Manitoba Muslim magazine marks 25th year

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/01/2024 (985 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In 1999, during a casual conversation after dinner, Ismael Mukhtar agreed to assist with the founding of a new publication for the Manitoba Muslim community.

“I was just going to help get it started, then leave,” he said of how the editor enlisted his support.

But in less than a year, the editor was unable to continue; Mukhtar took it over.

“The choice was to either assume the role of editor or let it end,” he said.

The publication, called Manitoba Muslim, celebrated its 25th year Jan. 20, and Mukhtar has been at the helm the whole time.

“I call myself an ‘accidental editor,’” he said with a laugh, quickly acknowledging the support of more than 40 volunteers who have helped keep the publication going.

From a humble beginning as a black-and-white newsletter, the publication is now a glossy printed and online magazine that publishes community news, discussions about issues affecting the community and profiles of local Muslim community members.

At the same time, it’s become a historical archive, as it charted the changes and growth of the province’s Muslim community, which today numbers between 25,000 to 30,000 people.

There had been previous attempts to create newsletters to keep the community informed before Manitoba Muslim. But those efforts only lasted a short time.

For Mukhtar, who is author of the book Manitoba Muslims: a History of Resilience and Growth, communication like that provided by the magazine is “foundational for any community, particularly for one as diverse and predominantly immigrant-based as the local Muslim community.”

The magazine, which is published two to three times a year, is “a forum for the community,” he said, tackling issues such as raising children, mental health, Islamophobia, struggles with faith, the role of women in the community and dealing with conflict.

Of special concern is addressing the challenges experienced between newcomer parents and their children.

“Over time, the culture gap between them grows wider and wider,” he said, noting that experts are able to share their wisdom and experience. “Children adapt and change more quickly than their parents. It has the potential for conflict.”

The magazine also addresses international issues.

“With people in the community from all over the world, every time there’s a crisis someone here is affected,” Mukhtar said. “Gaza, Syria, Yemen, Sudan — things that happen in every corner of the world has a direct impact on someone here. The list is endless.”

In the 44-page anniversary issue, writers shared about the role the magazine has played in their lives.

“Growing up, I would rarely see an honest representation of Muslims in the media,” wrote one person, noting this was especially true after 9/11.

“At best, we were portrayed as a strange novelty; at worst, we were villains needing to justify our very existence. The way Manitoba Muslim presented our reality was a refreshing ray of hope.”

Another, now living in Toronto, wrote about how the magazine keeps him connected to his roots in Manitoba. One young woman challenged readers about the role of women in the community.

Like any other editor, Mukhtar has received his share of criticism.

“People will ask me why we covered that, why we missed that,” he said. “We aren’t going to please everyone.”

He also doesn’t duck controversial topics. “We are a community magazine, so we have to reflect the whole community. But we try to do it as objectively as possible.”

Manitoba Muslim is free; funding is provided through advertising and financial support from the Manitoba Islamic Association, which is also the publisher. It can be viewed on the association website at miaonline.org.

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