In 2007, the federal government designated October as Canadian Islamic History Month, to celebrate, inform, educate, and share Muslim heritage with fellow Canadians. It is a time to acknowledge the significant contributions of Muslims to our country’s prosperity and diverse heritage. Contributions from Muslim communities span from science to business, academia to the arts and beyond. 

The Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC) theme for 2024 is Health & Healing, providing an opportunity to explore and celebrate the profound contributions of Muslim scholars and scientists to the field of medicine. Some of the most notable historical figures who have made contributions to medicine, include: 

• Ibn Sina (Avicenna), whose seminal work, The Canon of Medicine, is often regarded as one of the most influential medical texts ever written. This comprehensive encyclopedia of medicine was used as a reference in both the Islamic world and Europe for centuries. Ibn Sina’s detailed descriptions of diseases, his emphasis on clinical observation, and his introduction of various therapeutic methods transformed medical practice and education. 

• Al-Razi (Rhazes), whose contributions include Kitab al-Hawi and Kitab al-Mansuri, which were pioneering in their systematic approach to medical knowledge. Al-Razi is celebrated for his work on the diagnosis and treatment of smallpox and measles, and his pioneering use of clinical trials and patient observations helped establish a scientific method in medicine. 

• Ibn al-Nafis is another trailblazer whose discovery of pulmonary circulation marked a significant advancement in understanding the human cardiovascular system. His observations predated similar discoveries in the West by several centuries, showcasing his exceptional contributions to medical science. 

These scholars and scientists – among many others – demonstrate a holistic approach to well-being and numerous contributions to modern medicine as we know it today.  

Through celebrating achievements and promoting inclusion, Islamic History Months aims to create a broader sense of societal awareness and deeper sense of belonging for Muslim Canadians. 

Resources for Further Learning 

• A selection of videos, book and more, curated by Islamic History Month Canada  

• CCDI’s Canadian Islamic History Month Resource Guide 

• CCDI Webinar: Islamophobia 
  • Thursday, October 17, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. 
    Join the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) and Mohamed Hashim, Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), to discuss the evolution of Islamophobia in Canada, its impacts in communities and the workplace, and how individuals and organizations who fear further polarization and backlash can engage in this national discourse to address bias and hate against Muslims. 
    Visit CCDI’s website to learn more and register* 

• Islamic History Month Recommended Reading Guide from the Winnipeg Public Library 

• Free community event at WAG-Qaumajuq: 
  • Islamic Storytelling with Amna Burki – Sunday, October 13, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

* Please note that RRC Polytech is a CCDI Employer Partner, which means all College employees are eligible to receive a free membership to access Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) resources, including webinars. When registering for the webinar, select “Employer Partner” for the registration type.