Atif Mirza
As I look back on my childhood, memories of my friends with cottages hold a special place in my heart. I recall the excitement in their voices as they invited me to spend weekends and vacations with them at their serene waterfront getaways. Those moments were like snapshots of happiness and joy, etched into my mind forever.
Growing up in Ottawa, I was fortunate to be part of a vibrant and diverse community, where friendships blossomed like wildflowers in the spring. Our parents, part of the first generation of Muslims in the city, had worked tirelessly to build a life for us and instill in us the values and traditions of our heritage.
As I spent time at my friends’ cottages, I couldn’t help but feel a yearning deep within me—a longing to provide the same magical experiences for my own children someday. I wanted my kids to be able to entertain their friends, build unbreakable bonds, and create cherished memories just like I did when I was young.
Fast forward to the present, and that longing has only grown stronger. I am now a parent myself, blessed with beautiful children who deserve to experience the joy of a cottage by the water. My heart swells with love for them, and I know in my soul that I want to create an oasis for them—a place where they can unwind, away from the bustle of city life, and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
But this dream is more than just a desire for a vacation property. It is about preserving the values and traditions that define us as a Muslim family. It is about staying true to our faith and instilling in our children the importance of our cultural heritage. In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and disconnected, this retreat by the water is a refuge—a place where we can strengthen our bond as a family and foster a sense of community with others who share our beliefs.
But it wasn’t just about me and my family. I knew this vision was about creating something for the whole Muslim community—a place where families from all walks of life could come together and find solace in each other’s company. It was about making dreams come true for those who, like me, had longed for a cottage by the water.
The dream of an all-inclusive Muslim vacation resort now stands before me, a beacon of hope and possibility. As I continue this journey, fueled by love, faith, and an unyielding passion to make this vision a reality, I am reminded that dreams, no matter how audacious, are within reach when we believe in them with all our hearts. My children, the third generation of Muslims in Ottawa, deserve this, and I will not rest until I have unlocked the door to this waterfront oasis for them and for all the other muslims who share this dream with me.
Dream of A Gated Muslim Community that aligns with Islamic Principles.
The significance of having a waterfront property for Muslim families to spend quality time together.
The dream of a resort that aligns with Islamic principles is like a tapestry woven with threads of faith, culture, and cherished values. It is a vision of a tranquil retreat nestled by the water, where families can come together, bask in the beauty of nature, and celebrate their identity without compromise.
At the heart of this vision lies a deep commitment to preserving the essence of our faith. The resort would be a sanctuary where Islamic traditions are honored, where halal restaurants offer delectable cuisine, and where prayer rooms are there for spiritual nourishment. It would be a place where families could rest assured that their cherished values would remain intact, creating an environment that fosters modesty, respect, and a sense of community.
This gated community would be a home away from home—a place where families from all walks of life could find solace, rejuvenation, and connection. It would be a haven of unity, where diverse backgrounds converge, and friendships flourish, transcending barriers of culture and nationality. Amidst the serenity of nature’s embrace, bonds would strengthen, and hearts would be filled with joy, love, and gratitude.
Having a waterfront property for families is not just about indulging in the beauty of the landscape, but also about the intrinsic significance it holds in our faith. Water is a symbol of purification in Islam, and being near the water serves as a reminder of our spiritual journey. It becomes a place for reflection and gratitude, as we marvel at the wonders of creation and seek tranquility in the rhythmic lapping of the waves.
Moreover, a waterfront property offers a canvas for unforgettable moments. Children would delight in splashing in the water, building sandcastles, and laughing with their friends. Parents would cherish precious moments watching their little ones grow, surrounded by the love and support of extended family and friends. It would be a space to nurture bonds, create cherished memories, and strengthen the ties that bind us together.
For families, who often find themselves navigating the challenges of modern life, this resort by the water becomes a lifeline. It is a place to step away from the noise and find balance in the peaceful surroundings. Here, amidst the beauty of God’s creation, we can reflect on our faith, renew our connection with Allah, and find solace in His presence.
In a world that can sometimes feel disjointed and fragmented, the dream of a place that aligns with our principles becomes a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the power of unity, the strength of faith, and the profound beauty of embracing our identity while embracing the world around us.
As the vision takes shape, it becomes a symbol of collective empowerment—a testament to what can be achieved when hearts and minds align with a shared purpose. The dream of this resort is not just about a vacation—it is about creating a legacy, a place where generations to come will find solace, joy, and a sense of belonging and a place that turns vacations into income streams.
The first generation have established countless numbers of mosques, halal restaurants and other focused establishments, the second generation, we must go further – we must look at the needs of the second, third and future generations and establish things, which are and will become important.
There is no doubt that so many resorts exist in the western world and how many muslims book vacations but It is mind boggling that not a single Muslim resort existed before MyQarya the first phase of Khaydin.
And as I continue to work towards bringing this dream to fruition, I am filled with gratitude, knowing that with every step, we are drawing closer to a future where families can find a sanctuary by the water, and the essence of our values can be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.
If I know anything about the way we are, one thing is common – we may not be the first to start but once someone does start something and it does well, others are not far behind to replicate the same or better.
And, I for one – welcome this. We need more resorts that cater to our values within driving distance from all major cities in North America. I have plans to launch 10 resorts within the next five years and I welcome any other wanting to launch a resort to reach out to me and use my blueprint.
It took me a longtime to figure out what kind of land is suitable, how to get the government approvals for the land, what kind of costs and research is involved in setting things up and how to make sure everyone knows about it.
I will open heartily make all my plans available to those who want to replicate my resort or their own ideas around other major cities in North America. I will also share a book that was written as a roadmap for creating MyQarya. Reach out to me at resorts@khaydin.com
Why We Need Targeted Resorts: Embracing the Generational Shift
As the Muslim community in Canada has evolved over the years, we have seen a generational shift that has shaped the needs and aspirations of each successive generation regarding vacation properties. Understanding these differences is crucial in creating a resort that not only caters to the diverse needs of our community but also bridges the gap between traditions and modernity.
Where did they vacation?
The first generation of Muslims in Ottawa, Montreal or any other place in Canada were pioneers who worked diligently to build a new life in a foreign land. They came with a deep commitment to their faith and cultural heritage, seeking to preserve their traditions in a new environment. For them, vacation properties were often seen as a luxury, as they focused on establishing a stable foundation for their families in their adopted homeland. Their vacations were primarily centered around visiting family in their countries of origin, as these trips allowed them to reconnect with their roots and maintain a sense of cultural identity.
What is the second generation doing?
As the second generation of Muslims emerged, they were born and raised in Canada, immersed in a multicultural society. This generation sought to strike a balance between their parents’ traditions and the modern world around them. They began to embrace the idea of vacation properties as a means of creating lasting memories with friends and family. Being exposed to Canadian culture, many second-generation Muslims developed a desire to own vacation properties similar to their non-Muslim friends. However, the challenge of interest-based financing often deterred them from realizing this dream at a faster pace.
Growing up as a second generation, my parents went out of their way to make sure we have strong rooted values and now that I have my own children, I seem to be doing to my children what my parents did to me “trying my best for them to keep true to our faith”.
Third and future generations
Now, we find ourselves at the threshold of the third generation of Muslims in Canada. This generation is a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and Canadian identity. They are born and raised in Canada, but their hearts are rooted in the values passed down by their grandparents and parents. The aspiration and the need for vacation properties is stronger than ever, with a yearning for a serene getaway where they can retreat from the hustle of city life and bond with family and friends.
Bridge that connects
MyQarya is like a bridge that connects these three generations. It honors the traditions and cultural heritage cherished by the first generation while embracing the desires and aspirations of the second and third generations. The resort provides a space where faith and modernity harmoniously coexist.
Moreover, the resort caters to the changing needs of the third generation by providing a contemporary, all-inclusive experience. With halal restaurants, prayer rooms, and water activities, the resort seamlessly combines tradition with modern amenities, creating a space where families can unwind, connect, and build lifelong memories.
The resort is not just a vacation property—it is a manifestation of unity and a celebration of the generational shift within the community. As the baton passes from one generation to the next, this resort becomes a legacy—a place where families can come together, embrace their identity, and create a future that honors the past. It represents a shared vision of building a harmonious community that embraces both tradition and progress, and a testament to the resilience of the Muslim community in Canada.