RIS returns to Toronto this weekend

The largest annual gathering of Canadian Muslims is returning to Toronto this coming Christmas weekend.

The Reviving the Islamic Spirit Convention will be held at the Metro Convention Centre after a two year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“BismAllah – We’re excited to announce RIS 2022: A Blessed Reunion Dec 23-25. Mark your calendars! 20th anniversary, in person, at Metro Toronto Convention Centre! You don’t want to miss it,” RIS wrote on Twitter.

This year’s convention is themed “A Blessed Reunion”, and will run from Friday, December 23 to Sunday, December 25.

Organizers of the convention are promising an inspiring program.

“We hope to deliver a program that is inspired by lofty aspirations, executed with the highest standards of excellence and experienced by a true essence of love for all, Insha’Allah.”

“These foundations serve as our guiding principles, as we celebrate 20 years of our past, but more importantly we write the next chapter and take RIS forward.”

Islamic scholars and speakers scheduled to address the gathering include Maulana Tariq Jameel, Imam Zaid Shakir, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Sh. Abdal Hakim Murad, Sheikh Yasir Qadhi, Sheikh Omar Suleiman, Sister Yasmin Mogahed, Ustadha Ieasha Prime, and others.

The Reviving the Islamic Spirit convention was first launched twenty years ago 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 event has become a staple in Toronto’s downtown core during the Christmas holiday season.