Muslims in Canada: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

This article outlines the major opportunities and challenges that shape the identities of Muslims in Canada and argues that Canadian Muslims are closer to each other and are also less alienated from, or closer to, the majority (non-Muslim) population than are Muslims in the United States. The opportunities discussed are multiculturalism, Muslim minorities and interfaith dialogue. As Muslims in Canada build institutions, communities and lives, Canadian contexts present them with challenges as well as opportunities. Five key challenges are discussed in this article: mosques, community life and Muslim worship, marking boundaries, gender and sexual orientation.