CANADA'S LARGEST MUSLIM CONVENTION RETURNS WITH 17 000 AND FEATURING YUSUF ISLAM
17 000 from across Canada and US gather between Dec 25 and 27
- For Immediate Release -
(TORONTO, Canada - Dec 21, 2009) - The 8th annual Reviving the Islamic Spirit (RIS) convention returns in Toronto and this year hosts special guest speaker Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) in what will be his first Canadian engagement in nearly a decade. Approximately 17 000 attendees are expected to attend the event, taking place between Dec 25 to 27.
Two dozen other leading intellectuals, professors and community workers will also address the audience, including Hamza Yusuf, founder of America's first Muslim college, and Prof. Tariq Ramadan, named by Time as one of the world*s 100 most influential people. Comedy group "Allah Made Me Funny" will also perform. Attendees are expected from across Canada and the US.
"While most are celebrating Christmas with family, the holiday break gives Muslims the chance to connect too. 17 000 from across North America will be coming to RIS to see Yusuf Islam speak. It's his first Canadian appearance in 10 years. Mr. Islam is loved and respected by millions around the world for his artistic achievements, as well as his work to further the cause of peace." said Fouzan Khan, founder and Chair of Reviving the Islamic Spirit.
"Each year, RIS seeks to reinforce a Canadian Muslim identity that is true to both Islamic beliefs and North American norms and values. This year we have an amazing speaker line-up with leading Muslim intellectuals, professors and community workers from North America and abroad. Attendees will learn about pressing issues like climate change, global citizenship and poverty, and how their beliefs can help then contribute to Canadian society," Khan added.
"From lectures to performances, the bazaar to the food court, there's a lot for family and friends to do. Attendees are sure to leave RIS happy, motivated and charged to help make our country and world a better place," said Sameer Zuberi, Reviving the Islamic Spirit Communications Director.
Speakers include over 20 leading professors, Islamic scholars, and community workers. Interestingly, seven embraced Islam at some point in their lives. Some speakers include:
- Yusuf Islam: Formerly known as Cat Stevens, Islam is a widely respected philanthropist, educator and musician.
- Hamza Yusuf: Founder of Zaytuna College, America's first Muslim college. Met with Pope Benedict XVI to promote Muslim and Christian dialogue.
- Tariq Ramadan: Oxford professor, author and named by Time magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential people.
- Abdal Hakim Jackson: University of Michigan law professor and author of "Islam and the Blackamerican."
- Zaid Shakir: Leading US scholar, lecturer and author. Known for his grassroots anti-drug campaigning.
- Zainab Alwani: Researcher on female Islamic scholarship and author on domestic violence.
- Aisha Al Adawiya: Executive Director of human rights group Women in Islam.
- Jamal Badawi: St. Mary's University, NS, management professor, and leading Canadian scholar.
Liberal MP, the Hon. John McCallum, will also address the 17 000 RIS attendees.
Prominent past speakers include NDP Leader Jack Layton, Toronto Mayor David Miller, Maher Arar, Monia Mazigh, and The Independent journalist Robert Fisk.
RIS's entertainment sessions this year includes comedy group "Allah Made Me Funny," performances from a member of Muslim hip-hop group Outlandish (recently performed at Copenhagen), and former Pakistani lead singer from "Vital Signs," Junaid Jamshed.
Program: http://www.convention.revivingtheislamicspirit.com/program_details1.asp
Speakers' bios: http://www.convention.revivingtheislamicspirit.com/speakers/
CONTACT: Sameer Zuberi, RIS Communications Director
647-380-0108 or 514-910-6472,
media@revivingtheislamicspirit.com