The history of Muslim Welfare Canada is closely linked to the lives of its founders, Major Muhammad Abbas Ali, a retired Pakistan Army officer, and his wife, Sarwar Jahan Begum. The elderly couple arrived in Canada in the late 1980s as visitors and immediately set out to make a difference in their new community by raising awareness about supporting charitable causes.
Major Abbas undertook several charity walks, including those from Toronto to Ottawa and Toronto to Niagara Falls, to raise funds for the Canadian Arthritis Society, leading by example to inspire others to give back.
In 1993, Major Abbas and Sarwar Jahan Begum established a small Halal Food Bank in Scarborough, Ontario, under the banner of Muslim Welfare Canada of Toronto, with the motto: “Service to humanity is service to Allah (God).” This was made possible through a loan from a good friend and well-wisher.
Starting from a 10×10 foot room, the food bank provided groceries and essentials to anyone in need, regardless of their background. Thanks to generous supporters and volunteers, the food bank’s services grew rapidly in just a few years.
In 1996, Major Abbas and Sarwar Jahan Begum established the “Muslim Welfare Home for Needy Women and Children” in Whitby, Ontario, a safe haven that addressed a critical gap in the community’s needs.
In 2000, Muslim Welfare Canada began offering international programs such as Support a Child, free clinics, water exploration, and disaster relief. Locally, Halal Meals on Wheels, Halal Food Banks in Montreal and Mississauga (2005), and a free medical clinic for the uninsured in Scarborough (2009) were introduced.
After a brief illness, Major Muhammad Abbas Ali passed away on April 17, 2009, at the age of 87, while visiting Pakistan to oversee international projects. In honor of his contributions, the City of Toronto renamed a park in Scarborough as Major Abbas Ali Park, close to the charity’s head office.
Muslim Welfare Pakistan began its operations in 1998, continuing the work that Major Abbas and Sarwar Jahan Begum had started, providing assistance to communities both locally and internationally.
Following the passing of Major Abbas, Sarwar Jahan Begum continued as the organization’s President. She led the establishment of the Public School Nutrition Program and worked on the Village Reconstruction Project in Pakistan. She passed away on March 18, 2013, at the age of 84.
Muslim Welfare Canada continues to honor the tireless work of its founders, supported by countless volunteers and well-wishers. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to serve humanity in the spirit of its motto: “Service to humanity is service to Allah (God).” May Allah (SWT) grant us the strength to continue this journey. Ameen!
