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Civic Engagement: Our Path Forward
9-22-2026
Aslaam Aleikum,
I am writing to you in regards to the upcoming elections. In the last few years, BCMA has permitted politicians to campaign at some masajid and I am of the view that politicians should be permitted to speak with our community across the board at all BCMA masajid. I make this point specifically to increase and support Muslim civic engagement with the municipal, provincial and federal governments. BCMA must engage with politicians in order to facilitate dialogue to guarantee a seat at the table of decision makers who impact our place within the community at large.
BCMA must fully support our Muslim brothers and sisters campaigning to hold public office, organize get-out-the-vote drives and educational voter guides during election cycles. Using community centers and masajid to host civic workshops, interfaith open houses, and youth leadership training.
As the largest Muslim organization in BC, we should be at the forefront defending against religious discrimination, surveillance, and hate violence, while pushing for inclusive religious freedom. BCMA must address local community needs, such as anti-bullying initiatives for students, educational equity, and economic support. We must shift our positions from being spectators to active civic engagement, to voting and holding public office enabling us to change policies. The BCMA must facilitate Muslims to continue to engage with and succeed in politics, securing seats in everything from local school boards and city council races to provincial and federal positions. Our organization must cater to a Muslim population that is racially, ethnically and culturally diverse.
The Muslim community in this country has made relatively minimal impact on the political landscape on the voters who determine the outcome of elections. Some of the Muslims who do not register to vote claim that their vote does not count or they did not like any of the available candidates. Their rationale highlights a lack of civic education on Muslims' role in civic engagement. Just as we enjoy the vast spectrum of government benefits, we must give back to the country that we love to call home.
Muslim active civic engagement is considered an Islamic obligation and mirrors the efforts of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), whose life illustrates the importance of societal engagement. As a role model, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established justice and welfare systems in Medina, epitomizing the role of Muslims to engage in civic duties and responsibility. Therefore, Muslims are obliged, through civic engagement and civic leadership, to improve the quality of life of citizens and residents through all lawful political and non-political channels.
This form of civic engagement is considered essential in uplifting the vulnerable, which is in itself a form of worship. Participating in civic duties plays a role in addressing systemic injustices like marginalization, which aligns with Islamic teachings that encourage standing against injustice in society.
We must understand that Muslim political and social justice involvement is crucial and imperative for our continued growth in Canada. To achieve this, it is critical to help Muslim communities develop a sense of belonging. A sense of belonging inspires the urge to invest in community-building efforts to remedy societal exclusion and empower Muslims to actively engage in democratic processes such as voting and running for office.
Islamophobia has influenced the discrimination of Muslims on one hand and enhanced Muslim civic engagement on the other hand. For instance, Muslim communities have widely accepted and engaged in volunteering to combat stereotypes and improve the community. Understanding these challenges is important for Muslim political and social activists seeking more Muslim involvement in civic activities.
Younger Muslims are struggling to find their footing in the modern multicultural society because traditional leadership structures are inefficient in addressing their aspirations and needs in a fast-moving society. Therefore, there is a disconnect between Muslim youth and established Muslim organizations. The organizations have not mastered strategies for restructuring Muslim civic engagement to match or respond to Muslim youths' needs and aspirations.
BCMA must be an active participant in encouraging and supporting Muslims for public office by organizing teams of volunteers as well as providing financial support. By investing in our brothers and sisters, we will be at the forefront of engaging our members to fully participate in Canada’s future. BCMA must implement this strategy as a matter of policy.
Jazak Allah Kheirun,
Mahmood Awan
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