Muslim students face unique challenges navigating university life while maintaining their faith and values. This is especially true in Montreal, QC, where many struggle with mental health, spiritual identity, and finding a balance between academic demands and religious commitments. Without proper guidance and support, these challenges can lead to isolation, anxiety, and disconnection from their faith during crucial years of personal development. This is where the Mont Lumiere Foundation steps in to fill a glaring gap in faith-based counseling for Muslim students in Montreal. 

Who we are

Named after the famed Mountain of Light (jabal al-noor) in the Hijaz, and in remembrance of our Montreal origin, the Mont Lumiere Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Montreal, QC established in 2021 as a sister organization to the McGill Muslim Alumni Society.

Our mission is to offer spiritual and mental guidance through Islamic chaplaincy, mentorship, and education, to help build vibrant Muslim communities on university campuses, guided by Islamic principles and the Prophetic way.

Achievements so far

In 2023 we began offering Chaplaincy services to McGill University students and hired our first Chaplain, Faisal Malik. Since then we've expanded to offering our services to Concordia University, and more recently to Dawson College, and brought on Zeytouna Suleiman as our second part-time Chaplain. In addition to individual counselling, we deliver educational classes, sermons, and panel discussions on topics of importance to Muslim youth. Here are some of our client testimonials:

“The chaplaincy helped me so much in understanding the differences between Islam and Christianity. It helped me solidify my decision in taking my shahada subhanAllah. It really really played a big part in my new muslim life." - Marie

“The program helped a lot with understanding how to navigate challenges that Muslim youth face in the West in General and in Canada in particular. Especially important issues like how to balance work with worship and how to handle a young marriage while still being a student.” - Mohamed

“I want to say that this program has helped me immensely…As a member of the McGill community, I found myself a bit lost when it came to seeking guidance on how to process the genocide in Palestine. I needed some talk therapy, but in an Islamic way. I found that the chaplain service really helped me connect to my deen, as well as build a framework in which I view any catastrophe through the lenses of the Quran & Hadith. I truly appreciate the program, and I cannot wait for it to renew in the Fall inshaAllah.” - McGill student

Why we're fundraising

Your donation will directly impact the lives of Muslim students across Montreal. 

The funds will primarily be used to sustain and extend our chaplaincy services across other universities in Montreal, while working towards our larger long-term goal of acquiring a community space in downtown Montreal for prayer, education, and reflection.

We're also currently working towards obtaining official charity status so that we're able to issue tax receipts for donations. By supporting us now, you're helping lay the foundation for a sustainable support system for generations of Muslim students to come.

Learn more

You can learn more about our organization at www.montlumiere.ca , by signing-up to our newsletter, or following our socials on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also read our first impact report and previous publications to learn about our finances, goals and achievements.