Muslims Set to Rekindle Faith in Toronto
“This year’s convention will revolve around the theme of ‘Changing our Condition: Rekindling the Light of Faith’,” said RIS Chairman, Fouzan Khan.
“The Qur’an makes a strong call to the practice of introspection and self-improvement.”
“This year’s conference aims to contextualize this message and remind us how it applies today,” Khan added.
The event, to run from December 27 through December 29, will be held in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Center, next to the iconic CN Tower.
The convention has become a staple in Toronto’s downtown core during the Christmas holiday season and an estimated 20,000 attendees are expected from all over North America and beyond, adding a boost to the local economy.
RIS is regarded as a premiere global event among Muslims in the Western world and an annual meeting place for leading thinkers and theologians.
“Aiming to instill cohesion between diverse faith communities, RIS speakers have included Karen Armstrong, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Reverend Rob Oliphant and Dr. John Ralston Saul,” said Fouzan Khan. “Political and civil engagement is also a key focus of the event.”
“We want to help inspire open-minded agents of change and not absent citizens,” noted Khan.
This year’s rostrum of speakers include some of the most well-known Muslims personalities in the English speaking world such as Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Habib Ali Al-Jifri, Ambassador Shabazz, Professor Tariq Ramadan, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Sr. Dalia Mogahed, Imam Zaid Shakir, Imam Suhaib Webb, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan and Sr. Yasmin Mogahed.
The Convention will begin at the Friday congregational prayer with the sermon to be delivered by Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan, a popular speaker among youths.
Later that evening, organizers will host the Annual Appreciation Dinner for conference speakers, dignitaries, politicians, business leaders and media.
This year’s dinner will feature a keynote address by Dr. John Esposito, a leading professor of Religion and International Studies at Georgetown University.
In addition to being a place for intellectual thought, RIS hosts an exciting line-up of entertainers including Malaysian musical artists, Raihan, and well-known stand-up comedian, Maz Jobrani.
Social Gathering
Gathering scholars, intellectuals and entertainers, the RIS has turned into an event for all Muslims.
“The unique aspect of the convention is there is something for everyone,” said RIS spokeswoman Farhia Ahmed.
“Whether you are inclined intellectually or artistically, young or old, practitioner or someone just curious, RIS will always have something to offer.”
A bustling grand bazaar will once again be a major feature during the three-day event showcasing products and services from around North America and the Muslim world.
The convention will also host the annual food and coat drive to assist the needy in the Greater Toronto Area.
“Our goal is to bring people together in a wholesome, judgment-free setting, regardless of one’s background,” added Ahmed.
The Islamic Spirit convention was first launched in 2003 by Muslim youth to tackle the backlash on Islam and Muslims after the 9/11 and to build a bridge of understanding with non-Muslims.
“The overarching vision of the RIS Convention is to address pertinent issues relating to Muslim youth and inculcate a strong identity that is true to both faith and modern realities,” said Fouzan Khan.
“It is an attempt by the youth to help overcome new challenges of communication and integration.”