Muslim Link is continuing its series Muslims of Ottawa. At the Canadian Muslims for Peace, we asked Muslims who attended: What Does Peace Mean To You? Here is the response of Mohammad Mousa who studies Conflict Studies and Human Rights at the University of Ottawa.

Muslim Link is continuing its series Muslims of Ottawa. At the Arabian Canadian Bazaar, we asked Arab Muslims from Ottawa the question: What Do You Want The World to Know about Arab Culture?. Here is an executive member of Carleton University's Salam: Reviving the Arab Culture, Mohamed El Koussy's response.

Muslim Link is continuing its series Muslims of Ottawa. At the Arabian Canadian Bazaar, we asked Arab Muslims from Ottawa the question: What Do You Want The World to Know about Arab Culture?. Here is a volunteer with the Palestinian Students' Association of Carleton University, Hind Al Hassoun's response.

Muslim Link is continuing its series Muslims of Ottawa. At the Arabian Canadian Bazaar, we asked Arab Muslims from Ottawa the question: What Do You Want The World to Know about Arab Culture?. Here is a volunteer with Youth Yemen Gentler & Softer Hearts, Sarah Al Akbari's response.

"The fact that I grew up in Canada, I kind of grew up with Islamic values at the same time – accepting people, multiculturalism, people from different faiths and that's what Islam really teaches. We're in an environment where people are fundamentally good. Being a Muslim in Canada I see people as generally good and letting everyone have their own freedom."

"Being Muslim, Canadian and Palestinian is in many ways a microcosm of Canada as a whole, with its beautiful capacity for coexistence and constructive integration. My personal ability to seamlessly be all three is nothing but a proof that Canada is the best place in the world. Being Muslim is about God and about giving to humanity while making the world a better place. Canada gave the world things like insulin, sonar, and the prosthetic hand. If we are good at something, it's improving the lives of people. Being a Canadian Muslim is a unique privilege and offers a huge opportunity for adding good to the world, through our Canadian values, and through Allah's spiritual guidance. I think in many ways, being Canadian has made me a better Muslim."

"You can be both and one doesn't conflict the other. You can be a good citizen being both." - Bashir Mustafa

"Diversity. Different cultures from different backgrounds coming together and living peacefully. Taking care of each other and being kind to each other." - Zoulfira Miniakhmetova

"Muslim-Canadian is the happiest person in this world. Despite what is happening in the world and how we're being blamed – we are the happiest. Because we know we were created to struggle. Without struggle we cannot enter the highest paradise with our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). He was the best example for us. He was the one who faced the most difficulties in this earth."

"Being a Canadian-Muslim I have the freedom to express myself without being harassed. Well, I mean, there was that one time, but that's okay. I can say whatever's on my mind. I can express who I am through what I wear. I can do whatever I want to do because I am a Canadian-Muslim and nobody seems to mind."

"With our last post, we marked the end of our Muslims of Ottawa photography project. We've come across twenty very extraordinary people, heard their challenges, sorrows and driving influences. The purpose of this project was simply to connect with Muslims in our local community and give back by simply revealing their humanity. We're so inundated with political and skewed social narratives, the fundamental building block of our community is obscured from view: you, the loving, salt-of-earth people that make up the Muslim community.

Whether it was Abu Ahmed talking about his love for his farm and Arabian horses, Bibi and her steadfast determination to not let any "disability" deter her from her love of education or Nicole sharing with us the very heartfelt story of the loss of her father – we learned that these people can be defined by no one other than themselves. And despite the diversity in the cross section of people we encountered, we observed some interesting commonalities such as a steadfast commitment to social justice, a deep and abiding appreciation for being Canadian, a love for family and most common, a strong belief in giving back to the wider community.

This was a deeply humbling and reflective experience for us and we're extremely grateful to have met these wonderful people and the opportunity to share their photographs and stories. Thanks to everyone for supporting this project, for your likes, comments and ideas. We're going to do our best to bring you more interesting and fun projects and hope we can continue to count on your support."

~ Batoul & Ali of abcreatives