Ottawa, Canada, July 5, 2026 – Indonesia’s Ambassador to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, expressed his support for the Islamic Financial Literacy Roadshow organized by Dompet Dhuafa USA in collaboration with Sakinah Finance and Comfasion. The initiative aims to enhance the Indonesian diaspora’s understanding of personal and family financial management based on Islamic principles.
During a meeting at his official residence in Ottawa, Ambassador Muhsin welcomed Murniati Mukhlisin, Founder of Sakinah Finance, accompanied by her assistant Nina Marliani, Sitti Sahro Locke, Executive Director of Dompet Dhuafa USA, and Thomas Locke, Founder of Comfasion.
Sitti Sahro Locke explained that the Islamic financial literacy halaqah series begins in Ottawa with the goal of raising awareness among the Indonesian diaspora about the importance of managing finances in accordance with Islamic teachings. The program covers essential topics such as zakat, Islamic wills _(wasiyyah)_, and Islamic inheritance _(faraid)_ as key components of sustainable family financial planning.
During the meeting, Sahro also highlighted Dompet Dhuafa USA’s humanitarian initiatives. In addition to channeling zakat, sadaqah, and qurban donations to Indonesia, the organization has participated in food drive programs to assist civilians affected by the war in Gaza.
“We recently hosted Ramadan iftar gatherings for new Muslim converts, distributed copies of the Qur’an, and appointed Muslim chaplains to provide religious guidance and pastoral care for incarcerated Muslims in prisons across the United States,” Sahro said.
Meanwhile, Murniati Mukhlisin noted that one of the topics most requested by members of the Indonesian diaspora is the prevention of family wealth disputes, an issue that has become increasingly common in many countries. “I co-authored the book Islamic Personal Finance with Luqyan Tamanni and Farisah Amanda to help integrate personal and family financial management into school and university curricula,” Murniati said while presenting a copy of the book to Ambassador Muhsin.
Responding to the presentation, Ambassador Muhsin Syihab welcomed the initiative and expressed his hope that the Islamic Financial Literacy Roadshow would become a regular program. According to the Ambassador, the need for Islamic financial education will continue to grow as the Indonesian community in Canada expands, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.
Also present at the meeting, Mariam Rahmania, the Ambassador’s wife, shared her experience organizing regular programs for Indonesian women in the diaspora, including those in intercultural marriages. These activities focus on improving Qur’an recitation while strengthening family relationships, social connections, and religious values within the home.
Through the collaboration between the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Ottawa, Sakinah Finance, and Dompet Dhuafa USA, the organizers hope to expand Islamic financial literacy among the Indonesian diaspora, helping families build stronger financial foundations, foster harmony, and develop sound financial plans rooted in Islamic principles.
Source: Sakinah Finance Public Relations
