Welcoming All Faiths
Though the center focuses on Muslim women, its doors are open to women of faiths who seek protection from a violent relationship.
“This shelter brings together people of all faiths,” Sudan said.
“Everybody comes together and we are one family under the shelter. I don’t care what your religion is. It doesn’t matter to me. We just want to be here to help you move from one place to the other.”
Sudan hopes to open more shelters for Muslim women in areas that need capacity.
“Let me tell you something,” Sudan said. “Domestic violence shelters are very scarce and they’re very full. COVID didn’t help this situation so lots of women have had to stay in the home with the abuser, with nowhere to go during the pandemic. Almost every shelter is full because there is always abuse.
“If it’s not child abuse, it’s elder abuse, or it’s spousal abuse, or it’s intimate partner abuse. The abuse never ends.”
Supporting Women
There are also many other Muslim groups offering support for women fleeing abuse.
Nisa Homes, another Mississauga-based group, also offers transitional homes for Muslim, immigrant and refugee women and children who are seeking shelter after fleeing domestic violence.
Nisa Homes was started by the National Zakat Foundation, a non-profit organization that collects donations from Muslims and gives to other Muslims in need.
The group operates four shelters across Canada; in Mississauga, Ont., Surrey, B.C., Windsor, Ont., and Calgary. The homes shelter anywhere between eight to 12 women at a time.
Muslim scholars confirm that any form of domestic violence contradicts Islamic teachings.
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