Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion with many differing sects which believes that:

  • There is one all-knowing divinity (Allah) and Muhammad is his messenger.
  • Perfect peace comes from total submission to Allah.
  • By following the "Five Pillars of Faith" one can achieve perfect peace.
  • The Qur'an and Hadith are sacred texts which outline the characteristics of Allah and offer guidance about how individuals should live.
  • One day, Allah, with absolute justice and mercy, will judge all of human kind.

The Five Pillars of Islam

  1. To testify your belief in One God (called Allah in Arabic) and the Prophet Muhammed as His Last and Final Messenger (peace and blessings of God be upon him).
  2. To pray five daily prayers at their appointed times
  3. To fast from dawn to dusk during the lunar month of Ramadan.
  4. To pay alms on excess wealth.
  5. To make Pilgrimage to the Mosque in Mecca once in a lifetime, if one is able.

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Islamic Chaplain:

Ibrahim Long

1. Religious Affiliation
Sunni Muslim
2. Educational History

BA (Cum Laude) Humanities and Religious Studies

Graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy

MA Islamic Studies & Christian-Muslim Relations

Residency (2yrs) in Clinical Spiritual Care and Counselling (i.e., CPE)

3. Joined the U of A
2019
4. Current Focus at the U of A
I provide support for students and staff desiring spiritually-sensitive counsel, consultation, and education.
5. Other Passions and Interests
You probably won’t be surprised to know that I love to learn about all things religious and spiritual. In fact, I am fascinated by the various ways human beings presently and historically have engaged with spirituality and the sacred. However, I am also bit of a nerd. I enjoy reading academic, historical, and fictional books as well as watching Marvel and Star Wars movies. For fun, I also enjoy playing Katan and other games with family and friends.
6. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A
As a chaplain, I aim to provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts, concerns, and questions in a spiritually-sensitive, meaningful, and welcoming manner. I deeply believe in the need for support services and spaces that integrate culture, spirituality, and strategies for wellbeing. Whether you want to talk about life’s challenges, religion, spirituality, or just connect, I am here to help.

Ali Altaf
Islamic Chaplain:

Ali Altaf

1. Religious Affiliation
Muslim
2. Educational History
BA Psychology & Sociology UAlberta
3. Joined the U of A
2016
4. Current Focus at the U of A
As an associate chaplain, my goal is to offer a compassionate and understanding presence providing a listening ear and thoughtful guidance. Whether you need someone to talk to seek advice or simply share your experiences I am here to support you in navigating university life with care and empathy.
5. Other Passions and Interests
I love exploring the city we live in whether it’s biking through the river valley or checking out a new cafe. I also enjoy traveling to different countries and experiencing various cultures and meeting new people. But at the end of the day I’m happiest when I’m having chai and catching up with family and friends.
6. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A
When I was an undergraduate student I found comfort and guidance through the support of a Muslim chaplain. This experience had a profound impact on me during a pivotal time in my life. My biggest motivation for becoming a chaplain at the University of Alberta is to give back to the space and community that provided me with such meaningful support and to offer the same care and guidance to others navigating their own journeys.
7. Contact

Islamic Chaplain:

Zuhour Mousa

1. Religious Affiliation
Muslim
2. Educational History

Currently a student at the UofA. In my last year of undergrad majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology.

3. Joined the U of A
2021
4. Current Focus at the U of A
 A student who is passionate about helping others, offering peer support as associate chaplain.
5. Other Passions and Interests
I want to be a safe space for students to talk about whatever they want. I want to offer a nonjudgmental ear to whoever is seeking support, no matter who they are.
6. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A
I love exploring different cafes and recently I’ve started to read more! I also love a good binge worthy TV show!
7. Contact