mission
Our Mission in Canada
Salam Neighbour is working to build bridges through dialogue, education, and connection. Our goal is to create welcoming spaces where people can learn about Islam, ask questions openly, and engage in meaningful conversations. Each day, we aim to foster understanding, challenge misconceptions, and empower Muslims to confidently share their faith and identity.
Dialogue
Understanding
Education
Welcoming
Vision for the future
We envision a Canada where Muslim voices are welcomed, respected, and understood. In 5–10 years, we aim to see communities where diversity is celebrated, youth feel confident in their faith, and conversations about Islam are met with curiosity, not fear. Salam Neighbour strives to help build a society shaped by empathy, inclusion, and shared humanity.
Our Story
How it Started
Salam Neighbour was founded in 2019 at the Dar Foundation during the blessed month of Ramadan. It began when a Dar member brought together a group of passionate Muslim youth with a simple but powerful vision: to build bridges with our neighbours and reshape how Muslims are seen in society. Inspired by the manners and teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, we wanted our actions—not media stereotypes—to define who we are. What started with small acts of kindness, like giving gifts to our neighbours and engaging in conversations, soon grew into a broader effort to be present at local events and foster intercultural understanding.
Our Early Work
Salam Neighbour began its community outreach in 2019 with a small but passionate team of 15 volunteers. Our first event was at a multicultural festival in Milton, which, despite being cancelled after an hour due to severe weather, marked our initial step into public engagement. Our next event was Midnight Madness in Oakville—one of the city’s largest festivals, attracting over 50,000 attendees. We built a handmade “Spin the Wheel” game and held a raffle where the grand prize was a plane ride over Toronto. Our third event took place at Oakville’s Children’s Festival, engaging families through interactive activities. We ended the year with an Open House at our masjid, Dar Foundation, where we invited our neighbours for a day of connection. The event featured a free BBQ, Islamic history displays, and a cultural corner showcasing traditional Islamic design and furniture—turning our mosque into a space of learning, warmth, and welcome.
What We Do Today
Salam Neighbour focuses on two main initiatives: school outreach and community engagement. In schools, we offer dynamic, curriculum-aligned presentations both in person and virtually. Over the past five years, we’ve reached over 6,100 students and 800 educators across Ontario. Our school services include classroom visits, assemblies, virtual mosque tours, and interactive gallery walks featuring posters, a cultural booth, and activities like Spin the Wheel. We deliver Intro to Islam presentations primarily for Catholic school World Religion classes, while our Islamic Heritage Month and Ramadan programs are offered in both Catholic and public schools—elementary and secondary. At community events, we set up engaging booths that include educational posters, Spin the Wheel, and a popular Hang Bar Challenge – creating fun, inviting spaces to share Islamic culture and connect with people of all backgrounds.
Meet Our Team
Our Highly Motivated Team
Sarah Khalil
Internal Director
“When a person dies his deeds end, except for three; Continuous charity, knowledge which can benefit others, and a virtuous child who prays for him.” – Prophet Muhammad
Mohamed Khalil
Senior Executive / Dar Foundation Director
Sara Elkady
Schools Director
“[Allah] is the One who created death and life, so that He may test you as to which of you is better in his deeds. And He is the All-Mighty, the Most-Forgiving.” 67:2
Mohammed Al-Hassan
Outreach Coordinator
“Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him.” – Prophet Mohammad PBUH
Volunteer with us
Join a passionate team of youth working to build bridges and spark change. We’re looking for volunteers who are creative, outgoing, and eager to represent Islam through action. Whether you enjoy public speaking, event planning, design, or community outreach, there’s a role for YOU! By volunteering with Salam Neighbour, you’ll gain valuable experience, strengthen your confidence, and help create a more inclusive community. Just one conversation at a time.
Support Us!
Your donation helps us reach more students, attend more community events, and create high-quality educational materials that share the true message of Islam. Help us break barriers and build bridges across Canada.
Support Us!
Your donation helps us reach more students, attend more community events, and create high-quality educational materials that share the true message of Islam. Help us break barriers and build bridges across Canada.