10. What is the Islamic view of salvation?
In Islam, salvation (going to Jannah, paradise) comes from faith + good deeds, and ultimately Allah's mercy.
11. What is the role of women in Islam? How about men?
In Islam, men and women are equal in value before Allah, but they have some different roles and responsibilities, meant to complement each other. The Quran (33:35) lists believing men and believing women side by side with the same reward, and (49:13) says the best person is the most righteous, not a gender.
12. What is the Bible of Islam? Any difference with the Bible?
The holy book of Islam is the Quran. Muslims believe it's the exact word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) over about 23 years (610 to 632 CE). It has 114 chapters (surahs) and was revealed in Arabic.
Main differences from the Bible:
- Who wrote it. The Quran is believed to be God's direct speech, word for word. The Bible was written by many human authors (prophets, apostles) over about 1,500 years, inspired by God.
- One book vs. a collection. The Bible is a library of 66 books (Protestant) or 73 (Catholic), split into Old and New Testaments. The Quran is one book.
- Language. The Quran is still read in its original Arabic, and translations are considered only "meanings," not the true Quran. The Bible is mostly read in translation (original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek).
- Jesus wasn't Allah's son, but rather a prophet and a messenger of Allah.