In Islam, our leaders — especially our Imams — are more than teachers or speakers. They are guides for the community, helping people through prayer, hardship, and everyday life.
The Prophet ﷺ reminded us:
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be asked about his flock.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
With great power comes great responsibility. An Imam’s role is not just to lead prayers, but to care for the people and the community — to support families and promote what is right and fair.
Sadly, many women in our communities suffer quietly behind closed doors. They carry the pain of abuse in silence and fear, unsure where to turn. Often, the first person they reach out to is a community leader or the Imam. In that moment, the Imam’s compassion and understanding can make all the difference — sometimes even between life and death.
That’s why training our leaders to recognize and respond to domestic violence is so important. It’s not just about knowledge — it’s about saving lives and restoring dignity. When Imams are equipped to handle these situations with care, they can guide families toward healing and justice, rooted in mercy and faith.
Our Community Leaders Training Program answers this important call. This program falls under the umbrella of Nisa Learning, our initiative built on three core pillars: Awareness, Education, and Prevention. Through specialized workshops and open discussions, this training equips Imams across Canada to understand and respond to domestic violence with deep cultural awareness and firm Islamic guidance. The goal is simple — to help families live in safety, peace, and dignity.
No one has more influence in a Muslim community than the Imam. When Imams use that influence to raise awareness and guide families toward safety, they fulfill their sacred responsibility by protecting the vulnerable and promoting justice.
By speaking openly about domestic violence — in khutbahs, community programs, and counselling sessions — Imams can break the silence and change how the community views this issue. Every time an Imam reminds people that abuse goes against our faith, it helps remove stigma and replaces fear with hope.
We are profoundly grateful to the Olive Tree Foundation for providing the grant that allows us to expand this vital work. Their support ensures we can train 50 Imams across major Canadian cities through 2026. This training is structured to be both culturally sensitive and grounded in Islamic principles, featuring input from legal experts, social workers, and law enforcement.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of you are those who are best to their families.”
(Tirmidhi)
Community leaders and Imams can bring this teaching to life when they have the right tools and knowledge. Through programs like Nisa Foundation’s training, they can learn to:
A trained community leader becomes more than an advisor — he becomes a lifeline of safety and support, guiding people with wisdom and mercy.
Many survivors stay silent because they fear being judged or blamed. Imams who listen with empathy and keep matters private help rebuild that trust. When Imams respond with both faith and compassion, they show that Islam is a source of healing and protection.
Domestic violence is not a private issue — it’s a community concern. When we empower our Imams, we strengthen the entire Ummah.
Here’s how we can all help:
When we empower our leaders, we protect our families. And when we protect our families, we honor the trust Allah has placed upon us all.
Training doesn’t stop at awareness — it leads to prevention. Through khutbahs, youth talks, and marriage counselling, Imams can teach that love, respect, and mercy are the foundation of every home.
By challenging harmful cultural ideas and promoting the Prophet’s ﷺ example of gentleness, Imams and community leaders help stop violence before it starts. They remind us that real strength lies in kindness, not control.
If you’re a community leader, masjid board member, or Imam who wants to better support families in need, Nisa Learning a program by, Nisa Foundation is here to help. Our Community Leaders Training Program is designed to equip faith leaders with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to address domestic violence with compassion and cultural sensitivity.
Together, we can make our masjids places of safety, healing, and hope. We are in the process of planning a Community Leader Training Session. Please keep an eye on our website for finalized dates and registration information! For more information, visit: Nisa Learning programs.
To request a general Nisa Learning workshop for your school, organization, or mosque, please use our online form:
Contact Nisa Foundation | www.nisafoundation.ca
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