Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri Asociation of Ottawa

Founded by Muslim families from East Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East who settled in the Canadian capital during the late twentieth century, the Islamic Ithna Asheri Association of Ottawa has grown into one of the most active community centres in the Bells Corners area of the city. Ottawa itself is a city with a long Indigenous history before European arrival, shaped afterwards by the lumber trade along the Ottawa River, the construction of the Rideau Canal, and its selection as the capital of Canada by Queen Victoria. Muslims began arriving in significant numbers after 1960, with the founding community gathering first in private homes before establishing dedicated centres across the national capital region.
The association takes its name from the twelve imams of the household of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, a lineage that includes Ali ibn Abi Talib, al Hasan, and al Husayn (may God be pleased with them), whose lives of worship, knowledge, and sacrifice remain a powerful inspiration for the community. Programmes at the centre include daily congregational prayers, weekly majalis of remembrance, Qur'anic memorisation classes, Arabic lessons, youth camps, and adult halaqas on Islamic ethics, Qur'anic exegesis, and the lives of the prophets and their noble companions.
The building reflects contemporary Canadian community mosque design, with a large carpeted prayer hall on the main floor, a dignified mihrab aligned precisely toward Makkah, a separate family section arranged for women and children, and downstairs halls used for weddings, funerals, interfaith dinners, and educational conferences. Volunteers cook collective meals for Ramadan, prepare sweets for Eid, and organise food drives for Ottawa food banks, reflecting the centre's commitment to serving the broader community as well as its own members. The surrounding neighbourhood of Bells Corners, with its mature trees, quiet streets, and proximity to the Greenbelt, offers a peaceful setting for worship throughout the four Canadian seasons. On this page you will find the current daily prayer timings for Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha at the centre, along with a map and contact details for every resident, visitor, or newcomer to Ottawa who wishes to join the community in worship.