Building Bridge, Breaking Barriers, Facilitating Access
ISLAMIC SOCIAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION INC, CANADA (ISSA) is a not for profit community based charitable organization that serves as a network for addressing the multifaceted needs and concerns of Canadian Muslims and their families and is guided by the teachings of justice, equality, and respect for human rights as laid out in the Islamic tradition and bound by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ISSA’s mission is to promote awareness of the mental health, social welfare and general family issues impacting Muslims and the larger society.
ISSA Mandate
In collaboration with and integrated into mainstream human services, we provide family, health and social welfare services, inclusive of the many cultural and ethnic groups that comprise our Muslim communities in Manitoba and Canada. ISSA helps facilitate, bridge, navigate, advocate, collaborate, educate and build awareness and provide direct service and support to individuals and communities by collaborating and integrating into mainstream health and social services of our community.
ISSA Mission
Canadian society is inclusive and has a strengthened Muslim community, where cultural and ethnic groups and their members' social, cultural, spiritual and economic well-being is fundamental. Each persons' potential is achieved by accessing and receiving culturally, linguistically and spiritually appropriate health, social and economic services and supports.
ISSA Story
ISSA was established in 1999 at a meeting of 60 Muslim social workers, mental health professionals and counsellors in Washington D.C. Visionary founders of ISSA are: the late Dr. Maryam Funches, Dr. Aneesah Nadir, Dr. Bilquis Eltarab and Shahina Siddiqui. In 2003 ISSA split into 2 sister and independent organizations: one in the USA and one in Canada. ISSA Canada operates as a non-profit, charitable organization and carries a mission to provide family, health, and social welfare services inclusive of the many cultural and ethnic groups that comprise the Muslim community in North America.
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ISSA Founders
Shahina Siddiqui, BA. LLD.
Executive director of ISSA Canada, Co-Founder
Shahina Siddiqui is a freelance writer, author, spiritual counsellor, speaker, and educator who has spent decades building bridges between faith and cultural communities, promoting human rights, and fostering cultural understanding. Originally from Pakistan, she moved to Winnipeg in 1976 and holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English and Philosophy from the University of Karachi.
In 1999, she co-founded Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA) Canada and continues to serve as its volunteer Executive Director. Through ISSA, she has led initiatives addressing Islamophobia, anti-racism, extremism, and cultural competency, while developing educational programs and resources for professionals and communities.
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Dr. Siddiqui also co-founded Al-Hijra Islamic School, the Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute, the Canadian Muslim Leadership Institute, and the Interfaith Council of Women–Manitoba. A respected writer, speaker, and advocate, she has worked extensively to combat racism and discrimination and to strengthen dialogue among diverse communities.
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Her contributions to social justice and community development have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award (2016), and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Manitoba (2019). Now a grandmother of three, she continues to work toward a hate-free and more inclusive Canada.
Dr. Aneesah Nadir
Immediate Past-President of ISSA USA, Co-Founder
Dr. Aneesah Nadir is a retired Arizona State University social work professor. She has enjoyed a fulfilling career as a social worker for over 40 years and continues to mentor students in social work and other human service professions. She is an award-winning pioneer in the field of Muslim mental health and provides diversity education and training.
Dr. Nadir is a trailblazing leader in the Healthy Muslim Marriage Movement. She raises awareness about the impact of healthy marriage and dysfunctional marriage on mental health and well-being. She has developed and provides the Before the Nikah® Marriage Preparation Course and other premarital education programs through the Before the Nikah Institute. She is also the author of the book, Before the Nikah: Proven Principles to Help Single Muslims Choose Wisely and Build Strong Marriages.
Dr. Nadir serves as the President and is a cofounder of the Islamic Social Services Association-USA (ISSA-USA), a national nonprofit headquartered in Arizona which provides mental health education and advocacy. ISSA-USA's Sakinah Healthy Marriage Initiative and the Annual National Healthy Muslim Marriage Week raises awareness about the importance of Healthy Marriages and Families in the Muslim Community.
