About the Books

Testimonials

"This is a much-needed book, charting the past and present of Muslims in Manitoba. Every province and territory needs one to create just such a record of their Muslims…. This book is important not just for Muslims but also Manitobans, indeed Canadians.” 
Haroon Siddiqui, CM OOnt, Editorial Page Editor Emeritus, Toronto Star 

"Manitoba Muslims shifts our understanding of migration history away from ports and cities, to cross-border migration, and rural and suburban western Canada. Written by Ismael Ibrahim Mukhtar, local historian and leader within the Manitoba Islamic Association (MIA), Manitoba Muslims highlights the unique experiences and networks of Canada’s earliest Muslim migrants." 
Dr. Alison R Marshall, Professor, Department of Religion, Brandon University

Manitoba Muslims
A History of Resilience and Growth

​Manitoba Muslims: A History of Resiliance and Growth is both a look back at the history of Muslims in the province of Manitoba, and a look forward into the future. The Muslims of Manitoba have a presence that reaches back beyond a century. They are a fast-growing demographic and continue to make many positive contributions to their community and country. The history of Manitoba Muslims is an integral part of the history of Manitoba and Canada; with a better collective understanding of our history, all Canadians can work together to create a more respectful, tolerant, and welcoming nation.

​This book opens with a history of the community, beginning in 1900. The second section examines some of the issues and challenges facing the Islamic community in Manitoba. The author examines the challenges faced by specific segments of the community, such as women, youth, and converts. In addition, address affiliations, controversies, social issues, halal alternatives, integration, and Islamophobia.

This book will appeal to members of the public interested in learning about Islam and the Muslim community in Manitoba. It will also serve as an informative resource for historians, faith groups, and governing bodies.

Articles about the book

PRESERVING STORIES OF MUSLIM HISTORY IN MANITOBA
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS NEWSPAPER (FEB 2021)
WINNIPEGGER'S HISTORY OF MUSLIMS IN MANITOBA AIMS TO DOCUMENT AN ERA ALMOST FORGOTTEN
CBC MANITOBA (AUGUST 2021)
COMPLICATED ROAD TO COMMUNITY
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS NEWSPAPER August 2021)
EXAMINING MUSLIM HISTORY
THE BRANDON SUN NEWSPAPER (AUGUST 2021)

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Testimonials

"Ismael al-Mukhtar’s book is a solidly-researched, well-grounded and balanced history of Islam in Eritrea that draws on original sources, includes thoughtful discussion and makes informed arguments that add to our knowledge about Eritrea’s rich and complex past. I very much hope that it will stimulate, propel and promote new and deeper research on multiple aspects of the subject. The book’s informative chapters, bibliography and appendices provide numerous references to further probe, a number of threads to pull and questions to explore, as well as multiple traces and paths to follow.” 
Prof. Jonathan Miran
Western Washington University
Editor, Northeast African Studies

Milestones in the History
History of Islam in Eritrea

​Milestones in the history of Islam in Eritrea is an attempt to explore the key markers of the Eritrean Islamic history. The book surveys the impacts of the early Muslim migrants, the rise of the Dahlak Sultanate, the aftereffects of the advances of Imam Ahmed Gragn, the Ottoman conquest, the emergence of the semi-autonomous Naib dynasty and the spread of Islam among the Beja tribes. The book also discusses the pivotal roles of the religious families and Sufi orders, the effects of King Yohannes IV forced conversion edict and the colonial occupation. It concludes with a discussion on the rise of Islamic institutions and the adverse impacts of the dissolution of the UN Federal Act.

Excerpt

“Eritrea has a long history with Islam and Christianity. Relatively speaking, followers of both faiths have a commendable history of peaceful coexistence. The history of Eritrea can’t be understood without an inclusive history of both faiths. The more the followers of each faith know about their shared history, the stronger their national bond and peaceful coexistence. This book is a modest effort towards creating an inclusive history and a broader understanding of the multifaceted Eritrean historical formulation. With a more inclusive understanding of history, greater acceptance of diversity, a more objective and genuine reality prevails. This book is an easy read, intended not only for academics but also for the public at large. The subject matter of the book is about Islam, but that doesn’t make it only readable by Muslims. Islam was a major shaper of the Eritrean reality as was Christianity. No history of Eritrea can be fully understood without fully understanding the historical developments and impact of its two main faiths.”
Ismael Mukhtar, Milestones in the history of Islam in Eritrea, Preface.

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Manitoba Muslims

About the Author
Ismael Ibrahim Mukhtar has been one of the key leaders of the Manitoba Muslim community for over three decades. His extensive and wide-ranging community contributions include serving as president of the Manitoba Islamic Association, vice-president of the Muslim Student Association, editor-in-chief of the Manitoba Muslim Magazine, volunteer imam, and counsellor. He is an Islamic scholar, regularly lecturing and writing on Muslim issues.

With this book, Mukhtar seeks to create a historical reference to prevent more of this rich history from being lost. And by creating a better understanding of his people, he hopes to demystify Muslims and combat Islamophobia, thereby contributing to a more positive environment for all.

​ Mukhtar lives in Winnipeg with his wife and three children. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
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"The {Muslim} community should always be driven by the spirit of “we can do better,” “we can give more,” and “we can shine more”. It need not be mosque confined nor self-centered, but in the spirit of Islam, it needs to be broad minded with a dream to make Manitoba and Canada a better place for all. A place where Indigenous rights are protected, poverty is eradicated, homelessness is eliminated, equal opportunities are guaranteed, diversity celebrated, human rights upheld, newcomers are welcomed and good values are nurtured."
Manitoba Muslims, A history of Resilience and Growth, page 220.

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