About Here We Belong
Here We Belong is an awareness and education initiative developed to help individuals recognize, understand, and respond to Islamophobia while connecting them with practical reporting, support, and community resources. The project was designed to serve youth, women, seniors, families, educators, and community organizations through clear, accessible information and practical tools that support informed decision-making.
Funded Through the Safer and Vital Communities Grant
Funded in part by the Government of Ontario
The Safer and Vital Communities Grant supports local initiatives that address community safety, build awareness, strengthen protective factors, and help reduce risks associated with hate, discrimination, and other threats to community wellbeing.
Jamiat-ul-Ansar
Jamiat-ul-Ansar began with humble roots in the basement of one of its founders, Imam Mohammed Usuf. What started as efforts to teach children how to read the Qur'an and remain connected to their faith gradually grew into a larger community seeking opportunities to learn, worship, and gather together.
As the congregation expanded, the community established regular programs and prayers in rented facilities before purchasing land and ultimately building a permanent mosque. Construction of the current masjid began in 2002 and was completed in 2009 through years of fundraising, volunteer effort, and community support.
Today, Jamiat-ul-Ansar serves as a centre for worship, education, volunteerism, and community service. Beyond its religious programs, the mosque actively supports initiatives that strengthen families, encourage civic engagement, and serve both the Muslim and wider community. It was through this commitment to community wellbeing that Jamiat-ul-Ansar undertook the Here We Belong project.
The Goal of
Here We Belong
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The goal of Here We Belong is to make information easier to understand, access, and act upon.
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The project recognizes that many people are unsure how to identify incidents, understand their rights, access support services, or determine appropriate next steps when faced with discrimination, harassment, online hate, scams, or other community safety concerns.
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Through audience-specific resources, reporting pathways, educational materials, outreach tools, and curated support services, Here We Belong seeks to empower individuals with knowledge while strengthening connections between community members and the organizations that can support them.
Leadership & Project Oversight
The Here We Belong project was overseen by Shaykh Zahir Arshad Bacchus, Imam of Jamiat-ul-Ansar Mosque in Brampton and a respected educator and community leader.
Raised in Toronto, Shaykh Zahir studied at the University of Toronto before completing several years of advanced Arabic and Islamic studies in Jordan and Syria. For more than two decades, he has served the Brampton community through teaching, counselling, mentorship, and outreach.
As the religious leader of Jamiat-ul-Ansar, Shaykh Zahir works closely with youth, families, educators, and community organizations. Beyond his role at the mosque, he co-founded a private school and has contributed to educator training and curriculum development initiatives in Canada.
He is actively engaged with civic and public institutions, delivering workshops and training on Islam and cultural understanding for organizations including Peel Regional Police, Brampton Fire, and Peel Regional Paramedic Services. He has also served in advisory capacities with regional school boards and community organizations, and currently sits on the Interfaith Council of Peel and Brampton's Faith Leaders Committee.
In recognition of his contributions to youth and community development, he was appointed to the Premier's Council on Equality of Opportunity, where he contributes to discussions and recommendations supporting young people facing social and economic barriers.
His experience in education, public engagement, and community leadership helped guide the vision and development of the Here We Belong initiative.
