Monday, October 28, 2013: The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) along with the Muslim Students’ Association welcomed guests to the grand opening ceremony of the UWinnipeg Masjid, a Muslim prayer centre located in Wesley Hall.
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, welcomed guests and applauded the students and community responsible for the creation of the Masjid. “The University of Winnipeg is proud of our tradition and continued support and encouragement as a place of inclusion. We know that providing respectful spaces that allow students to pause and reflect is an important part of creating a campus committed to holistic health and wellness.”
Special guests included Abdo El Tassi, CEO and Director of Peerless Garments, who generously contributed to the development of the Masjid; Mr. Ismael Mukhtar, President of the Manitoba Islamic Association; and Mr. Omar Siddiqui, a member of the UWinnipeg Board of Regents. After the opening ceremony, guests were invited to tour and learn about the Masjid.
Photo: Nawal Tajdin (L), Vice-President of Student Services, UWSA and Roza Ali (Centre), Muslim Students’ Association, speaking with Dr. Axworthy (R)
Nawal Tajdin, Vice-President of Student Services for UWSA, spoke of the importance of the Masjid for Muslim students by giving them a space to offer their five daily prayers, an Islamic tradition. “Moving beyond just a place of worship and meditation,” she adds, “it is our hope that the UWinnipeg Masjid will also offer a space in which all people from all backgrounds and faith traditions can congregate to share their diverse world views and learn from one another.”
The Masjid is open daily from 7am – 11pm daily and welcomes all members of the UWinnipeg community.
