WHAT IS NORMM?
NORMM (Network of Reintegration and Muslim Mentorship) is a community project aimed at substantially reducing the risk of religiously motivated violence in the Muslim community through individualized programming, counselling, and mentorship. NORMM is lead by religiously trained therapists and scholars who are recognized by the corrections and justice community for successfully rehabilitating individuals charged with terrorism related offences.
UPCOMING FREE WORKSHOP
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NORMM (Network of Reintegration and Muslim Mentorship) is a community project aimed at substantially reducing the risk of religiously motivated violence in the Muslim community through individualized programming, counselling, and mentorship. NORMM is lead by religiously trained therapists and scholars who are recognized by the corrections and justice community for successfully rehabilitating individuals charged with terrorism related offences.
UPCOMING FREE WORKSHOP
Register Now!
OUR CORE VALUES
GOOD WILL
“Assist your brother whether he be offender or victim.” His companions responded, “If he is the offender, how can one help him!?” He said, “Assisting him is preventing him from committing offences.
– The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
HOPE
"Say: ’O my people who have committed wrongs against yourselves, do not despair of God’s mercy; surely God forgives all sins entirely; surely He is the All-forgiving, the All-compassionate."
– Quran 39:53
HUMILITY
“Verily, God has revealed to me that you must be humble towards one another, so that no one oppresses another or boasts to another.”
– The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
MERCY
"People who show mercy to others will be shown mercy by the All-Merciful."
– The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
GUIDED ACTION
"God changes not what is in a people, until they change what is in themselves."
(Quran 13:11)
WHO DO WE SERVE?
1. At-Risk Youth & Incarcerated Persons
A. Spiritual-Based Therapy
The underpinnings of religiously-motivated violence can differ from one individual to the next, but in almost all cases, there are theological misconceptions that need to be redressed through systematic discussion lead by a religious authority. B. Community-Based Therapy Radicalized individuals typically choose to isolated themselves from their local religious community. Positive and meaningful activity within local religious institutions helps with reintegration and the normalization of religious views and practice. C. Reintegration & Mentorship Having caring peers who are more experienced in unfamiliar environments help influence behaviours and attitudes through example. |
2. Corrections, Justice,
& Social Welfare Sector
& Social Welfare Sector

A. Consultation and Assessments
Assessments, metrics, and outcomes are necessary to document a client's progress and ensure an evidence-based approach to practice. Our team of trained therapists provide documentation of assessments, employ theological-based metrics to measure progress for correctional personnel and/or case managers with a focus on ideological/religious orientation and risk evaluation.
B. Case Management Planning
Our client-centred approach allows for a tailored plan in accordance to specific services requests. These services include: theological and spiritual counselling, social reintegration, mentorship, restorative justice, de-radicalization, and/or intervention.
C. Cultural Competency Training
Muslims who have encounters with the law are struggling between competing identities: a Muslim identity that encourages respect for humanity and civic engagement, and a social and peer group identity that can often negatively influence their judgement. Individuals who work in the Justice sector and/or the Social Work sector are trained to address the latter, but may not fully understand the role Islam plays in Muslim identity formation. Our team of educators can provide Cultural Competency Training on any of the following topics:
Assessments, metrics, and outcomes are necessary to document a client's progress and ensure an evidence-based approach to practice. Our team of trained therapists provide documentation of assessments, employ theological-based metrics to measure progress for correctional personnel and/or case managers with a focus on ideological/religious orientation and risk evaluation.
B. Case Management Planning
Our client-centred approach allows for a tailored plan in accordance to specific services requests. These services include: theological and spiritual counselling, social reintegration, mentorship, restorative justice, de-radicalization, and/or intervention.
C. Cultural Competency Training
Muslims who have encounters with the law are struggling between competing identities: a Muslim identity that encourages respect for humanity and civic engagement, and a social and peer group identity that can often negatively influence their judgement. Individuals who work in the Justice sector and/or the Social Work sector are trained to address the latter, but may not fully understand the role Islam plays in Muslim identity formation. Our team of educators can provide Cultural Competency Training on any of the following topics:
- Islamic rules and ethics (i.e. permissible and prohibited acts);
- Islamophobia;
- Ethno-cultural influencers;
- Gender interaction;
- Acts of worship (e.g. prayer and fasting);
- Signs and patterns of radicalization and extremism (i.e online and offline, controversial resources);
- Shared values with Canadian society that help in the rehabilitation and reintegration process.
THE NORMM TEAM
Ramzy Ajem – Head Chaplain & Founder
Imam Ramzy is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.
Saad Khalid - NORRM Coordinator
Saad, a Registered Social Worker, specializes in mental health within the Muslim community. He holds a diploma from Sheridan College, a BSW from York University, and an MSW from Toronto Metropolitan University. As NORMM's Coordinator, he oversees operations and advocates for mental health awareness through workshops in mosques, schools, and prisons. With firsthand insight into the correctional system, he researches the impact of anti-Muslim hate on Muslim inmates, promoting better support systems in correctional facilities.
Khalid Patel – NORMM Chaplain
Imam Khalid serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Humza Ali – NORMM Therapist
Humza holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University and is pursuing a master’s in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care at the University of Toronto. As a therapist at NORMM, he integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide culturally and religiously sensitive care, creating a safe and empathetic space for clients to navigate emotional challenges and find meaningful solutions.
Imam Ramzy is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.
Saad Khalid - NORRM Coordinator
Saad, a Registered Social Worker, specializes in mental health within the Muslim community. He holds a diploma from Sheridan College, a BSW from York University, and an MSW from Toronto Metropolitan University. As NORMM's Coordinator, he oversees operations and advocates for mental health awareness through workshops in mosques, schools, and prisons. With firsthand insight into the correctional system, he researches the impact of anti-Muslim hate on Muslim inmates, promoting better support systems in correctional facilities.
Khalid Patel – NORMM Chaplain
Imam Khalid serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Humza Ali – NORMM Therapist
Humza holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University and is pursuing a master’s in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care at the University of Toronto. As a therapist at NORMM, he integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide culturally and religiously sensitive care, creating a safe and empathetic space for clients to navigate emotional challenges and find meaningful solutions.
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
TESTIMONIALS
" I was blessed to have NORMM’s support during my transition from prison to community living. The moral, spiritual and educational support that I received, along with a positive peer environment, has been invaluable in attaining my goal to become an upright citizen and believer. "
" The mentorship I received from NORMM counsellors changed my life. I was incarcerated at a young age for religiously motivated violence, but was fortunate to be engaged by Imam Ramzy Ajem and the NORMM team at a federal penitentiary. Over many years of honest conversations and guidance, I was able to return home with a clear understanding of the role that spirituality and religion can positively play in my life. NORMM continued to assist me to support my reintegration and gradual release to the community. I am now a contributing member of society and able to assist others that may be at risk do go down an errant path. "
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" While I was incarcerated, I saw dozens of young men benefit from the mentorship of the NORMM team. Through nuanced counselling and dedicated engagement, many individuals were able to honestly address their past behaviours that led them to trouble with the law. The NORMM program is an invaluable asset to Canadian society and is filling a gap where other civil society organizations have failed to do so. "
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" I have been a participant in the NORMM program since my incarceration in a federal penitentiary, and not only did it save me from a life of violent extremism but it continues to be a main support for me in my reintegrating back into society. I find NORMM counsellors to be genuine and relatable along with being credible authorities in Islamic tradition. It was, and continues to be, very important for me to have someone who understands the culture I grew up with as a Canadian Muslim. Reintegration is extremely hard and I don’t know what I would do without the support of my NORMM counsellors. "
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" Imam Ramzy Ajem was a Godsend - a light - during some darker moments of my life. His genuine concern, thoughtful approach and authentic expression of the tradition had a profound impact on me. He provided an environment where I could express myself openly, challenged me to think critically and provided counsel when I needed it to correct many false notions and misunderstandings. This relationship has played a key part in my rehabilitation. "
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem, Imam Ramzy Ajem, Ramy Elhamalawy, Omair Syed, Risalah Foundation |
SERVICE INQUIRY
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem, Imam Ramzy Ajem, Risalah Foundation, Masjid Vaughan, Vaughan Masjid, ramzy ajem risalah foundation
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem, Imam Ramzy Ajem, Risalah Foundation, Masjid Vaughan, Vaughan Masjid, ramzy ajem risalah foundation