3000 expected at Ottawa’s largest Islamic conference

With just a week to go before the return of Ottawa’s largest Islamic conference, the city is abuzz with excitement. Speakers from around the world are expected to arrive in Ottawa on May 21 for the second IlmFest Conference hosted by AlMaghrib Institute.

The idea for IlmFest began back in 2005 out of the belief that ‘ilm (knowledge) is something that should be celebrated rather than ignored. With so many around the world who are either confused or unsure of their faith, IlmFest was born with the intention to turn the tide. The goal was not only to have Muslims who are knowledgeable of their faith, but also confident enough in that faith to spur action.

“Speech by itself is worthless, unless it is followed by action. Speech and action by themselves are worthless, unless they have the right intention. And speech, action and the right intention are worthless, unless they agree with the Sunnah,” says Dr. Reda Bedier an AlMaghrib instructor.

Today, IlmFest has grown to be a world-wide event that has taken place in major cities around the world such as Chicago, New York, LA, Toronto, Leeds and London.

Marked by its unique blend of lectures and question and answer sessions, last year’s event in Ottawa drew thousands. Muslims from all over the city came together to share the experience with their friends and family. This year’s program promises to be no different. The event itinerary is jam-packed with lectures prepared to be the most engaging and the most relevant for its listeners.

“IlmFest is one of the most exciting conferences of the year. It is a time for AlMaghrib to give back to our community, and to deliver cutting-edge lectures, rotted in orthodoxy yet relevant to our modern situation” says Yasir Qadhi, Dean of Academic Affairs for AlMaghrib Institute.

The topic for this year’s event will focus on the Quran’s underlying message pertaining to various segments of our society today: nobility of women, empowerment of youth, communal unity and of course the spiritual relationship every heart and soul must foster with the words of Allah.

Highlighted by the beautiful recitation of Quran, topics range from an analysis of Quranic supplications to a discussion of the concept of ‘uluw al-Himmah (having high aspirations as a Muslim). Along with the return of well-known speakers such as Abdullah Hakim Quick, Muhammad Alshareef, Yasir Qadhi, Waleed Basyouni, Abu Eesa Niamatullah, Kamal ElMekki, Navaid Aziz, Ahsan Hanif and, Ottawans will also welcome back their own Imam Abdulrahman Hijazi.

The event will also include a parallel education program for the event’s youngest attendees and numerous vendors showcasing a variety of products. In addition to a day of reflection on the Quran, Boona Mohammed returns with his unique spoken word poetry.

Entertainment sessions will put speakers in a new light. Between the halal “magic” tricks of Shaykh Kamal al-Mekki and a Quran Competition show-down between AlMaghrib instructors, the event promises to be one that goes down in Ottawa’s history.

Tickets for the conference are $20. Price at the door will increase to $30. For more information about the conference, children’s educational program and bazaar, please visit: www.OttawaMuslimConference.com ■