Faith, Community, and Conflict Resolution. Member Spotlight: Ibrahim Hussain
For Ibrahim Hussain, mediation is not merely a professional pursuit; it is a lifelong mission shaped by faith, community service, and a deep-rooted desire to make the world a more peaceful place. A faith leader, mediator, arbitrator, and educator, Ibrahim brings a rare combination of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt commitment to his work.
The Power of Religious Community
Born and raised in Blackburn, Lancashire, in northern England, Ibrahim grew up in a community-centered environment where he was immersed in service from a young age. “My father established an interfaith and community center where he would often mediate conflicts,” Ibrahim shared. “Watching him listen to people’s struggles and help them find resolution really inspired me to want to do the same.” His educational journey took him through rigorous studies in Arabic and Islamic theology at a seminary in Lancashire, alongside training in English literature and information communications technology (ICT). He is a graduate of the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. Islamic hymns and Quranic recitation have also become powerful elements of his education and theological commitment. At 21, Ibrahim made the pivotal move to Toronto, Canada. He had fallen in love with the city years before, and he knew this was where he would continue to expand his horizons — and his mission.
That early exposure to community conflict resolution ignited a passion that led Ibrahim to pursue extensive training in mediation, arbitration, and restorative justice. “There’s no substitute for experience,” he reflected, emphasizing that while his seminary education laid the groundwork, it was real-world engagement that pushed him to further develop his skills. Whether he was helping family members, peers, congregants or community members, Ibrahim dedicated himself to providing an outlet to help them navigate their disputes. He continues to push his educational capacity by completing as many courses and trainings as possible, saying, “the moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing.”
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Today, Ibrahim stands out as one of the youngest Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Canada—a designation he earned through relentless dedication and a commitment to professional excellence. Despite his young age, Ibrahim worked tirelessly to gain the trust and respect of his community. “I wanted to credential myself, not just for my own community, but so that I could help people from all backgrounds,” he explained. Now a Roster Mediator for the Ontario Mandatory Mediation Program, Ibrahim mediates civil disputes at the Toronto Courthouse, gaining widespread respect for his professionalism and nuanced understanding of human dynamics. He serves as a member and arbitrator at the Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society, and the ICC Canada Arbitration Committee.
Ibrahim runs his own private practice as a mediator and arbitrator. He is the founder and president of a global nonprofit organization called Sulha Solutions, which is the world’s first online muslim dispute resolution organization. The organization works to provide consulting services in mediation, arbitration, restorative justice, and conflict management to Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, Ibrahim serves as the Imam and director of the Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Mosque that serves the Muslim Community in Mississauga-Lakeshore and the Greater Toronto Area.
Ibrahim’s approach to mediation is deeply influenced by his faith. His proudest accomplishment to date is the publication of his groundbreaking book, Sulha: 40 Narrations on Conciliation, the first Muslim dispute resolution guide of its kind. “It was an emotional moment for me,” he recalled. “To offer something that could bring peace to people’s lives, rooted in spiritual teachings, was incredibly meaningful.” The book has been widely praised across international mediation communities and was launched at the Ontario Legislature — a historic first.
Mediation Goals
His involvement with Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) is a natural extension of his belief in global peacebuilding. “MBBI offers something very unique—a beautiful bouquet of international mediators committed to real change,” Ibrahim said. He is especially active in MBBI’s Climate Change Policy Project and is passionate about integrating conflict resolution education into school curriculums worldwide. “If we start teaching conflict management to youth before they even enter university, we can change the entire fabric of our societies,” he emphasized.
Despite his many accomplishments, Ibrahim remains grounded. He recognizes that the field of mediation still faces challenges, particularly in raising public awareness about the power and accessibility of mediation. “We need more education, more visibility,” he urged. “People need to know that mediation isn’t complicated — it’s empowering.”
Looking ahead, Ibrahim is passionate about expanding mediation training to diverse communities and professions, including faith leaders across the world. His vision is clear: a global network of mediators embedded within local communities, empowering individuals to resolve conflict without escalation. “Every place of worship should have a trained mediator,” he insisted. “If we achieve that, we will see lasting, sustainable peace in ways we can’t even imagine yet.” One key lesson Ibrahim has learned through his work in mediation is that, “no matter how much pain or trauma somebody has caused you, always develop the level of strength, power and resilience necessary to forgive them… Be open to having a conversation with somebody, even if they cause you anxiety or pain. Move on, and move forward.”
For Ibrahim Hussain, mediation is an act of faith, leadership, and service. Through his work with MBBI and beyond, he exemplifies how one person’s dedication to dialogue and reconciliation can transform families, communities, and the world.
Article by Sarah Stenovec, MBBI Writer