41ST ANNUAL ISNA CANADA CONVENTION MAY,2015. Program Booklet

Transcription

1 41ST ANNUAL ISNA CANADA CONVENTION MAY,2015 Program Booklet

2 Shaykh Abdalla Idris Ali Welcome Message

3 Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu. My dear brothers, sisters, beloved children and grandchildren, It is with great joy and happiness that we welcome you to our 41st Annual ISNA Canada Convention. I d like to extend a special welcome to our youth organizers who have been meticulously planning our conventions for the last 4 years, along with our staff at the secretariat. The focus of this year s theme is Muhammad, and the theme itself is titled My Prophet, My Beloved: Know him, Love him, Follow him. It is not only Muslims who are called upon to follow the Prophet but all of humanity and particularly the People of the Book. In Surat Al- Araf (Chapter 7, Verse 157), Allah (SWT) says: Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful. This verse specifically mentions our main duty towards the Prophet, which is to believe in him, to honor him, to support him, and to follow the light which was sent down with him. Indeed, we cannot do so before knowing who the Prophet is. There is no question, that people who love the Prophet most are those who know him. In Surat Al-'Aĥzāb (Chapter 33, Verse 21), Allah (SWT) says: 21

4 There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. We have carefully crafted a program and complimenting features that will not only enrich you with more knowledge about the Prophet, but will surely uplift you spiritually and bless your life during these days of endless tribulations faced by Muslims all over the world. We are excited to join you in celebrating and honouring the greatness of the Prophet. We look forward to being in the best of company whilst knowing, loving, and then following the best of creation, our Prophet Muhammad the beloved of Allah (SWT). Now that we are in the process of re-establishing ISNA Canada as a National organization - representing Muslims across Canada, it is our hope that you will become part of our ISNA Canada family and count yourself among us. We pray that Allah (SWT) guides our new ISNA Canada Board, the newly appointed Executive Council and committees of the board. We also pray that Allah (SWT) rewards those of us who have previously served ISNA Canada, especially the volunteers. We pray that Allah (SWT) blesses you, your family, and this blessed gathering in His Magnificent way. Please accept the assurance of my regards, Abdalla I. Ali Executive Director ISNA Canada 2

5 Table of Contents Welcome Message Green Campaign Accessibility Children s Convention Program Schedule : Hall A Program Schedule: Parallel Venue Speakers Bio OUR INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS WELCOME YOU 34

6 Thank you for growing green with us! Are you ready to be part of an exciting and eco-friendly convention? Features Include: A tree will be planted on behalf of every attendee A package of Forget-Me-Not flower seeds offered as a gift for each attendee Eco-friendly program booklet No plastic water bottles sold on site Extended downloadable FREE PDF version of the program booklet Waste management and recycling This year, we have committed to reduce our paper-usage, our waste output, and live with a greater consciousness of our ecological footprint. Clearly marked recycling and compost bins are located in and around the venue. Please be conscious when disposing of your waste! We can't succeed without your cooperation! We have discouraged the distribution of flyers and have shortened our program booklet by half. For a detailed breakdown of our features & much more - check out our website for the downloadable free PDF version of our program booklet! 4

7 Access to All Alhamdulillah, our convention is offering full accessibility services for the second year. Our aim is to promote all members of our community to come out, enjoy, and benefit from this special gathering. We are dedicated to the words comm-unity and would like to ensure that we promote a welcoming, and accessible environment for all members attending this event! We have worked hard to ensure ASL interpretation, designated seating, attendant care, and wheelchairs are made available for those who require accommodation! We look forward to learning and growing together as a strong, fully represented, and accessible community! 65

8 CHILDREN S CONVENTION Children are our future. Too often, Islamic education is something that is reserved for the older among us, and our children are left to fill their minds with whatever is on television. This year, the ISNA Convention aims to change that. With the announcement of our 3 day Children's Convention that is set to run in compliment to the main convention, our goal is to provide your children a space that is conducive to learning in a way that is tailored to our little people. Through the combination of exciting outdoor activities, adventures to Madinah and Makkah, and even a carnival, we hope to leave your children with more than just a good time and some new friends. We aim to educate the next generation, and with the exciting program we have planned, God willing, we'll do just that. 6

9 ISNA CHILDREN S CONVENTION SCHEDULE FRIDAY, 15 MAY AGES 4-5 AGES 6-7 AGES 8-9 SHIFT PM BOUNCY CASTLES + OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES MAGHRIB SPECIAL GROUP ACTIVITY BOUNCY CASTLES + OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES MAGHRIB SPECIAL GROUP ACTIVITY BOUNCY CASTLES + OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES MAGHRIB SPECIAL GROUP ACTIVITY SATURDAY, 16 MAY AGES 4-5 AGES 6-7 AGES 8-9 SHIFT 1 10:30AM- 12:30PM MADINAH ROOM OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES/ ACTIVITIES ROOM HAJJ ROOM SHIFT 2 2:00PM -5:15PM HAJJ ROOM MADINAH ROOM OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES/ ACTIVITIES ROOM SHIFT 3 7:00PM -10:00PM OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES/ ACTIVITIES ROOM HAJJ ROOM MADINAH ROOM SUNDAY, 17 MAY SHIFT 1 10:30AM- 1:30PM SHIFT 2 3:00PM -5:15PM AGES 4-6 INDOOR ACTIVITIES CARNIVAL AGES 7-9 CARNIVAL INDOOR ACTIVITIES AGES 4-5 AGES 6-7 AGES 8-9 SHIFT 3 7:00PM -10:00PM SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS + TREASURE HUNT SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS + TREASURE HUNT SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS + TREASURE HUNT 87

10 Program Hall A DAY 1 Friday May 15 1:30 pm ]umuah 1 Br. Azhar Azeez The Messenger of Allah : Knowing the Mission I bear witness that there is no God but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. Our affirmation of faith, which describes the essence of our religion, contains the equation linking our Islam with belief in the Prophet. Yet how often do we ponder and reflect on the reasons for these beliefs? This khutbah is aimed at developing an in depth understanding of why the Prophet was sent to us and his purpose in Allah s plan for creation. 2:30 pm Jumuah 2 Br. Safaa Zarzour Lessons for the Believer's Heart: Loving Allah The Day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children. But only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart. And Paradise will be brought near [that Day] to the righteous. [26:88-90] The Qur an tells us that our ultimate success lies in the achievement of a sound heart. The Arabic word for heart, qalb, derives from a root word which means something that constantly turns in its direction and focus. The state of the human heart is changeable and constantly in flux. It thus becomes important to define the sound heart and understand what differentiates it from other types of hearts. This will be accomplished by studying how the Prophet approached his actions and worship with the objective of realising the sound heart and true success. 8

11 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:05 pm 6:10 pm ASR PRAYER DOORS OPEN, WELCOME & SEATING Quran Recitation Imam Hosam Helal Surah Al-Imran, Welcoming Remarks: Dr. Syed Imtiaz Ahmad, ISNA Canada President & Sh. Abdalla Idris Ali, ISNA Canada Executive Director 6:20 pm Sh. Abdalla Idris Ali Our Duty towards Our Prophet Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [3:31] While many Muslims bear the name Muhammad in honour of his legacy, and Muslims and non-muslims alike acknowledge him to be a phenomenal individual, we may fail to realise that our relationship with Allah is dependent on our implementing the instructions contained within this ayah. This session will identify the responsibilities and accountabilities that the coming of the Prophet create upon us as witnesses to his mission and bearers of his universal message. 7:00 pm Sh. Alaa Elsayed Know him: Recognizing the Seal of the Prophets Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [3:31] The media and popular culture around us are rife with derogatory and inaccurate narrations and depictions of our beloved Prophet. While he is an integral part of every Muslim s life, what do we truly know about him as an individual? Do we know enough about him to resist these popular portrayals? What were his personal likes and dislikes? What do we know about his appearance? If we were to ever meet him, 9

12 7:40 pm Imam Hosam Helal Prophetic Conduct: Etiquettes with People As we go about fulfilling our roles and responsibilities in the marketplace, the social, private and public spheres, we encounter a variety of people with different dispositions, values, experiences, and ambitions. Although we are aware that our religion encourages dealing with others in the best possible manner, it is not always clear what this truly means. We therefore turn to the Sunnah of the Prophet to understand the practical components of how he interacted with people, the wisdom behind these interactions, and the ways in which we can implement this in our daily lives. 8:40 pm MAGHRIB PRAYER 9:10 pm Br. Safaa Zarzour Prophet of the Hearts: Humour, Cheer & Piety Is Islam humourless? For many people, many believe practicing Islam requires one to constantly be serious and boring. The example of the blessed Prophet contradicts this. His example shows us that we should take the moderate approach towards all aspects of life. Practical jokes, games, and sports with family members and friends are all things that our Prophet engaged in at various times. This session will draw on the Sunnah to illustrate that to be a practising Muslim does not preclude us from having fun and being positive and happy, while outlining some guidelines for doing so. 10:15 pm ISHA PRAYER 10

13 Program Hall A DAY 2 Saturday May 16 10:00 am 10:20 am DOORS OPEN, WELCOME & SEATING Quran Recitation Shaykh Huzaifah Surah Al-Hujurat, :30 am Dr. Altaf Husain Prophet of Social Justice I: The Forgotten Sunnah of Anti-Racism Although our communities have grown and prospered in North America, we still have significant issues to overcome. This includes our past and present racism towards fellow Muslims. This session will discuss how the Prophet eradicated nationalism, tribalism and racism, and built a truly colour blind and classless brotherhood within Islam. It will further identify how we can follow his example. 11:15 am Sh. Abdul Aziz Rasoul A Prophet for All: The Prophet With Children & Youth The Prophet was known for treating children and young people with the utmost love and compassion. How did he deal with them, what advice did he share with them, and what was the effect of his kindness towards them? As a Muslim community, how can we emulate him and be more welcoming towards our children and youth? And what would be the impact of us following his example in this regard? 11

14 12:00 pm Sh. Musleh Khan The Prophet as a Reformer: On Masculinities & Attitudes towards Women The culture we live in today degrades women to unprecedented levels, as objects that exist in relation to and for use by men. Concurrently, we have a cult of hyper masculinity which tells men that promiscuity and aggression are the height of maleness. Many Islamic discourses about women as fitnah mirror this trend in Muslim communities and societies. This results in increased acceptance of and perpetuation of sexual violence against women. This session aims to correct flawed definitions of what it means to be a man by referring to the example of the blessed Prophet in order to address the root causes of sexual violence in our homes and communities. 12:45 pm 1:40 pm LUNCH & TALENT SHOW DHUHR PRAYER 2:30 pm Dr. Altaf Husain & Ustadh Amjad Tarsin The Sunnah of Empathy There is conflict and strife in every home and community. This can have drastic consequences, including but not limited to apostasy, suicide, radicalisation, the destruction of families, and splintering and ill will within communities. Where does this conflict and unhappiness stem from, and what is the best way to overcome it according to the Sunnah? This session will focus on how the Prophet dealt with people in critical situations such as spiritual crisis and domestic conflict in order to address this important question. 3:15 pm Sh. Daood Butt In the Footsteps of the Tabi'in: Imam Al Bukhari & his Love for the Prophet Imam Bukhari and other Tabi in never saw the Prophet yet had an incredible relationship with him. This translated into practical actions that made them worthy of the love that the Prophet felt for his 12

15 Ummah. What does this mean for us? Is it enough to simply say that we love the Prophet and praise him whenever he is mentioned? What types of practical actions can we take to ensure we act on our love the Prophet, and through this, become closer to Allah? 4:00 pm Sh. Awadalla Youssef Al-Alzhari The Prophetic Approach to Charity As a North American Ummah, as we become more established and entrenched in the West, the needs of our communities continue to grow. The religious injunctions of zakah and sadaqa therefore become important to reflect upon. How can we alter the way we think about charity by referring to the Sunnah of the Prophet? 4:45 pm Br.Safaa Zarzour Messenger of Hope: The Prophetic Tradition of Expecting the Best from Allah I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm s length, I draw near to him a fathom s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed. [Bukhari & Muslim]. We each experience stress, confusion and uncertainty in our lives. As Muslims, we are usually aware that one of the first things we should do is turn to Allah during our time of grief, need and hardship. However, how do we approach supplication to Allah and what do we expect of Him as we ask? And what does the example of the Prophet teach us about this subject? 5:40 pm 6:00 pm 6:40 pm ASR PRAYER DINNER & BAZAAR ENTERTAINMENT SESSION 13

16 8:40 pm MAGHRIB PRAYER 9:20 pm Sh. Daood Butt & Br. Azhar Azeez The Prophet s Last Words for his Ummah: The Last Sermon and Me Many of us have read the words of the Last Sermon. We may even know these words by heart. However, what are the actions and behaviours that the last sermon makes incumbent upon us? And how do we go about implementing them? 1:40 pm ISHA PRAYER 14

17 Program Hall A DAY 3 Sunday May 17 10:20 am 10:30 am Quran Recitation Sh. Abdul Aziz Rasoul Surah Al-Fateh, ISNA Canada Business Session 12:35 pm Imam Hamid Slimi Prophetic Conduct II: Personal Care, Worship & Faith As shown by the Messenger s meticulous attention to his appearance, hygiene and fitness, the Islamic tradition places a great deal of emphasis on the purity and health not only of our spiritual bodies, but also of our physical bodies and surroundings. Yet it is understandable that we sometimes neglect certain aspects of this in our quest for spiritual perfection. It therefore becomes important to remind ourselves of certain principles of personal care enshrined within the Sunnah. Is there is some connection between our physical hygiene, health, worship and faith? This session will explore these important questions. 1:30 pm 2:00 pm DHUHR PRAYER LUNCH & BAZAAR 3:00 pm Dr.Ingrid Mattson Prophet of Social Justice II: What does Solidarity mean? "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether 15

18 it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort justice or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well acquainted with all that you do." [Sûrah al-nisâ : 135] We live in a world where members of racial, religious and socio economically marginalised groups face a barrage of threats to their existence, full participation and equality in public life. While it is true that we ourselves face many threats, there is very little understanding within the Muslim community about our relationships with and responsibility towards others being oppressed within our socio-political ecosystem. This session will serve as a reminder about the amanah of speaking out against and righting injustices done to others around us as a principle from the Sunnah of the Prophet. 3:45 pm TRIVIA & SPONSORS Are you smarter than a 5th grader? 4:30 pm Imam Hamid Slimi & Sh. Alaa Elsayed The Great Balancing Act Muhammad was more than just a Prophet. He was also a professional, community builder, father, husband, friend, and ultimately worshipper of Allah. What can we learn from the Prophet about balancing our various roles and responsibilities and fulfilling the rights of all alongside one another? 5:30 pm 6:00 pm ASR PRAYER DINNER & BAZAAR 7:00 pm Ustadh Amjad Tarsin Muhammad-Messenger of Rahmah, Love & Concern And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. [21: 107] 16

19 The Prophet is described in the Qur an as a mercy to the worlds. But what does this mean? How did the Prophet embody this quality in his interactions with those who wronged him, his companions, and creation at large, and how did he feel towards us, the followers he never met? What was the impact of his love, mercy and concern for the human condition on the message he was sent to convey? 8:40 pm 9:00 pm MAGHRIB PRAYER QURAN RECITATION + SPONSORS 9:05 pm 9:15 pm Closing Remarks: Dr. Mohamed Bekkari, ISNA Canada Vice President & Br. Chihab Kaab, Convention Vice-Chair Closing Session The Lasting Legacy of the Prophet 10:15 pm ISHA PRAYER CLOSING CEREMONY 17

20 Program Parallel Sessions DAY 1 Friday May 15 7:40 pm -8:30 pm 9:10 pm -9:50 pm YOUTH SESSION (Hall C) Islam and Science: At Odds or in Harmony? TRIVIA SESSION (Hall C) (Round 1) DAY 2 Saturday May 16 10:30 am -12:30 pm 2:15 pm -4:00 pm YOUTH SESSION (Hall C) ISNA/MSA Collaborative: Meet & Greet Br. Muhammad Robert Heft & Sh. Abdalla Idris Ali WORKSHOP (Hall B): The Sunnah of Effective Dawah As followers of the Prophet, we too must shoulder the responsibility of conveying the message of Islam to the rest of humanity. Yet there is an etiquette and wisdom involved in relaying this message properly, as demonstrated by the Prophet during his life. This session will study how the Prophet conducted his dawah and provide some tips for doing so in different contexts based upon his blessed example. 4:00 pm -5:30 pm YOUTH SESSION (Hall C) Open Spaces 18

21 4:00 pm -5:30 pm Imam Ayman Al Tahir WORKSHOP (Hall B): The Sunnah of Empathy II By the mercy and blessings of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad was able to rally hundreds of thousands of people across towns, countries and centuries. How did he do it? The answer lies in the Prophetic example of empathetic and compassionate leadership. This session will focus on developing characteristics such as active listening and effective communication. This will allow attendees to effectively respond to and engage with those in situations such as spiritual confusion and domestic crisis in their homes and communities. DAY 3 Sunday May 17 11:30 am -3:00 pm 11:30 am -3:00 pm 4:30 pm -5:30 pm Enterpreneurs Start up Networking Session (Hall C) ISNA/MSA Collaborative: Leading in His Footsteps (Hall D) Muslim Cool (Hall B) 19

22 COM P A S S REACH CO NNECT EMPOW E R IN RESPONSE TO THE INCREASING NEEDS OF THE GTA-MUSLIM COMMUNITY, ISNA COMPASS WAS CREATED AS A COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE THAT PROVIDES ACCESS TO SERVICES IN AN INFORMATIVE, CULTURALLY SENSITIVE AND RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT. COMPASS AIMS TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN SERVICES AND YOUR NEEDS BY PROVIDING INFORMATION AND REFERRALS FOR: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING NEWCOMER SUPPORT HEALTH & SAFETY ISNA SERVICES ISNA Compass is assisting to bring many exciting sessions at the convention this year! The Sunnah of Empathy: Saturday, May 16th, 2:30-3:15pm by Dr. Altaf Hussein & Br. Amjad Tarsin The Sunnah of Empathy Part II: Saturday May 16th, 4-5:30 Workshop in the Masjid Entrepreneurial Networking Session: Sunday, May 17th, 12-3pm The Balancing Act of the Prophet: Sunday, May 17th, 4:30-5:30pm by Imam Hamid Slimi & Shaikh Alaa ElSayed FOR MORE INFORMATION: We are located by the ISNA Bookstore or visit our booth by the registration at the ISNA Convention. us at compass@isnacanada.com 20

23 YOUTH SESSIONS ISNA MSA COLLABORATIVE PT. 1: MEET & GREET SATURDAY MAY 16 TH 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM HALL C Dr. Altaf Husain & Ustadh Amjad Tarsin ISNA MSA COLLABORATIVE PT. 2: LEADING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS SUNDAY MAY 17 TH 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM HALL D Sh. Abdalla Idris Ali, Azhar Azeez & Ustadh Amjad Tarsin 21

24 One-on-one Session So you ve attended ISNA Canada Convention lectures, and now you have questions. You d like some personalised guidance and advice. Not sure where to turn? Our special One on One sessions allow you to meet with some of our most knowledgeable shuyookh and discuss your questions and concerns. For more information and to register, please visit the registration booth or listen for announcements in Hall A. 22

25 Performance Art The ISNA Canada Convention is pleased to bring you a lineup of some of the most spectacular artists in our Performance Art session, which has something for everyone, including story-telling, nasheed & spoken word. Join us at 6:40 pm on Saturday, May 16th to enjoy and be inspired by the creativity of our featured performers. 23

26 Venue HALL D HALL C BAZAAR MOSQUE & HALL B ISNA-CANADA SERVICES SISTERS ENTRANCE REGISTRATION FOYER MAIN ENTRANCE BROTHERS ENTRANCE REGISTRATION HALL A CHILDREN S CONVENTION REGISTRATION VOLUNTEER ROOM CHILDREN S CONVENTION COMPASS BOOKSTORE 24

27 Speakers Bio Dr. Ingrid Mattson Dr. Ingrid Mattson was born in Canada and studied Philosophy and Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo. She completed her Ph.D in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations in Dr. Ingrid Mattson has written a number of articles exploring the relationship between Islamic law and society, as well as gender and leadership issues in contemporary Muslim communities. Dr. Mattson has held the positions of ISNA (US) President and Vice-President in the past, but is perhaps most well known as a professor of Islamic Studies, where she taught a course on the Life of the Prophet Muhammad, founder of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program, and director of the McDonald Center for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim relations at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut. Currently, Dr. Ingrid Mattson is the London and Windsor Community Chair in Islamic Studies at Huron University College. Dr. Altaf Husain Dr.Hussain holds a doctoral degree from the Howard University School of Social Work. His research interests include the integration of immigrant and refugee families, in the United States. He serves as Executive Assistant for Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost at Howard University and is a double alumnus of Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Among other positions, Dr. Altaf is a former two-term national president of the Muslim Students Association, an executive committee member of the Muslim Alliance in North America, and a board member of the Peaceful Families Project dedicate to the prevention of domestic violence. He is currently serving as the Vice-President of ISNA (US). A well loved community builder speaker, Dr. Altaf lives in North Virginia with his wife Mona, and their two sons Omar and Ahmed. 25

28 Speakers Bio Shaykh Alaa El-Sayed Shaykh Alaa was born in Cairo, Egypt. He moved to Toronto in the late 1970 s and completed his Bachelors in Sharī ah from the American International University. He has received his ijāzah of Qur an recitation for af an Ā im, studied comparative religion for five years through the IPCI in South Africa, and was on the board of directors of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth. Shaykh Alaa currently lives in GTA (Greater Toronto Area) with his wife and three children and is the Director of Religious Affairs for the Islamic Centre of Canada-IS- NA. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director for the Canadian Islamic Congress. Sheikh Alaa is a favourite tutor with AlKauthar and works closely with Mercy Mission's projects worldwide. He is also a member of the Canadian Council of Imams as well as a member of Horizon Interfaith Communication Media Council. Shaykh Abdalla Idris Ali Shaykh Abdalla Idris Ali is a well-known North American Muslim public speaker, Imam, and leader in the community. Shaykh Abdalla has a background of International Relations from the University of Toronto as well as religious knowledge in the areas of tafseer, shariah, and counselling. As a community leader, he served as ISNA's President for 5 years, and as the ISNA Canada Islamic School principal, where he was integral in implementing Islamic and Arab studies syllabuses for elementary and junior high students. Abdalla Idris Ali is a native of the Sudan and is currently the Secretary General of ISNA Canada. 26

29 Speakers Bio Ustadh Amjad Tarsin Amjad was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Libyan parents. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies. During this time he became actively involved in community service. He traveled to Tarim, Yemen to gain more knowledge about his religion, he returned to America after one year to start his studies at University of Michigan Law School. Yearning to fulfill his calling to community building and service, Amjad quit law school after two years and enrolled in Hartford Seminary s Masters in Islamic Chaplaincy program. Amjad was appointed as the Full-Time Muslim Chaplain at UofT last September and has been helping the youth in our community ever since. Shaykh Musleh Khan Shaykh Musleh Khan is a Hafidh of the Quran and also carries ijazah in recitation. He received his Associates Degree in the Arabic language from the Islamic University of al-madinah, and also graduated with a Bachelor s from the College of Theology and Mission. He is active in dawah and teaching Hadith, Aqidah, and Tafsir, and has has conducted several sisters only classes on several topics including: The Complete Muslimah, A Muslimah & her husband, and Women & politics. He currently resides in Toronto with his family. 27

30 Speakers Bio Br. Muhammad Robert Heft Br. Muhammad Robert Heft is a community Bridge Builder who is well known for his dawah and efforts in serving and supporting new Muslims and youth at risk of radicalisation. As a counselor, Br. Muhammad provides guidance and support in the area of drug abuse, mental health, and de-radicalization. He has designed a 3-step deradicalization program for Muslim Canadians and has subsequently worked as an instrumental consultant for groups including the R.C.M.P around issues of counter terrorism and disengagement. Recognized both in Canada and abroad for this effort, Br. Muhammad Heft s current focus is towards facilitating a more formal and successful relationship between Western governments and Muslim communities. Shaykh Hosam Helal Shaykh Hosam is a young community leader and beloved Imam at the Muslim Association of Hamilton. Born in southern Egypt in a religiously grounded home, Imam Hosam completed his hifz of the Quran at the age of 8 years. His father was an instructor at Al-Azhar University and his mother was also an educator. In 2002, when Imam Hosam was only 12 years old, his family moved to Canada. He believes that a masjid needs an Imam who is educated, relatable, dedicated, passionate and who is accessible and has a real connection with the community around him. Imam Hosam lives in Hamilton Ontario with him family and is the new son in-law of Shaykh Alaa El-Sayed. 28

31 Speakers Bio Sh. Abdul Aziz Rasoul Br. Abdulaziz is currently the Principal of ISNA High School and is a regular Khateeb at the Islamic Centre of Canada. He completed his Hifz almost 14 years ago from his father, Sheikh Sebghatollah Rasoul, a prominent scholar of the sciences of Quran. Br. Abdulaziz has been leading Taraweeh prayers at the Islamic Centre of Canada since Br. Safaa Zarzour Br. Safaa is a long time ISNA volunteer and an attorney. Zarzour holds a Juris Doctor degree a Master in Education and a BS in Math. He focuses his law practice in the areas of nonprofit law. For over a decade he served as a teacher and then principal at one of the largest independent Islamic schools in the United States Universal School. During his tenure at Universal, it became known among the top Islamic schools in North America. For over 15 years, Br. Safaa helped establish local community organizations, including the Council on American Islamic Relations, in Chicago. Zarzour is currently a professor at teaching courses in Islamic Law. 29

32 Speakers Bio Shaykh Daood Butt Shaykh Daood was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. He has always had a desire to learn and teach Islam. Following secondary studies, he went on to study at the Islamic University of Madinah for seven years, during which he completed a Diploma in Arabic Language followed by a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and Islamic Da wah from the Faculty of Da wah and Usool Ad-Deen in Upon returning to Montreal he was involved in various Da wah activities including giving lectures and khutbahs in English, French, and Arabic, as well as being an instructor with Al-Kauthar Institute. He has always been especially interested in youth related programs and is quick to develop a rapport with them. Shaykh Daood is currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Islamic and Other Civilizations at the International Islamic University in Malaysia. He is a jack of all trades, and enjoys cars, perfume, sunglasses, and most of all, playing with his daughter. Imam Hamid Slimi Dr. Hamid Slimi is the Imam, Resident Scholar and Founder of Sayeda Khadija Centre. He has been serving as an Imam, Chaplain, Educator and Consultant in Canada for over 18 years in different religious and educational institutions. Dr. Slimi s traditional and academic speciality is in Islamic studies and Law as well as Comparative World Religions. In addition to the traditional degrees known as Ijazah, he holds two Masters degrees with High Honors in both disciplines from Morocco and the US and a PhD in Islamic Law from the U.K. He received both his traditional and academic learning in Morocco and attended other renowned institutions and universities in other parts of the world. Dr. Slimi lectures mainly in English, French and Arabic. Imam Hamid is known for his tireless community work and interfaith leadership. 30

33 Speakers Bio Shaykh Awadallah Yusuf Al-Azhari Shaykh Awadalla Youssef Al Azhari was born in Egypt and studied there at Al-Azhar University. He has additionally studied under many illustrious scholars around the world and specialises in teaching fiqh from the various different mathahib. Shaykh Al-Azhari has taught in a number of capacities in Egypt, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and most recently the UK. In addition to a PhD in Islamic Studies, Shaykh Al-Azhari holds an MA in Management in Education and an MA in Religious Education. He is a regular khateeb and lecturer at universities in the UK and is actively involved in Multi-Faith dialogue. Br. Azhar Azeez Azhar Azeez was born in India and moved to the United States in He holds a Bachelor s degree in Finance and a Master s degree in Business Administration. Br. Azhar is pursuing his PhD in Islamic studies and also serves as the senior National Director of Islamic Relief USA. He has been an active member of the ISNA USA Executive Council since 2002 and was twice elected Vice-President. Br. Azhar is currently the President of ISNA USA. Br. Azhar is a public and a motivational speaker who travels regularly around the US for various local, regional and national Islamic organizations. 31

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35 Bazaar We invite you to visit our bazaar and explore the diversity in your Muslim community. This year we have a selection of vendors whose goods range from classically styled clothing and delicious food to business software solutions. We are also blessed to have representatives from the education, community development and personal development sectors. HOURS Friday Saturday Sunday 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm 10:00 am to 9:30 pm 10:00 am to 9:30 pm VENDORS LIST Hero Burger East Meats West BeaverTails Nice and Yummy Urban Villager Cafe Tasabi Fragrances & Gifts Rahma Fashion Ethnique Um Anas Sew Unique Be-Licious Seekers Hub AlKauthar Institute Amanah Fitness 315 NISA ISNA Bookstore Halal Food Fest Mountjoy Clinic IO Fashion The Canadian Muslim Vote Mahabi Fashion Prim Medina Boutique Natasha's Yaryaro Fashion Dara Boutique Maple Innovation Business Solutions Elegantia Clothing Scarfina Boutique Sakinah Naturals Mina Halal 33

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37 Medical EYE Consultants Eye Physicians & Surgeons Bringing Vision to Life Fully Ohip Insured Services for Cataracts, Diabetes, AMD, Floaters, Glaucoma, Vision Correction Call or for your Free Consultation: , 35

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39 TRY OUR NEW PACKAGED MEATS CHICKEN WIENERS CHICKEN STRIPS CHICKEN BOLOGNA facebook.com/minahalal 37

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42 OUR CONVENTION IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS. WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND APPRECIATE THEIR GENEROSITY AND CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION 40