Islamic Institute inspires hundreds as they welcome back pilgrims

By Anela Jadunandan

(January 6, 2012) –  Hundreds of Muslims attended the annual Winter Gala Dinner held by the Islamic Institute of Toronto on Sunday, January 1, 2012.  The occasion also welcomed back pilgrims from the recent Hajj.

The special guest speaker for the evening was Muhammad Lila, award winning Canadian journalist, reporter and anchor with the CBC.

Lila held the audience’s interest as he spoke about what is currently going on in the media and the Muslim world. 

He spoke about his experiences in school where his creativity and imagination were at times suffocated. 

He talked about his challenges while growing up in a very controlled environment in school where everyone had to do as they were told, ‘in a one size fits all’ school system. He encouraged schools to allow for greater creativity and imagination. 

Mohamed Farhad Khadim, President of IIT, spoke about the impressive advances that IIT has made and its achievements in the area of Islamic schooling, Hajj resources, scouting, educational sessions, White Ribbon Campaign and building improvements including a playground. 

According to Khadim, IIT has given to many humanitarian causes through a number of relief agencies, as well as, much needed financial assistance locally through the Muslim Welfare Centre.

He noted that IIT also offers continuous educational, emotional and social support provided by Islamic teachers and scholars and provide answers to questions through Askthescholar.com.

The evening’s program concluded with a performance by the Apex Shaolin Martial Arts and the Drumming which mesmerized the audience.