New Muslim prayer space at QEII VG site opens: “It was our dream”

“It was our dream – we’ve been thinking of this for six years,” said Suhil Abu-Zaid, medical laboratory technologist, of the official opening of the Muslim prayer space at the VG site of the QEII on August 16. Abu-Zaid co-led the efforts with Azza Mohamed, director and site lead for the VG, to create the space, with help from Nova Scotia Health’s Quality Improvement Collaborative team (Taylor Nicholson, Lindsey LeFort, Lisa Cicchelli and Daraspreet Singh).  

The effort was part of a larger Quality Improvement Collaborative project focused on Muslim-inclusive initiatives at the VG, co-led by Mohamed and Abu-Zaid. This initiative also included the addition of Halal options at the VG cafeteria, working with Nutrition and Food Services. The Quality Improvement Collaborative has quality improvement (QI) staff work collaboratively with a small local team to design, implement and evaluate an evidence-informed QI initiative that addresses a pressing clinical, site/service or unit focused priority or challenge.

Muslims pray five times a day – dawn, afternoon, late afternoon, after sunset, and nighttime. The new space will remain open for those wishing to pray according to this schedule. Every Friday at 1:30 p.m., those who wish can also join in a communal service (Salatul-Jumu'ah or Friday Prayer). A group of about 20 Muslim staff were meeting praying in a small room by the chapel on the second floor of the Victoria Building at the VG, before securing the new space.

At the official opening, Wael Haridy, Imam of Sabeel Muslim Youth & Community Centre, led the prayer. Al Ummah Mosque and community Centre’s Imam Abdallah Yousri was also present. Abu-Zaid shared a talk with those who attended Friday’s Khutbah. The focus of the reflection was overcoming negative thoughts.

“When you are thinking negatively, it can take you away from your purpose,” Abu-Zaid shared, switching back and forth between Arabic and English. He pointed to the danger of comparing oneself to others.

“Even though you are surrounded by bounty and blessings, you don’t see them. This will lead you to think you’re a failure. You start not respecting yourself – you don’t see your value.” His advice? “Stop thinking, ‘What is wrong?’ and start thinking, ‘What is right?’”

In the context of the new Muslim prayer space, much is right. With the space provided by Nova Scotia Health and some furniture items secured from the VG’s Return Stores, community donations of time, effort and money have brought the space to life. Abu-Zaid’s mother has been one of its biggest champions, sewing the curtains for the space and working late nights with Abu-Zaid to prepare the space for opening.

Mohamed reflected on the importance of Muslim-inclusive initiatives and other efforts focused on equity, diversity and inclusion at Nova Scotia Health.

“We’re the largest employer in the province. These are small steps, and we need to keep working to be welcoming and inclusive for team members, patients and families. I initiated this Quality Improvement Collaborative project a year ago with the vision of fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace. As a Muslim, I recognized the need for a dedicated prayer space and Halal food options in our hospital. These are essential for supporting not only Muslim employees but also patients and their families. Being part of this initiative allowed me to contribute meaningfully to these improvements, aligning with our broader goal of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Through collaboration, we’ve taken significant steps toward making our hospital a more inclusive place for everyone.”

When asked what the new prayer space means to himself and other Muslim staff at the VG, Abu-Zaid responded, “Everything.”

Photo of Suhil Abu-Zaid, medical laboratory technologist and his mom