'Connecting place': Manitoba city welcoming first mosque

The interior of the Pembina Valley Islamic Association's mosque in Morden, Man. is seen on January 10, 2025. (Danton Unger/CTV News Winnipeg)

A Manitoba city is getting closer to opening its first-ever mosque.

The Pembina Valley Islamic Association is putting the finishing touches on a new mosque set to open in Morden.

Association president Rubaiyat Zaman said the facility will help fill a void in the area.

“We have been living here for three, four years now, and there's no mosque in this area,” he said.

“My son is eight years old. When we came here, it was during COVID, and he didn't see a mosque… Our childhood has memories where we went to mosque and then enjoy our time over their play with other kids. It's a socialization place, so my son didn't have that option.”

Zaman said several attempts have been made over the years to set up a mosque in the area, but until now, nothing was able to get off the ground. Members of Morden’s Muslim community, which numbers roughly 100 families, previously had to travel to Winkler for worship.

“They need a place to come and pray and not only that, they need a place to connect with different Muslims and share their ideas, so we have been very grateful that we have started this place,” Zaman said.

According to Zaman, between 70 and 80 people showed up during last Friday’s prayers.

He adds non-Muslims in Morden and the surrounding area are also interested, with Zaman welcoming visitors in to teach them about the religion.

Syed Faizan Nasir, a director with the association, said they plan to offer programs in the mosque once it's officially open, including education classes for kids and a food program.

“This place is going to be a complete connecting place for Muslim communities with other cultures and people from other religions, because our mosque will be open for anybody,” he said.

Some work still needs to be done on the mosque, including installation of new carpet, which is expected to happen in January, Nasir said, with a grand opening to be held soon after.

-With files from CTV's Danton Unger