Over 100 Canadian Imams Join “Orange Khutba Day” Campaign for Truth and Reconciliation​

On Friday, September 26, Imams in over 35 cities coast to coast will address the tragic legacy of residential schools and the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples, the original guardians of this land.

This initiative raises awareness about the shared responsibility of Muslims to stand with Indigenous communities. The sermon calls on Mosque attendees to recognize that Canada’s residential school system amounted to a complex genocide of Indigenous language, culture and lives. Over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families between the late 1800s and 1996. Thousands died due to violence, abuse, neglect and disease.  Mass graves continue to be uncovered nationwide.

“This campaign reflects our religious duty to support the oppressed in the face of injustice and to promote understanding,” said Imam Sikander Hashmi, Executive Director of the CCI. “As Muslims, we must stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples who continue to seek truth and equity in Canada.”

“Through this khutbah (sermon) initiative, Canadian mosques remind their congregations that reconciliation is a responsibility rooted in our faith, and that includes upholding justice and dignity for all peoples,” explained Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. 

Orange Khutba Day coincides with Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which officially takes place on September 30 annually. The campaign calls on all Canadian Muslims to learn Indigenous history, reject stereotypes, and meaningfully participate in reconciliation. 

Justice For All Canada’s Indigenous Solidarity campaign aims to foster trust with Indigenous communities while advocating for equal rights, including access to clean water, housing, education and healthcare.

Watch an interview about the Orange Khutba Campaign GTA Muslims Today and Maskwa David Alexanderson, Indigenous Engagement Coordinator with Justice for All Canada.