Islamic Restoration Society – IRES
Empowering Muslims to Reach Their Full Potential by Restoring Broken Bonds
The Islamic Restoration Society – IRES is a Canadian charitable non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening our communities by preventing crime and fostering successful reintegration. Founded by a dedicated group of Muslims and their allies, we address the complex challenges of crime and recidivism by focusing on the root cause: broken connections.
Our work is centered on restoring the vital bonds between individuals and their faith, family, and community. We believe that by nurturing these connections, we can empower people to reach their God-given potential and become esteemed, contributing members of society.
Our efforts are concentrated on a continuum of care that addresses three critical areas:
- Prevention & Youth Outreach: We engage with young people to foster personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of identity, preventing them from heading down a path toward criminal activity.
- Islamic Prison Ministry – In-Prison Support: We work within correctional facilities to provide guidance, education, and a pathway to redemption and change for incarcerated individuals.
- Reintegration – Community Post-Release Support: We provide comprehensive support after an individual’s release to ensure they have a stable foundation to successfully and permanently rejoin society.
Our Vision
We envision a compassionate and harmonious society where every individual, regardless of their past, is empowered to achieve their full potential. We see a future where broken bonds are mended and those on the margins are embraced by a supportive community and can live with purpose, dignity, and faith.
Our Mission
To reduce crime and its negative impact on society by reconnecting Muslims with their community, heritage, and the guiding principles of their faith. Through education, mentorship, and compassionate support, we empower at-risk youth and incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives.
Our Approach: What We Do
IRES achieves its mission through a multi-faceted approach focused on prevention, in-prison support, and post-release success.
Prevention & Youth Outreach
We believe the most effective way to fight crime is to prevent it. We support and guide families and communities to prevent youth from being involved in crimes. We develop and run projects aimed at youth, providing them with the mentorship, positive connections, and sense of belonging needed to make positive life choices.
Islamic Prison Ministry: In-Prison Support
We work closely with the correctional system to create a pathway for redemption and change.
- Chaplaincy Support: We empower Chaplains by providing volunteers, educational materials, religious items, and resources to make their services more effective.
- Islamic Correctional Programs: We actively participate in inmates’ correctional plans by offering courses and services that address key needs and support their rehabilitation.
- Parole & Release Preparation: We support inmates in their parole hearings and help them prepare for a successful return to the community.
Reintegration: Community Post-Release Support
The journey doesn’t end at the gate. We provide critical support to individuals after their release to ensure they have a stable foundation for a new life.
- Community Connection: We facilitate Escorted Temporary Absences (non-security ETAs) for inmates to connect with local mosques and community leaders, building a support network before release.
- Practical Support: We explore opportunities for housing support, sustainable employment, micro-loans for entrepreneurship in order to help individuals achieve financial independence and stability.
- Family Services: We recognize that incarceration affects the whole family and offer support services to help them heal and reconnect.
Our Guiding Principles
Our identity and actions are shaped by a core set of beliefs that ensure our work is impactful, respectful, and true to our mission.
- Faith-Inspired: We are guided by the Islamic teachings of mercy, redemption, and the limitless potential within every human. We are inspired by the words of God in the Qur’an: “My worshipers who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of God’s mercy, for God forgives all sins. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Mercy-Giver.”
- Community-Centered: We believe in the African proverb: “A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” This highlights our focus on community support as the ultimate antidote to isolation and crime.
- Collaborative: We act as a neutral mediator and partner to all our stakeholders, including inmates and their families, correctional services, law enforcement, and other non-profit and community organizations. Our goal is to find common ground and work together for the greater good.
- Focused and Non-Political: IRES is a non-political organization. We firmly rejects radicalism, extremism, and violence. We focus exclusively on our mission within Canada and do not engage in controversial topics or international conflicts.
- Respect and No Compulsion: We adhere strictly to the principle of “No compulsion in religion.” We represent Islam in its best form through action and compassion, never through coercion. While our primary focus is the Muslim community, we will assist any individual when appropriate.
You have a role to play in building a safer, more compassionate society. Your support can transform lives and strengthen our entire community. Here is how you can help:
- Donate: Your financial contribution, whether personal or corporate, directly funds our programs, from providing educational materials in prison to securing housing for someone on release.
- Volunteer: Give the gift of your time and expertise. We have many opportunities to get involved and make a direct impact on someone’s life.
- Partner: If you are part of an organization with a similar mission, we would welcome a partnership to amplify our collective impact.
- Advise: If you have expertise in corrections, social work, law, or non-profit management, consider joining our advisory board to help guide our efforts.
Together, we can restore hope and build a safer future for all.