WHY THE ISLAMIC FORUM IS THE ORGANIZATION TO ACHIEVE THE FUTURE
As stated in the previous sections, the Forum
has grown from a one-room operation to approximately 10,000 square foot
network.
The history of the Forum has been such that
whenever a program is started at a particular space allocated to it in no
time the program out grows that space.
The Forum started at the Civic Center in
rented rooms until the biggest room at the civic center was used. The crowd
became so large it necessitated a larger hall. The activities were moved to
200 Advance Road in the Steeles/Dixie area. A 300 square foot hall was
rented and again in no time the services outgrew the space. It then moved to
a 6,000 square foot area to accommodate the growth. As the programs and
activities became well known people were coming from as far away as London,
Kitchener, Waterloo, Kingston, Montreal, Ottawa, Scarbrough and Toronto to
benefit from the programs. It became evident that something needed to be
done.
A decision was made to move to the current
space of 8,000 square feet in less than two years. The place is sometimes so
full that volunteers are praying in the hallways or outside. It is one of
the largest Jumu`ah Salah location in the west end of the city. If history
repeats itself the current space is becoming too small. Insha Allah, it is a
good problem to have. Decisions are being made to relocate to a larger
facility.
Giving the rate of growth and the intent for
future plans, the leadership has taught us it would be wise to not only look
for a larger space but something we can call home. Something large enough to
accommodate the future plans and growth. We need to avoid rentals and look
towards purchasing a new home for the Forum. If the past history is an
indication, the Islamic Forum is the organization that is poised for a
better future due to its innovative ideas and educational focus. Again
remember all success is only from Almighty Allah.