Imam named to Order of Canada
Almost 60 years ago, Fuad Sahin looked at Canada and the principals it stood for and decided it was the place he wanted to live.
That faith in his adoptive country has been a continuous thread for Sahin, who emigrated to Canada in 1958 and moved to Niagara in 1966.
That faith was repaid in kind as 2018 dawned, with Sahin being named a member of the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Julie Payette.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake resident earned his place in the prestigious organization for his work within the Muslim community, as well as being the founder of the International Development and Relief Foundation.
Sahin is one of 125 appointments made to the Order by Payette on Dec. 29, including 86 new members, and promotions within the order for 35 officers and four companions.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours, recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation, said a release announcing the awards.
Close to 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the order over the years, says the release.
“Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and have taken to heart the motto of the order: … They desire a better country.”
Appointments are made by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.
Sahin, an admirer of former prime minister Lester B. Pearson — specifically his work in the United Nations during the Suez Crisis — said he is proud of that long-ago decision to come to Canada.
“One thing I did — I came to Canada by choice … I chose Canada because, well, I knew about the history and geography of Canada before I came,” he said.
Sahin said he is grateful for the reception he received when he arrived in the country in the late 1950s. He said Canada recognized human rights and was accepting of his religion.
“They were so wonderful, they recognized my religion, my needs, they offered me all the facilities I needed to practise my religion and that was wonderful, and the amount of respect they showed me was unbelievable,” he said. “I’m very grateful.”
His work to help develop the Muslim community in Canada includes organizing various Muslim associations, building the first Niagara mosque in Niagara Falls in 1984, and continuing to educate future generations of Muslims.
He said there was only one other Muslim family when he first came to Niagara in 1966. Currently, he is the imam of the Islamic Society of Niagara Peninsula.
While he began his time in Canada as an interning resident in Kingston, Sahin has since become a known advocate for his religion.
“I was invited to speak to different churches and schools and associations, to tell them what Islam is,” he said.
Said St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle, “He laid the foundation for a community that’s grown … he helped build mosques, helped develop the community as a peaceful, constructive members of our community and he has woven that community into the fabric of St. Catharines,”
Sahin said he’s happy to see the Muslim community has grown.
“Gradually the number increased, and now we have to least three to four mosques in Niagara Falls and some more in St. Catharines. The children have really been very well-educated, and the people have been very responsible.”
Sahin said he credits much of his work to his wife, Solmaz. “I couldn’t carry on all these functions without her help — the constant help and sacrifice she made.”
He also said he’s especially proud of young Muslims who are participating in Canadian life, excelling with universities and the workforce.
“They’re becoming doctors and lawyers and teachers and accountants — you name it. We are really a central, beautiful part of the Canadian community.”
Sahin’s constant goal has been to create an inclusive society by “interface dialogue” with other religions, particularly Christianity.
It’s a goal he has consistently espoused over the years, including in 2009 when he was honoured by the community not long after being invested in the Order of Ontario.
“We, as Canadian citizens, have a duty to make this wonderful country better,” he said in an interview with The Standard in January 2009.
“To help each other regardless of race or religion. We have to always remember what a special place we live in.”
Today, Sahin recalled that after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Muslims in Niagara Falls gathered and he and members of the Christian community spoke “to bring people together to live together.”
In addition to his work helping develop the Muslim community in Niagara and Canada, Sahin has continued involvement in IDRF since founding it in 1984.
According to its website, IDRF is “a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged people of the world.”
Sahin said the organization has helped people all over the world but the most important work was “providing dignity to many in the world who are missing it.”
Bittle also said Sahin’s impact reached beyond Niagara.
“He was one of the trailblazers and I know he’s a highly respected individual within the local Muslim community,” Bittle said. “He’s ensured the good works are being done across the world. So, he’s a leader in this community, a highly respected individual and it was great to see him get recognized by the Governor General for his outstanding contribution to Niagara, to Canada, and to the world.”