50 Plus Canadian Imams Stand in Solidarity with Indigenous Communities on "Orange Khutba Day" - Commemorating the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
September 29th, 2023
In a powerful demonstration of unity and reconciliation, over 50 Canadian Imams participated in "Orange Khutba Day" on Friday, September 29, 2023, coinciding with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This initiative signifies fostering solidarity between Muslims and Indigenous communities while honouring the memory of residential school victims and survivors in Canada.
The 2023 "Orange Khutba Day" campaign saw Canadian Imams nationwide deliver a special solidarity statement during their Friday Jumu'ah prayer congregations at mosques (khutba).* This sermon conveys support and empathy for Indigenous communities, former residential school students, and the families who have endured the heartbreak of lost children.
This call to action, initiated by Justice For All Canada, reflects the commitment of over 50 Canadian Muslim religious congregations to stand together with Indigenous peoples in their time of immense trauma and grief. The initiative has evolved to focus on practicing and reaffirming the shared responsibility of reconciliation and allyship with Indigenous peoples.
“Today, we come together as Muslims to build bridges of understanding, compassion and healing. The challenges experienced by our Indigenous neighbours serve as a critical reminder of the importance of justice and equality for others,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
In addition to expressing solidarity, "Orange Khutba Day" will serve as a vital moment for settler immigrant Muslim communities to raise awareness about the historic and ongoing atrocities and discrimination faced by First Nations, Metis and Inuits in Canada. The campaign asks Muslim worshipers to reflect on the long-lasting effects of colonialism and forced assimilation—shared experiences that resonate with many impacted communities worldwide.
This year's "Orange Khutba Day" represents another pivotal moment in Canadian history for Muslims and their neighbours alike, where diverse faith communities unite to acknowledge past injustices, support reconciliation efforts, and collectively strive for equality and recognition of Indigenous peoples.
For the complete solidarity statement presented by Canadian Imams, please visit: Khutba Notes_ Orange Day Khutbah-Sep2023 PDF.pdf
About Justice For All Canada:
Justice for All Canada is a non-profit human rights and anti-genocide organization. For more information, please visit www.JusticeForAllCanada.org.
*A "khutba" is a sermon or religious speech delivered by an Imam or religious leader, typically during the Friday congregational prayer (Jumah) in Islam. It serves as an opportunity for an Imam to address the Muslim community, provide guidance, and deliver religious teachings.
In a powerful demonstration of unity and reconciliation, over 50 Canadian Imams participated in "Orange Khutba Day" on Friday, September 29, 2023, coinciding with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This initiative signifies fostering solidarity between Muslims and Indigenous communities while honouring the memory of residential school victims and survivors in Canada.
The 2023 "Orange Khutba Day" campaign saw Canadian Imams nationwide deliver a special solidarity statement during their Friday Jumu'ah prayer congregations at mosques (khutba).* This sermon conveys support and empathy for Indigenous communities, former residential school students, and the families who have endured the heartbreak of lost children.
This call to action, initiated by Justice For All Canada, reflects the commitment of over 50 Canadian Muslim religious congregations to stand together with Indigenous peoples in their time of immense trauma and grief. The initiative has evolved to focus on practicing and reaffirming the shared responsibility of reconciliation and allyship with Indigenous peoples.
“Today, we come together as Muslims to build bridges of understanding, compassion and healing. The challenges experienced by our Indigenous neighbours serve as a critical reminder of the importance of justice and equality for others,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
In addition to expressing solidarity, "Orange Khutba Day" will serve as a vital moment for settler immigrant Muslim communities to raise awareness about the historic and ongoing atrocities and discrimination faced by First Nations, Metis and Inuits in Canada. The campaign asks Muslim worshipers to reflect on the long-lasting effects of colonialism and forced assimilation—shared experiences that resonate with many impacted communities worldwide.
This year's "Orange Khutba Day" represents another pivotal moment in Canadian history for Muslims and their neighbours alike, where diverse faith communities unite to acknowledge past injustices, support reconciliation efforts, and collectively strive for equality and recognition of Indigenous peoples.
For the complete solidarity statement presented by Canadian Imams, please visit: Khutba Notes_ Orange Day Khutbah-Sep2023 PDF.pdf
About Justice For All Canada:
Justice for All Canada is a non-profit human rights and anti-genocide organization. For more information, please visit www.JusticeForAllCanada.org.
*A "khutba" is a sermon or religious speech delivered by an Imam or religious leader, typically during the Friday congregational prayer (Jumah) in Islam. It serves as an opportunity for an Imam to address the Muslim community, provide guidance, and deliver religious teachings.