Established in 1994, the Masjid Bilal Muslim Association has been a focal point of the Muslim community in Scarborough Village for over 25 years. As a centre for the remembrance of Allah ﷻ and fulfilment of religious services, facilitating congregational worship and Islamic educational programs according to Qur’an and Sunnah, to the local Muslim population is a core objective of Masjid Bilal
Recognizing the need for a larger space to accommodate the growing population and influx of Muslim families in the Markham & Eglinton area, the current Masjid property at 214 Markham Road was purchased in 2006 at a cost of $600,000 with the sole support of local donations and fundraising efforts. Through the mercy of Allah ﷻ, the larger premises have made it possible for over 300 worshippers to gather for prayers, education, and community engagement on a regular basis.
Over the subsequent years, numerous upgrades and renovations have been undertaken to maintain the building and enhance its function as a place of worship and Islamic education. In 2008, a further $450,000 was raised to purchase the adjacent property directly behind the current premises, further expanding the Masjid’s property. Extensive renovations in 2018 remodeled the front exterior of the Masjid and upgraded the aging structure, in keeping with Islamic architectural design and simplicity for the House of Allah.
To fulfil the ever-expanding local demand for access to religious services, an ambitious project was undertaken in 2019 to purchase the additional property behind the current premises for $750,000. By the mercy of Allah ﷻ and within the course of 1 year, funds were secured to finance the expansion and begin renovations to the property. Of note is the fact that all donations were sourced with the generosity and efforts of the community.
It is only by the help and mercy shown by Allah ﷻ that Masjid Bilal has been able to serve the Scarborough Village community without interruption. Without the steadfastness and sincere sacrifices of our local elders, youth, brothers, sisters, and volunteers, the growth of the Masjid would not remain a possibility in 2021.
May Allah ﷻ accept their efforts, and for those who are no longer with us, may Allah ﷻ grant them Al-Firdous al-A’laa (Jannatul-Firdous) – and for those still among us whether they reside in the immediate community or have moved to other areas, may Allah ﷻ always bless them with His infinite mercy.