Speakers
FEATURED SPEAKERS
ALl Speakers
Fadel Soliman
Fadel Soliman is a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars. Besides being an electronics engineer, Fadel Soliman is an international speaker, orator, film maker and presenter of Islam. He has lectured and debated in many universities, churches and synagogues all over the world. He is founder and director of the Bridges Foundation, which aims to connect people from different backgrounds, especially bridging the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims after 9/11. Fadel Soliman has made 3 documentary films about Islam, called “The Fog is Lifting”.
Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool
Formerly a member of Parliament in South Africa’s National Assembly and Special Advisor to the State President, Ebrahim Rasool has a long history of involvement in his country and with the anti- aparthied struggle. Rasool was the Ambassador of South Africa to the US and former Governor of Western Cape.
He is the founder of the World for All Foundation, which aims to rethink the intellectual tools available to Muslims and faith communities, and create cooperative relations between faiths, cultures and communities at a global level.
Dr. Dalia Fahmy
Dr. Dalia Fahmy is Associate Professor of Political Science at Long Island University where she teaches courses on US Foreign Policy, World Politics, International Relations, Military and Defense Policy, Causes of War, and Politics of the Middle East. Dr. Fahmy is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Policy in Washington DC, and a Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights and UNESCO Chair at Rutgers University for 2018.
Dr. Fahmy has authored a few books including The Rise and Fall of The Muslim Brotherhood and the Future of Political Islam.
Dr. Jasser Auda
Professor Jasser Auda is a scholar of Islamic Legal Theory and is the President of Maqasid Institute Global, a think tank registered in the USA, UK, Malaysia and Indonesia. He is a professor at a number of institutions worldwide in areas of Islam, law and Maqasid studies. Dr.Jasser is a Founding and Board Member of the International Union for Muslim Scholars, an Executive Member of the Fiqh Council of North America, a Member of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, and a Fellow of the Fiqh Academy of India. Early in his life, he memorized the Quran and undertook traditional studies at the Study Circles of Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. Dr.Jasser was a professor at various universities around the world and lectured on Islam and its law in dozens of countries. He wrote 25 books in Arabic and English, some of which were translated into 25 languages.
Dr. Sameera Ahmed
Sameera Ahmed, who holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology, is the executive director of The Family and Youth Institute, a leading research and education organization dedicated to strengthening and empowering individuals, families, and communities. She is an associate editor for the Journal of Muslim Mental Health and is known for her contributions in promoting Muslim mental health through her publication which has been the most cited and internationally known academic book on Muslim mental health. Dr. Ahmed has taught classes at a variety of universities across the nation, been invited to prominent events nationwide as a speaker and also has a private clinical practice in Canton, Michigan. She is best known for her ability to transform research into practical resources tailored to the American Muslim community. Dr. Ahmed has been actively involved in the Muslim community at both the grassroots and national levels for over 30 years, including serving as vice president for the Muslim Students Association of the US and Canada and as a board member of the Muslim American Society (MAS).
Taha Ghayyur
Taha Ghayyur is a community galvanizer, a human rights advocate, a writer, an inspirational speaker, and a TV host based in Toronto, Canada. Driven by a spirit of service and desire to communicate creatively, Taha has been leading groundbreaking and impactful community initiatives for over 20 years across North America.
Dr. Ahmed Abdel Meguid
Dr. Ahmed Abdel Meguid is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Philosophy, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt. He earned his BA at the American University in Cairo and his MA and Ph.D. in Philosophy at Emory University. His research draws on Islamic and German Philosophy focusing on metaphysics and epistemology, philosophy of mind and social and political philosophy. He has published and has forthcoming articles in the European Journal of Political Theory, Oxford Journal of Islamic Studies, Journal of the History of Philosophy, British Journal of the History of Philosophy and the Review of Metaphysics. He is currently finalizing two monographs titled: Being and Representation: Ibn al-‘Arabī’s Modal Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind and Rethinking Al-Kindī’s Philosophy: the Systematization of Early Islamic Modal Epistemology.
Dr. Hatem Bazian
Hatem Bazian is a co-founder and Professor of Islamic Law and Theology at Zaytuna College, the 1st Accredited Muslim Liberal Arts College in the United States. In addition, Prof. Bazian is a lecturer in the Departments of Near Eastern and Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies at the University of California, where he also served as an adjunct professor of law at Boalt Hall School of Law. Bazian founded the Islamophobia Research and Documentation Project at the Center for Race and Gender at Berkely, a research unit dedicated to the systematic study of Othering Islam and Muslims. In addition to academic work, Dr.Bazian is a weekly columnist for a few global newspapers and is founder and national Chair of a number of organizations, including American Muslims for Palestine and Northern California Islamic Council.
Dunia Shuaib
Ustadha Dunia Shuaib is the founder, director and instructor at Guided Hearts Institute for Spiritual, Relational, and Mental Wellness. Through a holistic and integrative approach she combines the Qurān and Sunnah, rich Islāmic tradition, Islāmic psychology and modern psychology to help educate and inspire Muslims to reach their greatest potential.
Dr. Muhammad al-Shinqiti
Muhammad al-Mukhtar al-Shinqiti (Arabic: محمد المختار الشنقيطي; born 1966) is a Mauritanian political activist, author, scholar, and academic. He currently works at Hamad Bin Khalifa University as an associate professor of political ethics and history of religion. He regularly writes Arabic articles in Al Jazeera. Al-Shinqiti has studied and acquired degrees in different fields of both traditional and rational sciences. These include Fiqh, Translatology, Business administration, and History of religion. He writes extensively about the Arab spring, Islamic civilization, and Islamic reform.
Dr. jamal badawi
Dr. Jamal Badawi is an Egyptian born Muslim Canadian. He is a former professor who taught Religious Studies and Management, a well-known author, activist, preacher and speaker on Islam. Dr. Badawi completed his undergraduate studies in Cairo, Egypt and his Masters and Ph.D. degrees at Indiana University. Along with authoring many books and articles on Islam he researched, designed and presented a 352 segment television series on Islam, which was shown in many local TV stations in Canada, the US and as well as other countries all over the world. He is the founder/chairman of the Islamic Information Foundation, which is a non-profit foundation seeking to promote a better understanding of Islam and the Muslims. Currently, he is the Vice-Chairman of the Islamic University.
suhaib webb
Imam Suhaib Webb is a contemporary American Muslim activist and speaker. After converting to Islam, Webb studied at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Education. After obtaining a private education and becoming Imam of his hometown masjid, Webb furthered his studies at Al-Azhar University. Imam Suhaib currently serves as the Imam of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC) in Roxbury, MA. He is the founder and an instructor at Ella Collins Institute. He also is a member of the North American Fiqh Council, was named on of the 500 most important Muslims for 2010, 2011 and 2012 and hosts “Reflections” a weekly T.V program on Malaysia’s T.V al-Hijra as well as “Inner Dimensions” a weekly show on Malaysia’s Radio IKIM.
Saad Tasleem
Shaykh Saad Tasleem, born and raised in the USA, is highly in tune with today’s youth struggles and pressures, while grounded with education in traditional Islamic sciences. He studied Art, Graphic Design, and Psychology at the University of Maryland. He then went on to study at the Islamic University of Madinah where he dedicated himself to the study of Islamic Sciences and graduated from the Faculty of Islamic Law. Since graduating from the University of Madinah he has been traveling extensively all across the globe as an instructor for AlMaghrib Institute, a public speaker, and a lecturer. Shaykh Saad dedicates his teaching to the Muslim community at large and also to Muslim youth learning to balance their modern lifestyles with their Islamic values.
Haleh Banani
Haleh Banani has her Master’s in Clinical Psychology serving thousands with faith-based counseling since 1998. She launched a global mentorship program for sisters called The Mindful Hearts Academy which transforms lives by building self-esteem, instilling emotional intelligence and empowering women to be the best version of themselves. Haleh is the founder of the 5 Pillars of Marriage Program which is an online course. She is also the founder of a premarital program called Laugh and Learn with comedian Baba Ali. Haleh hosted her own TV show on Al-Fajr TV in Egypt called ‘With Haleh’. She is an international speaker and relationship expert. Haleh received her ijaza for the recitation of the Quran in Egypt in 2012.
Suleiman Hani
Shaykh Suleiman Hani is the Director of Academic Affairs at AlMaghrib Institute, a research scholar for Yaqeen Institute, and a resident scholar in Michigan. At the age of 14, Suleiman completed a 10-month Qur’an memorization program and began his intensive studies under numerous scholars, earning dozens of traditional religious certifications in the process. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Jordan’s College of Shari’ah, ranking first in his class, and a master’s degree from Harvard University, where he studied religions, philosophy, political science, and psychology. Over the past decade, he has served as an Imam and community leader in Michigan, lectured in dozens of countries, published a number of books and articles, and was featured on the largest Islamic TV stations worldwide.
dr. Rateb Al Nabulsi
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Rateb Al-Nabulsi is a Syrian writer, Professor, Muslim scholar, Co-founder & manager (Nabulsi Encyclopedia of Islamic Science). In addition to his role as an Imam, Dr.Nabulsi was an education scholar and professor at the University of Damascus for over 20 years in the field of Islamic fundamentals and scientific miracles in the Quran. Dr.Nabulsi played a big role in his written contributions to newspapers and magazines, alongside the plethora of lectures and lessons aired on television. He is one of the most well-known and respected islamic personalities.
Abdul Nasir Jangda
Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda is the founder, director, and an instructor at Qalam. At an early age, Jangda memorized the Quran and returned to Karachi to study the Islamic Sciences full time. He graduated from the rigorous ‘alim program in 2001 at the top of his class. He also obtained a B.A. and M.A. in Arabic from Karachi University while completing a Masters in Islamic Studies from the University of Sindh. After returning home, he taught Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, worked with various Islamic schools and served as the Imam at the Colleyville Masjid in the Dallas area. Annually, he teaches the Seerah Intensive and leads groups on the Seerah Umrah tour and Masjid Al-Aqsa. Born and raised in Dallas, he currently resides there with his wife and three children.
Zahra Billoo
Zahra Billoo serves as the Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA) office, the oldest CAIR chapters and manages one of the largest CAIR offices in the country with a team dedicated to the empowerment of American Muslims through legal services, legislative advocacy, and community organizing. She is currently a fellow with Levi Strauss Foundation Pioneers in Justice, a senior fellow with the American Leadership Forum’s Silicon Valley Chapter and an alumna of a few notable institutes. Zahra earned her undergraduate degrees from the California State University, Long Beach, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings. She is licensed to practice law in California. Outside of her work with CAIR, Zahra bakes birthday cakes for foster children through Cake4Kids and is a coordinator for Project Feed, a monthly homeless feeding effort in downtown San Francisco.
Jamal Elshayyal
Jamal Elshayyal is an international award winning senior correspondent for Al Jazeera English, he joined the channel in 2006 as part of its launch team and served as its first Middle East Editor. He covered a number of major stories including the 2011 uprisings in Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen. Some of his exclusive reports include uncovering secret documents from inside Gaddafi’s intelligence HQ and uncovering torture and human rights abuses inside Egyptian prisons. Jamal was Al Jazeera’s main reporter during the 2013 coup in Egypt, the 2014 coup in Yemen and the 2016 failed coup attempt in Turkey. He has interviewed several world leaders and has extensive access to major power players in the GCC and the MENA region.
Dr. Monia Mazigh
Dr. Monia Mazigh was born and raised in Tunisia and immigrated to Canada in 1991. She speaks Arabic, French, and English fluently and holds a Ph.D. in finance from McGill University. Dr. Mazigh has worked at the University of Ottawa and taught at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. Dr. Mazigh was catapulted onto the public stage in 2002 when her husband Maher Arar, was deported to Syria where he was tortured and held without charge for over a year. During that time, Dr. Mazigh campaigned vigorously for her husband’s release and later fought to re-establish his reputation and sought reparations. In January 2007, after a lengthy inquiry, her husband finally received an apology from the Canadian government and was offered compensation for the “terrible ordeal” his family had suffered. Dr. Mazigh has since authored a book called Hope and Despair, published with McLellan and Stewart in 2008. She has since published two novels, Mirrors and Mirages and Hope Has Two Daughters.
Dr. Jasmin Zine
Jasmin Zine is a Professor of Sociology and Religion & Culture at Wilfrid Laurier University. Dr. Zine has worked as a consultant with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (ODHIR/OSCE), the Council of Europe (COE), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on developing guidelines for educators and policymakers on combating Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism. Dr. Zine also presented to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief regarding Islamophobia in Canada and was an invited speaker at Canada’s National Summit on Islamophobia in 2021. She is co-Founder of the International Islamophobia Studies Research Association (IISRA).
Dr. Anver Emon
.Anver M. Emon is a leading scholar of Islamic law. His research focuses on premodern and modern Islamic legal history and theory; premodern modes of governance and adjudication; and the role of Shari’a both inside and outside the Muslim world. The recipient of numerous research grants, he was named as a 2014 Guggenheim Fellow in the field of law and awarded the 2017 Kitty Newman Memorial Award in Philosophy from the Royal Society of Canada. In addition to publishing numerous articles, Emon is the author of a few books on Islamic Law as well as the co-editor of Islamic Law and International Human Rights Law: Searching for Common Ground? (Oxford University Press, 2012). He is the founding editor of Middle East Law and Governance: An Interdisciplinary Journal, and series editor of the Oxford Islamic Legal Studies Series. Dr. Emon currently is a professor & Canada Research Chair in Religion, Pluralism and the Rule of Law at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.
Taimiyyah Zubair
Ustadha Taimiyyah Zubair is an established teacher of Quran with a focus on Tafsir and Word Analysis. She studied under her parents and scholars, Dr. Idrees Zubair and Dr. Farhat Hashmi (founders of Al Huda International) and has been a student and teacher, at Al Huda Institute, of various Islamic Sciences including Arabic Grammar, Hadith and Fiqh. Currently, Ustadha Taimiyyah is completing her Humanities degree with a President’s Entrance Scholarship at the University of Waterloo.
Siraj Wahhaj
Siraj Wahhaj is Imam of the Al-Taqwa Mosque in Brooklyn, a prolific lecturer, community activist, the leader of the Muslim Alliance in North America, and former Vice President of ISNA. He first became famous for his successful efforts in fighting drugs and crime in his neighborhood. In 1991, he became the first Muslim to recite the Opening Prayer of the Qur’an (Al-Fatiha) at the US House of Representatives. IN 2004, he founded the Muslim Alliance in North America to advocate for Muslim American’s needs and civil rights. Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, proclaimed August 15, Siraj Wahhaj Day in honour of his “lifetime of outstanding and meaningful achievement.”
Mohammad Faris
Mohammed Faris is an international coach, author, and speaker who helps executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs live the best versions of themselves spiritually, physically and socially to achieve peak performance in their personal and professional lives. He’s also the founder of ProductiveMuslim.com – a popular lifestyle blog for the global Muslim community – and author of the book “The Productive Muslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity”. He has delivered seminars and workshops in over 15 countries as well as featured on international media and on the TEDx stage. Over 25,000 people have attended his workshops and he continues to inspire millions of followers online. In 2014, the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre added him to the World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims list. And in 2016, the Dubai Government awarded him the 2016 Islamic Economy Award in the Media category for his valuable contribution to the development of the global Islamic Economy.
Fiyyaz Jaat
Fiyyaz Jaat is from Toronto. He currently serves as the Director of the Youth Programming and Services Department for ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) National. He has been involved with the Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) as an advisor for over 15 years. He is known for his ability to connect with youth and tackle sensitive and relevant issues facing youth today. He believes in a balanced approach of growing and living in today’s society with a strong Muslim identity.
Dr. Ovamir Anjum
Imam Khattab Chair of Islamic Studies at the Department of Philosophy, University of Toledo. He is the author of Politics, Law and Community in Islamic Thought: The Taymiyyan Moment (Cambridge University Press, 2012). He has translated Madarij al-Salikin (Ranks of Divine Seekers, Brill 2020) by Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 1351), one of the greatest Islamic spiritual classics, which upon completion will be the largest single-author English translation of an Arabic text. His current projects include a survey of Islamic history and a monograph on Islamic political thought.
Dr. Aissam Al-Bachir Al-MarrakechI
French Moroccan Professor, Writer & Scholar of Islamic Sharia
Dr. Wael Shehab
Dr. Wael Shehab holds a PhD in Islamic Studies, Al-Azhar University, Egypt. He has tens of publications on Islam and Muslim issues, with special focus on Muslim minorities. He participated in many international, regional, and local conferences on Islam and contemporary issues. Dr. Shehab has lectured on Islam and Muslim issues at different International and renowned universities in Egypt, Canada, and the United States. He has been working as an Imam and religious guide in Egypt, Europe, the United States and Canada. Currently, He serves as the Imam and resident scholar of the main downtown MAC Masjid Toronto in Toronto, Canada.
Mahdi Tirkawi
Après l’obtention de mon baccalauréat en France, je me suis dirigé vers Le Caire pour suivre des études de droit musulman à l’université de Caire. En 2012, je m’installe à Montréal pour continuer mes études d’une part à l’UdeM (maîtrise en science des religions) et d’exercer en tant qu’imam à la mosquée Al-Rawdah, Centre Communautaire Laurentien. À travers l’exercice de mes fonctions, je cherche à faire le lien entre spirituel et développement personnel. Je suis surtout en contact avec des jeunes du secondaire, cégep et université à qui je donne des cours et ateliers de formations.
Ahmed Khalil
Ahmed Khalil is a second generation Canadian Muslim, inspirational speaker, imam, and da’wah coordinator. He is the manager of the MAC Islamic Centre in Ottawa, ON, where he also serves as the imam and khateeb. He has more than 20 years of experience in da’wah and Islamic activism. He has a B.Eng. in Computer Engineering, from Carleton University, where he served with the MSA. He also has a diploma in Film Production from Vancouver, where he worked on integrating da’wah through the media. He has a diploma in Shariah and Islamic Studies, from Samaha Academy, under the supervision of Sheikh Jasim Muhalhal. Al-Yaseen and another from Zad Academy under the supervision of Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid. He is an avid reader and student of knowledge, and father of three.
Dr. Ehab Bader
Dr. Ehab Bader is a husband and a father of three kids. He is a professional consultant in leadership and management. He is a physician and a pediatrician. Ehab graduated from the University of Western Ontario as a specialist in newborns and premature babies in 2014. He is also a graduate of Harvard University in management and leadership. Ehab also holds a bachelor’s degree in Shari’a and Islamic studies from Egypt. He lived in different places around the world, including multiple Arab countries, Europe, and North America, in which he worked in the field of character building, personal and community development for more than 15 years. He is passionate about learning and teaching Islam as an methodology and a way of life.
Rania Lawendy
Rania Lawendy is the CEO Action for Humanity Canada, Activist and Community Leader. She has Masters in Educational leadership and was a principal for over 15 years. She is a social activist that has dedicated her life to community development and activism.
Nimao Ali
Nimao Ali is a social justice activist and inspirational leader working as an educator for both adults and children for almost 20 years. Ms. Ali completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Mathematics at Carleton University and later received an Adult Education Teaching Certificate from Algonquin College and her Principal Qualifications from York University. Ms. Ali has been appointed by multiple government bodies as an advisor. In 2017 she was nominated for the Governor-General Award for her outstanding leadership. She has established many community projects over the years both in Canada and internationally. Ms. Ali spent many summers working on aid projects in East Africa, and has also co-founded local organizations undertaking key projects in girls’ education and empowerment in Canada. She currently serves as the Muslim Chaplain at Carleton University and the principal of the Muslim Association of Canada Abraar Secondary School in Ottawa.
Muhammad Abuelezz
Muhammad is currently the imam of Rose City Islamic Center in Windsor, ON, Canada. He has a master’s degree in Islamic studies from University of Georgia, US. His MA thesis was about imams’ qualifications, tasks and challenges in America. He is now a PhD. candidate in Human Relationships: Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy at Wilfrid Laurier University. The focus of his PhD dissertation is on the professional ethics of imams in providing counselling and spiritual care for members of their communities.
Asmaa Hussein
Asmaa Hussein is a writer and a registered social worker. She is the author of “A Temporary Gift: Reflections on Love, Loss, and Healing” where she shares her journey of recovery after her husband Amr Kassem was shot and killed while peacefully protesting in Alexandria, Egypt.
AbdelFatah Jahedar
Qari Abdul Fatah Jahedar has a Bachelors of Law from Tripoli University and an Ijazah in The Memorization and Recitation of Qur’an from the Awqaf Ministry in Libya. He is a reciter of international repute and has participated in and won a number of international Quran and Nasheed competitions. He is currently an Imam and teacher at the Islamic Institute of Toronto.
Dr. Tayyab Rashid
Dr. Tayyab Rashid is a licensed clinical and school psychologist and works at the Health & Wellness Centre, University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). Dr. Rashid is also a faculty associate with the Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University. Using a culturally contextualized strengths-based approach Dr. Rashid has worked for more than 15 years with young adults experiencing complex mental health challenges. Dr. Rashid’s work has been published in textbooks of psychiatry and psychotherapy. In addition, his book, Positive Psychotherapy, has been translated into several languages.
Dr. Nashaat Ahmed
Sheikh Nasha’at Ahmed A well known figure known for his dawah and steadfastness. He is among the scholars of Al-Azhar, a member of the International Commission for Reflection on the Noble Qur’an in Qatar. He holds a PhD in the tafsir of the Qur’an and its sciences and a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies. He holds many degrees in the sciences of the Qur’an, interpretation, hadith and jurisprudence He was a student of many scholars of the nation, Sheikh Kishk, may God have mercy on him, and Sheikh Al-Qai’i, and is a friend to many, such as Sheikh Al-Ghazali and Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.
Haroon Siddiqui
Haroon Siddiqui is a member of the Order of Canada, the nations highest civilian honour. He is also a member of the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest civilian honour. He is Editorial Page Editor Emeritus of the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest paper and a former columnist. He has covered or supervised coverage of Canada for the last 50 years through nine primeministers. He has also reported from 50 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Middle East, South Asia and the Far East, including Malaysia and Indonesia. Since 2002, he has been a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. He is the author of a best-selling book, “Being Muslim”, on the impact of 9/11 on Muslims around the world.
Tina Aseffa
Tihitena (Tina) Aseffa is a Senior Researcher at the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC).
Sarah Attia
Sarah Attia is a mother, educator and community activist. Sarah is a graduate of The University of Toronto, Faculty of Engineering, holding a bachelor and a master degree in chemical engineering. Sarah spent over 10 years working on providing quality international education to children in Egypt as a principal, teacher, and founder of an international school in Cairo, Egypt. She has a particular interest in curriculum development, character education, and community contribution. She is currently the project manager of MAC iRISE, where she oversees character education curricula and values based programming for MAC Islamic Schools and most recently has taken on the position of principal of MAC Olive Grove School. In addition, Sarah is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Children and Youth (NACY), a national charitable organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth in Canada.
Sh. Mohammad Zahid Abu Ghudda
Shaykh Mohammad Zahid Abū Ghudda is the eldest son of the late Shaykh ‘Abd al-Fattāḥ Abū Ghudda, who is widely recognized as one of the leading Muslim scholars of the 20th century. Shaykh Zahid has studied the Islamic sciences extensively under the guidance of his late father and has been blessed to meet and learn from many Muslim scholars from around the world. Shaykh Mohammad Zahid’s lectures cover various Islamic sciences, including Fiqh, Ḥadīth, Akhlaq, Ulum al-Qur’ān and History. He is a frequent Khateeb and speaker at numerous Masajid in the Greater Toronto Area. He has authored and translated several books in both Arabic and English. He also holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and has been residing in Canada since 1991.
Mehmet Tohti
Mehmet Tohti is a prominent Uyghur Canadian activist, campaigning for the rights of Uyghurs for over a decade. He worked as a co-founder and vice-president of the World Uyghur Congress and, more recently, as the executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, based in Ottawa. Mehmet’s most significant achievements as an activist in exile in Canada have included lobbying the House of Commons to vote, overwhelmingly, in support of a motion to declare China’s treatment of its Uyghur minority population a genocide. Though Mehmet has been subjected to threats while working in Canada, he continues to lobby both provincial and federal governments and Canadian businesses to boycott products produced in China by Uyghur slave labour.
Dr. Farah Islam
Farah Islam, PhD, is a mental health advocate, educator, and researcher. She explores mental health and service access in Canada’s racialized and immigrant populations using mixed methods research and orients her research and community work around breaking down the barriers of mental health stigma. Dr. Farah joined Yaqeen as a senior fellow and is now the Director of Psychospiritual Studies. She is a student in the Scholar of Islamic Sciences ‘alimiyyah program at Mathabah Institute. Dr. Islam has taught courses in Muslim mental health at the University of Toronto, Islamic Online University, and the Islamic Institute of Toronto and currently serves on the expert advisory committee for the Muslim women’s shelter, Nisa Homes.
Dr. Altaf Hussain
Dr. Altaf Husain holds a doctoral degree from the Howard University School of Social Work in Washington D.C. Dr. Altaf Husain serves as Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Howard University in Washington DC. His research interests include the mental health and integration of immigrant and refugee families, and especially Muslim adolescents, in the United States. Dr. Altaf Husain serves as Vice President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Vice President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and an advisory board member of the Peaceful Families Project -dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence.
Mohamad Fakih
Founding CEO of Paramount Fine Foods & President of Fakih Foundation In 2006, Dr. Mohamad Fakih, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, purchased a nearly bankrupt restaurant and transformed it into, what is now known as the fastest growing Middle Eastern Halal restaurant chain in North America – Paramount Fine Foods. A community leader, Dr. Fakih regularly participates in fundraisers and community events, supporting multiple causes and organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, Islamic Relief worldwide, Sick Kids Hospital, the Make a Wish Foundation in Toronto and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Canada. Across his restaurants Mohamad offers discounts to all Emergency Service Workers in uniform to show appreciation for their service in our communities.
Sh. Ismael Mukhtar
Ismael Mukhtar is a Chartered Professional Accountant by profession and author of Manitoba Muslims, a history of resilience and growth. He is chair of the Manitoba Fiqh Council, a volunteer Khateeb and has served as Chair of MAC BOD as well as president of Manitoba Islamic Association.
Omar Raza
Omar Raza is an experienced Chief of Staff with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Policy Analysis, Stakeholder Management, Politics, and Government. Strong administrative professional with a Master of Laws (LLM) focused in Business Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Asma Bala
Asma Bala is an Associate in Real Property and Planning Group in Toronto at McCarthy Tétrault. She maintains a general real property practice. Asma joined McCarthy Tétrault as a student in 2016. She received an MA in Religion in Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University, a BA (Hons) in International Studies from the University of Toronto (Scarborough) and received her JD from the University of Ottawa. Prior to law school, she worked as Senior Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment, focusing on trade policy and legislative affairs.
Saleha Faruque
Saleha Faruque is a Communications Manager at Justice For All Canada, a nonprofit human rights, advocacy and genocide prevention organization. She recently earned a postgraduate certificate in International Development and Humanitarian studies at Humber College in Toronto. Saleha believes in the power of community service, kindness and inclusivity to achieve equality and positive change.
Dr. Wael Haddara
Dr. Haddara is a triple-certified physician and is the Medical Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital, London Health Sciences Center, and teaches at Western University.
Dr. Hussein Elkazzaz
Br. Hussein’s area of specialty is organizational behavior, practiced in both the academic and business consulting spheres. He has a life long interest in causes and issues related to Ummah Revival. Br. Hussein served for one year 2012 to 2013 as advisor to the democratically elected president of Egypt on issues of integrated National Development. He is currently working at Insan Center for Civilizational studies in Istanbul Turkey.
Dr. Azzezah Kanji
Azeezah Kanji is a legal academic and writer. She received her Juris Doctor from University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, and Masters of Law specializing in Islamic Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Azeezah’s work focuses on issues relating to racism, law, and social justice. Her writing has appeared in the Al Jazeera English, Haaretz, Toronto Star, TruthOut, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, OpenDemocracy, Roar Magazine, iPolitics, Policy Options, Rabble, and various academic anthologies and journals. Azeezah also serves as Director of Programming at Noor Cultural Centre.
Khaled Sultan
Khaled Sultan is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager with CIBC Private Wealth. He has more than 20 years of industry experience, having most recently focused on equity research and investment analysis. Mr. Sultan specializes in Socially Responsible, Ethical, and Shariah Compliant Investing.
Umair Ashraf
Umair Ashraf is the director – GOTV @ The Canadian-Muslim Vote
Dr. Mohammad Naveed
Dr. Mohammad has been with Osler since 1997, beginning as an emergency physician at Etobicoke General Hospital. He has held a number of progressively senior leadership roles since that time, including that of Osler’s Chief of Emergency Services and was the previous Osler President and Chief Executive Officer.
Sh. Abdalla Idris
Abdalla Idris set the foundation for Islamic schools and Islamic Education across North America and beyond. He established and directed organizations such as the Council of Islamic Schools in North America (CISNA), Center for Islamic Education in North America (CIENA) in the United States, International Board of Educational Research and Resources (IBERR) and many others. Sheikh Abdalla appointed to the Executive Council of the Islamic Society of North America and then elected to its consultative body. This led him to serving as President of ISNA from 1992 through 1997. Dr. Abdalla Idris has chaired the ISNA Education Forum for 10 years that attracts more than 250 schools and close to a thousand teachers every year. In 2017, he decided to retire, however the community asked him to stay on as Director of Outreach and Community Development. Today he is serving as the Senior Community Relations Adviser.
Dr. Mohammed Saleem
Dr. Mohamed Saleem is experienced educator with more than ten years of teaching and administrative experience at the K-12 level and 3 years of experience as faculty of education at the university level. His doctoral degree was in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Education, Communications, and Technology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison As a current principal of MAC Abraar School in Ottawa and a former certified science teacher, he taught, developed programs and curricula and trained faculty at the K-12 level. As an assistant professor of education at West Texas A&M University, he developed and taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses in the teacher education program through a variety of media including hybrid and online classes. he also served as co-chair of the Master of Arts in Teaching program. he developed the online delivery of several courses in this program.
Sh. Ahmed Kandil
Fatema Dada
Fatema Dada is a lawyer at the Ministry of the Attorney General at the Crown Law Office – Civil, representing various government ministries at all levels of court. She also serves on the exexcutive board for SMILE Canada, an organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities in minority communities.
Dr. Ali Al-Halawani
Dr. Ali Al-Halawani is Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Translation Studies. He is an author, translator, and writer based in Canada. To date, Al-Halawani authored over 400 original articles on Islam and Muslims
Ahmad Attia
Ahmad Attia is the CEO of Incisive Strategy and has a deep expertise in crisis management, public affairs and government relations. Ahmad is also a community advocate and human rights activist in Canada and internationally. He currently serves on the Peel Police Services Board, the Muslim Council of Peel, and Human Rights Watch Canada.
Andrew Chunilall
CEO, Community Foundations of Canada Andrew joined Community Foundations Canada in 2013 and became CEO in 2017, following a six-year tenure as Vice-President of Finance for the London Community Foundation and his long-standing service as a finance and regulatory expert for Canada’s philanthropic milieu. Outside of Community Foundations of Canada, Andrew has been highly active in the nonprofit community for 15 years, serving on numerous boards including Community Living London and Art for AIDS International. In 2014, he was appointed to the Board of the Southwest Local Health Integration Network by former Minister of Health, Deb Matthews. In 2015, he was among 250 selected emerging leaders to participate in the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. He recently joined the Board of WINGS, the global network of grantmaker associations and philanthropic support organisations. With a background in education in economics and commerce, Andrew obtained his chartered accountant designation in 2002 and began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as a manager in the Assurance and Advisory Group.
Daniele Zanotti
President & CEO, United Way GTA Daniele Zanotti was named President & CEO of United Way in June 2016. With more than 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors, he has earned a reputation as an accomplished, strategic, and energetic leader. From 2007 to 2015, Daniele served as CEO of United Way York Region, where he led an evolution to transform the charity from federated fundraiser to convener, mobilizer and agent of community change. In 2015, Daniele was the catalyst behind a merger between United Ways in York Region and Toronto. Under his leadership, on April 1, 2018, United Way Toronto & York Region merged with United Way Peel Region. As United Way Greater Toronto, the organization is now able to use its bigger scale to strengthen a region-wide strategy to fight local poverty and address and advocate on complex social issues. Before joining United Way, Daniele served the community through organizations like the Rexdale Community Health Centre; The Regional Municipality of York; Family Day Care Services; and Villa Charities Foundation. He is also deeply involved outside of his professional career, volunteering his time as a member of CivicAction’s Board of Directors and the City of Toronto’s Partnership to Advance Youth Employment (PAYE) and Toronto’s Resilience Steering Committee. Daniele has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto and Bachelor’s Degree from York University. He lives in Vaughan with his wife and two children.
Chief Stacey La Forme
Elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN) R. Stacey LaForme is the elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN). Born and raised on MNCFN, Chief Laforme has served his community for over twenty years, being first elected to council in 1999. Chief Laforme has participated in a number of committees and boards throughout his seven terms served as a Councillor, including involvement with the MNCFN’s Pan Am Games Secretariat (PAGS). As Chair of the PAGS Committee, Chief LaForme was instrumental in raising the profile of all First Nations through the recognition of the MNCFN as the first ever official Host First Nation of the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. Chief LaForme is committed to increasing involvement and communication between Elected Council and both on and off-reserve membership. He is very active throughout MNFCN’s traditional territory, which encompasses 3.9 million acres of Southern Ontario, not only as a Chief, but as a notable storyteller and poet. His best known poem is Remember. Its words are on the Veterans Memorial, and a reading of it is available on You Tube. His most recently published volume of poetry is titled Living in the Tall Grass: Poems of Reconciliation.
Memona Hossain
Memona Hossain is a mother, community-based collaborator, and PhD candidate in Applied Ecopsychology & Certification in Eco-Art Therapy. She teaches community-based Ecopsychology courses through various institutions. Memona is involved in Eco-diverse conversations as it pertains to climate action. Memona has served on the Board of Directors for the Muslim Association of Canada and participates in conversations relevant to Islam & Muslims in Canada and issues of Islamophobia.
Khaled Alqazzaz
Khaled Al-Qazzaz is an education and communications consultant. He holds a Masters of Applied Sciences in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto (U of T), and pursued a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration at Walden University. In 2005, Khaled moved to Egypt and established a K-12 international school. In 2012, Khaled served in the first democratically elected government of Egypt until the military coup in 2013. Khaled’s mandate was to set-up and execute the portfolios for foreign relations, human rights and women’s rights for the Egyptian Presidency. In 2016, Khaled moved back to Canada and co-founded and led the QED Foundation serving vulnerable refugees. In 2018, Khaled started I-RSS to encourage the exchange of knowledge between academics and the Muslim community and as a vehicle to bring positive policy change for Muslims in North America. In the same year, Khaled established Zajel Institute to empower members of the Arab Diaspora and exile communities. He is currently a member of the International Justice Circle of Human Rights Watch and is the director of Education and Communications for the Muslim Association of Canada.
Mohsan Attique
Mohsan is a registered member of the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. He earned a diploma in Child and Youth Work from Centennial College, a Bachelor’s in Social Work from York University, and a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Windsor.
Dr. Nabil Sultan
Nabil Sultan has served as Chairman of MAC from 2018 to 2022 and previously served as a Chapter Head for the MAC London Chapter. Professionally, Nabil is an academic Nephrologist and Associate professor at Western University. He is a medical education researcher in the Centre for Education & Research Institute and he served as the previous Program Director of the Nephrology Training program. His research interest is in Leadership Education and Character-Based Leadership and he has spoken in international conferences and published peer-reviewed papers on the topic. He is passionate about leadership development programs for muslim youth as a means of empowerment. He is married with three children.
Cathy Brothers
CEO of Capacity Canada has more than 45 years’ experience in health and social services sectors. Cathy served in Kitchener as Director of Community Services at St. Mary’s Hospital, then, Executive Director at Carizon Family & Community Services. Cathy taught Social Policy courses in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph. Cathy is a past member of both the Barnraisers Council in Waterloo Region, and the President’s Advisory Council at Wilfrid Laurier. Her past board service includes St. Jerome’s University, Rotary Club of Kitchener-Westmount, Family Service Ontario, Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services, St. Mary’s General Hospital, St. Mary’s Foundation, and, St Joseph’s Health Care System. She is an Honorary Senior Fellow at Renison College, University of Waterloo; recipient of the Queen’s Diamond, Golden and Silver Jubilee Medals; and, as part of Laurier’s Centennial Celebrations, Cathy was selected as one of Laurier’s 100 Alumni of Distinction over the past 100 years. For exceptional service, Cathy was honoured by St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation with St. Mary’s Mission Legacy Award.
Cathy Taylor
Cathy Taylor is the Executive Director of the Ontario Non-Profit Network. She has been a member of the ONN team since June 2012. Throughout her 20 years working in the nonprofit sector, including as the founding Executive Director of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, she has been passionate about collaboration and leadership in the sector. Cathy works with sector colleagues from across Ontario and Canada, as well as private sector and government officials, to create an enabling policy environment for nonprofit organizations. Cathy’s roots are in the environmental movement and she has been active in municipal politics. She holds a degree in political studies and history from Queen’s University, and attended the Maytree-York University Executive Directors Leadership program. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and her garden in Erin, Ontario.
Bruce MacDonald
President & Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Canada. Prior to that, he was the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada where he participated in a collective effort to bring mentoring programs to kids. Bruce holds a Bachelor Degree in Sports Administration from Laurentian University, a Masters in Management in the Voluntary Sector from McGill University and a former record in the Guinness Book of World Records. In early 2019, Bruce was appointed Co-Chair of the Permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector working with the federal government.
Waqar Khan
Executive Director of Yaqeen Canada Founder and partner in many successful organizations including the food-based charity called Charity Right where they serve millions of meals all across the world to those most in need. Former Director of Business Development and Relations at Bayyinah Institute. Waqar is the Executive Director for Yaqeen Institute Canada.
Sh. AbdulKarim Sekta
Imam and Dr. Abdulkarim Sekta is a faculty member at Itqan Institute. He is one of the world’s most expert authorities in Qur’an! Imam Sekta memorized the Qur’an when he was 14, and has won several Qur’an competitions in Libya and across the world. He acquired a memorization certificate from the Ministry of Holy Quran Affairs in Libya early on, followed by an Ijaza in the ten readings of the Holy Quran, under the tutelage of Shaykh Abu Bakri al-Tarabishi and Dr. Ayman Swaid. Despite being proficient in multiple disciplines, he specializes in Qur’anic studies, both as a teacher of its readings and as an academic. He holds a B.A. in English Linguistics and Literature, an MA in Arabic-English Translation, an MA in Islamic Studies, and a Ph.D. in Translation Studies specializing in the translations of the Quran in North America. His dissertation was entitled: “Thematic Variations in the Quran Translations in North America Post 9/11”. He has also served as a full-time Imam for over ten years between Libya, the US, and currently, Canada.
Sh. ABDUL FATAH JAHEDAR
Qari Abdul Fatah Jahedar has a Bachelors of Law from Tripoli University and an Ijazah in The Memorization and Recitation of Qur’an from the Awqaf Ministry in Libya. He is a reciter of international repute and has participated in and won a number of international Quran and Nasheed competitions. He is currently and Imam and teacher at the Islamic Institute of Toronto.
