Over the last decade, the number of Muslims in Southwest Ontario has grown. Muslims come from many countries and different cultures. The rich diversity presents both opportunities and challenges. The opportunity to ' know each other ' and to share our common core values provides the basis of a community and the means to face the challenges of community development. Growth requires service to all members of the Islamic community irrespective of origin, sex, race or age. It requires striving for excellence, supporting each other, and cultivating cohesion and harmony.
The need is growing to provide the Muslims of Southwestern Ontario with development programs and activities that will provide a network for interraction between second and third generation Canadian Muslims, new Muslim immigrants, and Canadian community at large. Development requires that Muslims play a full and participatory role in Canadian society, not only receiving what is acceptable within the ethical framework but transmitting to others Islamic values.