identity through art
The Canadian Prayer Rug
threads of culture
A Rich History
Muslims around the world pray on rugs that reflect the places and traditions they come from. The Canadian Prayer Rug is a locally designed and woven tapestry that tells the story of Edmonton’s Muslim community and its deep-rooted connections to this land. Inspired by the spirit of collaboration that built Canada’s first mosque – Al Rashid – this rug honours the contributions of Indigenous, Lebanese, Ukrainian, and Syrian communities in shaping our shared history.
woven identity
Artistic Cultural Expression
Rug weaving is more than craftsmanship – it is a storytelling tradition. The Canadian Prayer Rug weaves together the city’s natural and human landscapes, incorporating motifs that pay tribute to Treaty Six territory and First Nations land. Made with locally sourced wool, hand-dyed with native plants, the rug reflects the region’s rich history and evolving identity.This project is more than the creation of a rug – it is an affirmation of the deep roots of Edmonton’s Muslim community and a step toward cultivating a uniquely Canadian Muslim identity.
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The Story of the Rug
Al Rashid Mosque
Built in 1938, on land donated by the City of Edmonton, funded by members of all monotheistic faiths, designed by a Ukrainian-Canadian architect, resembling a Russian Orthodox Church, and preserved through the tireless efforts of some ambitious Muslim women who refused to let the mosque be demolished, the Al-Rashid is a symbol of unity and solidarity for the Edmonton community. The mosque now resides in Fort Edmonton Park as a heritage site.
The Design
Rooted in the meaning of place and belonging, the Canadian Prayer Rug reflects the concept of "Pehonan" – a Cree word for "gathering place" – and "Masjid," the Arabic word for a space of prayer and community. This design embodies the diverse and interconnected landscapes that define Edmonton and Alberta. The rug was created through a collaboration between Métis designer Kit Craven and Muslim weaver Noor Iqbal, blending their artistic traditions to craft a piece that symbolizes Alberta’s natural and communal landscapes.
Our key partners
The Green Room
The Green Room, IslamicFamily's youth initiative, offers Edmonton youth and young adults a place to connect, engage in meaningful dialogue, and receive support for their personal growth. Whether at our Community Hüb, exploring the city, or on campus, we aim to create an open and welcoming environment for gathering, growing, and supporting each other.
Learn MoreEdmonton Heritage Council
The Edmonton Heritage Council (EHC) was founded in 2009 to give voice to the city's memory. Through advocacy, grants, initiatives and programming, EHC provides both a voice and a platform to Edmonton's heritage community, and stimulates the interest of Edmontonians in their own heritage. EHC is the primary funder for The Canadian Prayer Rug project.
Learn MoreShubinak
Shubinak is a sustainable apparel and lifestyle brand working around the diverse skills of Pakistan’s artisans. Its beginnings are rooted in the deep green valleys of Chitral, where the actual term refers to the warping of a loom by women spinners, literally meaning ‘spider’ (nature’s master weaver), in the Khowar language. Shubinak preserves ancient artistries, passed down through generations, such as handloom weaving, hand embroidery, crochet, hand knitting, manual quilting, hand screen-printing, block printing, and natural dyeing.
Learn MoreOur Mission
Supporting the whole person flourish in the community
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