A COMMUNITY PROJECT
OF RISALAH FOUNDATION
OF RISALAH FOUNDATION
Welcome to Masjid Vaughan
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ABOUT
Masjid Vaughan was opened April 15, 2018 and is a community project of Risalah Foundation. The property is situated in the heart of Maple, a few hundred metres from Vaughan City Hall. The Masjid's heritage building carries with it a sacred history extending over 140 years. Its internal mid-century gothic architecture has been carefully restored to reflect a North American Islamic aesthetic that gracefully evokes a sense of serenity and majesty for its Sunni Muslim community. Praise belongs to God Most High for this blessing, and a collective declaration of gratitude is due to each and every supporter who had a hand in establishing this first masjid in our city of Vaughan.
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Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat
Head Imam, Masjid Vaughan
Head Imam, Masjid Vaughan
Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat Salem is a distinguished scholar of the Quran with multiple Ijazat from esteemed scholars worldwide. In his part-time role at Masjid Vaughan, he leads some of the weekly prayers, delivers the Friday Khutbah on a monthly basis, conducts Eid prayers, and leads Taraweeh during Ramadan. Shaykh Moaaz also offers valuable guidance and mentorship to the masjid’s Imams and teachers. As Dean of Dar al-Burhan Academy for Quran Studies, he consults with the Risalah Foundation on academy development and masjid services, assists in counselling, and supports community outreach through major events. His dedication profoundly enhances the spiritual and educational experience at Masjid Vaughan.
learn more about the HEAD IMAM
Shaykh Moaaz memorized the Jazariya with an Ijaza before reaching the age of four years old at the hands of the renowned Muqri Shaykh Ayman Suwayd. His journey in memorization continued with his father Shaykh Safwat Mahmoud Salem, until he completed it at the age of thirteen in the Sacred Precinct of Makkah. He furthered his studies by meeting with and studying at the feet of various scholars from across the globe, receiving Ijazat from some of the most credible sources. By the age of seventeen, Shaykh Moaaz was teaching advanced students and holding large classes in Quran recitation and Tajweed, in addition to attaining several teaching licenses from leading scholars in Quran and Hadith. He went on to complete a PhD in Qur’anic Recitations from the Department of Qira’āt in the Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah.
Between 2006 and 2021, Dr. Moaaz was employed at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute in Saudi Arabia serving as Lecturer, President in the Department of Studies in Education, President in the Department of Information Technology, and as Supervisor in the Department of Curriculum Development. Shaykh Moaaz remains a Member of the Curriculum Committee for Tafsir and Quranic Sciences Diploma and has hosted several televised programs on the history of the Quran and recitation.
Academic Degrees:
1. PhD in Qur’anic Recitations - Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2017]
2. MA in Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2010]
3. BA - Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2006]
Other Certificates:
1. Certificate in the Memorisation of the Holy Quran
2. Certificate of the Ten Qira’āt Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
3. Certificate in Jazariyyah Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
Ijazāt:
1. Ijazah in the Ten Major Qira’āt by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
2. Ijazah in the Ten Minor Qira’āt by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah and Al-Dorrah.
3. Two Ijazahs on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
4. Three Ijazat on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah.
5. Ijazah in the Four extra irregular Qira’āt by the way of Al-Fawā’id Al-Mu’tabarah.
6. Ijazah in the full transmission with the connected chain of narration of Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, Shamail Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Āthar of Muhammad bin Al-Hasan Al-Shaybani, Al-Shifa of Al-Qadi ‘Iyad, Forty Hadiths of Al-Nawawi, and Matn Abu Shujā’.
7. Ijazah in Al-Jazariyyah in Tajwid- Al-‘Aqilah in the Quranic Script- Nazimat Al-Zuhr.
8. Classical Training with Scholars in Hadith, Fiqh, Usul and Arabic sciences.
Work Experience:
1. Taught Tajwid and Qira’at at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1423-1427 AH
2. Lecturer at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1427 - 1438 AH at different departments
3. Supervising E-Learning Department
4. Member of Curriculum Committee for Tafsir & Quranic Sciences Diploma
5. Taught Intensive Courses on Tajwid, Recitation, Teaching Methods of Qira’at, Qur’an Teachers’ Training
6. Assisted some scholars in writing, annotating and publishing works on Tajwid and Qira’at
7. Presented various TV shows on the history of the Qur’an and live shows on how to recite
8. Revised the full audio -Qur’anic recording of some reciters
9. Recorded parts of the Qur’an in different recitations
10. Tarawih Imam since 1997
11. Referee & Judge in the Quranic Competition ‘Tartil’ since its inception to 1438 AH
Skills and Hobbies:
1. Train the Trainer Course (Certified)
2. Mind-Mapping Course
3. NLP Course- Advanced Practitioner
4. Creative Thinking Course
5. Audio-Editing Course
6. Calligrapher
7. Intermediate Level of English
8. Professional Photographer -Swimmer - Book Editing
Between 2006 and 2021, Dr. Moaaz was employed at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute in Saudi Arabia serving as Lecturer, President in the Department of Studies in Education, President in the Department of Information Technology, and as Supervisor in the Department of Curriculum Development. Shaykh Moaaz remains a Member of the Curriculum Committee for Tafsir and Quranic Sciences Diploma and has hosted several televised programs on the history of the Quran and recitation.
Academic Degrees:
1. PhD in Qur’anic Recitations - Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2017]
2. MA in Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2010]
3. BA - Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2006]
Other Certificates:
1. Certificate in the Memorisation of the Holy Quran
2. Certificate of the Ten Qira’āt Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
3. Certificate in Jazariyyah Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
Ijazāt:
1. Ijazah in the Ten Major Qira’āt by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
2. Ijazah in the Ten Minor Qira’āt by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah and Al-Dorrah.
3. Two Ijazahs on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
4. Three Ijazat on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah.
5. Ijazah in the Four extra irregular Qira’āt by the way of Al-Fawā’id Al-Mu’tabarah.
6. Ijazah in the full transmission with the connected chain of narration of Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, Shamail Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Āthar of Muhammad bin Al-Hasan Al-Shaybani, Al-Shifa of Al-Qadi ‘Iyad, Forty Hadiths of Al-Nawawi, and Matn Abu Shujā’.
7. Ijazah in Al-Jazariyyah in Tajwid- Al-‘Aqilah in the Quranic Script- Nazimat Al-Zuhr.
8. Classical Training with Scholars in Hadith, Fiqh, Usul and Arabic sciences.
Work Experience:
1. Taught Tajwid and Qira’at at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1423-1427 AH
2. Lecturer at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1427 - 1438 AH at different departments
3. Supervising E-Learning Department
4. Member of Curriculum Committee for Tafsir & Quranic Sciences Diploma
5. Taught Intensive Courses on Tajwid, Recitation, Teaching Methods of Qira’at, Qur’an Teachers’ Training
6. Assisted some scholars in writing, annotating and publishing works on Tajwid and Qira’at
7. Presented various TV shows on the history of the Qur’an and live shows on how to recite
8. Revised the full audio -Qur’anic recording of some reciters
9. Recorded parts of the Qur’an in different recitations
10. Tarawih Imam since 1997
11. Referee & Judge in the Quranic Competition ‘Tartil’ since its inception to 1438 AH
Skills and Hobbies:
1. Train the Trainer Course (Certified)
2. Mind-Mapping Course
3. NLP Course- Advanced Practitioner
4. Creative Thinking Course
5. Audio-Editing Course
6. Calligrapher
7. Intermediate Level of English
8. Professional Photographer -Swimmer - Book Editing
Imam AbdulBaseer Sharif
Dedicated Imam, Masjid Vaughan
Imam AbdulBaseer Sharif is a dedicated Islamic educator and prayer leader with exceptional memorization of the Quran in its entirety. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence from Al-Rashid Islamic Institute. With extensive experience leading prayers, delivering sermons, and providing spiritual guidance, Imam AbdulBaseer has engaged communities, including Ummati Islamic Centre, Jame Makki Masjid and Aisha Academy, where he developed educational programs to deepen students' understanding of Islam. Now serving at Masjid Vaughan as the Imam of the daily prayers, Imam AbdulBaseer’s profound Quranic knowledge and compassionate approach continue to inspire and support the spiritual growth of his community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WHEN IS JUMU`A?
Jumu'a Times remain the same throughout the year: 1:30 PM Adhan, 1:35 Khutbah & 2:00 PM Salat.
WHERE CAN I PARK on fridays?
Ample parking is available at Vaughan City Hall (west-side parking lot) on Fridays between 1:00pm and 3:00. Additionally, the masjid is surrounded by plenty of street parking options. Kindly respect all parking by-laws and show common courtesy to our neighbours. See Parking Rules
IS THIS A SUNNI MOSQUE?
Yes, the Imams and executive team that serve this masjid share tenets of faith that are based on the Quran and Sunna as documented by the four great schools of the Sunni Tradition: Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam al-Shafi`i and Imam Ahmad, may God have mercy on them all.
WHAT KIND OF MUSLIMS ATTEND THE MASJID?
The congregants of Masjid Vaughan are of various ethnicities and backgrounds. Masjid Vaughan promotes an authentic and contextual message of Islam for Canadian Muslims and is governed by principles of transparency, inclusion, goodwill, tolerance, positive dialogue and civic engagement. Anyone who shares these values is welcome!
WHAT SERVICES are offered at THE MASJID?
Programs and Services that happen at Masjid Vaughan include:
WHO ADMINISTERS THE MASJID?
The Masjid is served by:
a) the board of directors of Risalah Foundation, a Canadian Registered Charity No. 809028954RR0001; b) the Executive Team & Custodians; c) the Head Imam; d) the Dedicated Imam of the daily prayers; e) the Main Orator of Jumu'a d) Select Friday Imams, counsellors and religious teachers; e) the local community of volunteers and donors. If you would like to volunteer please email: [email protected] HOW Can I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION?
Masjid Vaughan is a community project of Risalah Foundation (a Canadian Registered Charity No. 809028954RR0001). The Foundation's elected board of directors are guided by by-laws and internal policies that promote good governance and ensure accountability. Members, congregants or donors desiring to learn more about the board may contact: [email protected].
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
CAN I VIEW THE FINANCIAL REPORTS?
Masjid Vaughan is a community project of the charity, Risalah Foundation.
To view annual reports that pertain exclusively to Masjid Vaughan, please click here. To view financial audits of the charity, please visit www.risalah.ca. I HEARD THE QIBLA AT MASJID VAUGHAN WAS NOT ACCURATE?
The exact Qibla from True North at Masjid Vaughan is 54.50441151562552 degrees East of North. However, the founders of the Mosque in consultation with its Senior Scholars' Counsel have established the Qibla at around 57 degrees East of North, as the building is situated in such a way that this slight divergence is architecturally more accommodating for larger congregations. The prayer is valid with this slight divergence because it is not obligatory to face the exact direction (‘ayn) of the Ka'ba for someone who is distant from Mecca. Prayers that are performed facing the general direction of the Ka'ba are valid in the sacred law, even if one is aware that it is not exact, so as long as one's side or back is not facing the Ka'ba. This is the position of the majority of scholars, namely, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik ibn Anas and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and their respective schools (may God have mercy on them all). It is also the position of Imam al-Shafi himself, while others of his school have differed with him.
For the full answer with evidences and corroborating support click here. I made a donation, When will I get my tax receipt?
Thank you for your support, No worries, donations are documented and receipts are sent out every tax season (in February). If you haven't received it yet or you require it sooner. Please send your request to [email protected].
*NEW* How does Masjid Vaughan determine and announce the start of Ramadan and the two Eids?
Masjid Vaughan recognizes the deep spiritual and communal importance of correctly
determining the start of the Islamic months, especially those associated with major acts of worship such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. The process of moon sighting (ru’yah) is not only a religious obligation but also a matter that impacts the unity and well-being of the local Muslim community. In light of this responsibility, Masjid Vaughan has adopted a structured, transparent, and Shariah-based policy for determining the beginning of these sacred times. The document below outlines the principles, conditions, deliberation process, and communication standards that guide all announcements related to the Islamic calendar. Please feel free to read here. |
ANNUAL REPORTS
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We pray that these reports bring you benefit and increased confidence that our journey together towards serving the house of Allah will be realized responsibly and with transparency.
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ENDORSEMENTS
( Click Icons to view endorsement letters )
( Click Icons to view endorsement letters )
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The first masjid of its kind for the city of Vaughan needs to be paid off.
This permanent display located in the lobby of Masjid Vaughan honours and recognizes outstanding
philanthropists who made significant contributions towards making this house of God debt-free.
This permanent display located in the lobby of Masjid Vaughan honours and recognizes outstanding
philanthropists who made significant contributions towards making this house of God debt-free.
The Donor Recognition Wall highlights three categories of contributions:
Founder $25,000*
Small brass plaque with name of your choice.
Partner $60,000*
Medium brass plaque with name of your choice.
Visionary $100,000*
Large brass plaque (centre display) with name of your choice.
*Payment plans available. Donors may request to have all previous contributions directed to becoming a Founder, Partner or Visionary.
Small brass plaque with name of your choice.
Partner $60,000*
Medium brass plaque with name of your choice.
Visionary $100,000*
Large brass plaque (centre display) with name of your choice.
*Payment plans available. Donors may request to have all previous contributions directed to becoming a Founder, Partner or Visionary.
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