After years of observing prayers in temporary and often overcrowded locations, members of the Muslim community in Yellowknife have officially opened the doors of their newly built Islamic centre in Old Town — just as Ramadan commenced.
The long-anticipated launch coincided with the first Friday congregational prayer of the holy month, drawing hundreds of worshippers, families, and children eager to mark the occasion in their new spiritual home.
Community leaders described the moment as both emotional and historic.
A Milestone for a Diverse Community
For nearly six years, approximately 600 Muslims living in Yellowknife have navigated significant challenges in their quest to establish a permanent mosque. The previous facility was demolished in 2019 to pave the way for the construction of a modern Islamic centre. However, what was initially expected to be a short transition turned into a prolonged period of uncertainty.
The project faced repeated setbacks, including construction delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, financial constraints, and the 2023 wildfire evacuation that temporarily halted progress. Additional funding gaps earlier this year further postponed the opening.
READ MORE: Uproar After Far-Right Group Urges Parents to Boycott School Mosque Visit
Despite the obstacles, the new Islamic Centre of Yellowknife is now operational, offering space for around 400 male worshippers and designated prayer areas for women — addressing a long-standing need within the community.
“This has been a painful six-year journey,” said Abdul Kareem Yalahow, a founding member of the mosque’s construction committee. “But today, it feels like a dream realized.”
Ramadan Begins With Renewed Hope
The opening carries particular significance as it coincides with the beginning of Ramadan — the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
This year, Ramadan began on the evening of February 17, with fasting observed daily from the pre-dawn Fajr prayer until sunset at Maghrib. The month is regarded as a period of spiritual reflection, discipline, and community engagement. It concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, expected around March 20, subject to moon sighting.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charitable giving, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
For many in Yellowknife, having a permanent mosque during this sacred period transforms the spiritual experience.
From Makeshift Spaces to a Permanent Home
Prior to the centre’s completion, congregational prayers were often held in improvised locations, including small rented spaces and storage rooms. Community members described the conditions as cramped and insufficient for growing attendance, particularly during Friday prayers and Ramadan nights.
Fifteen-year-old Adib Yasir shared how meaningful the new mosque is for younger members of the community.
“Ramadan teaches us empathy by experiencing hunger and thirst,” he said. “But having a proper place to gather, reflect, and pray together makes it even more meaningful.”
He recalled previous years when worshippers struggled to find adequate space. “We prayed in very tight areas before. Now we have an official home.”
Restoring Space for Women’s Worship
The absence of a permanent mosque over the past six years disproportionately affected women, who had limited access to communal prayer spaces. With separate prayer arrangements in Islam, available makeshift venues were often prioritized for male congregants.
Khadijat Niniola, who relocated to Yellowknife from Vancouver several years ago, said the new centre has finally allowed her to participate in congregational prayers locally.
“For years, I didn’t have access to a mosque here,” she said. “Now I’ve been able to meet Muslims from different backgrounds, not just from my own country. That sense of unity is powerful.”
She emphasized that Islam encourages community and shared identity beyond nationality.
More Than a Mosque
For many residents, the Islamic centre represents more than a prayer facility. It serves as a social hub, educational space, and refuge from the harsh northern climate.
Yaqub Adepoju, a geological scientist who has lived in Yellowknife for five years, described the mosque as central to his daily routine.
“This is the heart of our community,” he said. “We come here before and after work. It’s like a community centre for Muslims.”
He also noted the practical importance of the building during the region’s extreme winters, when temperatures can plunge below –40°C.
“It’s warmth, it’s comfort, and it brings people together,” he added.
Work Still Ahead
Although the centre has opened its doors, construction and improvements are ongoing. During an early February cold snap, frozen pipes caused temporary setbacks, and the facility is still without a fully operational kitchen.
Fundraising efforts continue, with approximately $60,000 still needed to install carpets and complete remaining work.
Community leaders remain optimistic, emphasizing that the primary goal — establishing a place for prayer and unity — has been achieved.
A Symbol of Unity in the North
The Islamic centre stands as a testament to perseverance and faith in one of Canada’s northernmost cities. Built through years of fundraising, volunteer efforts, and resilience, it reflects the determination of Yellowknife’s Muslim residents to create a lasting spiritual foundation.
As Ramadan unfolds and worshippers gather nightly for prayers, the new mosque is already fulfilling its purpose: serving as a place where faith, fellowship, and belonging intersect.
For Yellowknife’s Muslim community, the long wait has finally ended — and a new chapter has begun.
