Every year around the holidays, Muslims from across North America come to Toronto and spend 3 days with the world’s leading Muslim Scholars. Reviving the Islamic Spirit Conference began as a response by Muslim youth to the 9/11 attacks to create a space where Muslims could learn, express themselves and showcase their religion to non-Muslims as well. 18 years later, RIS has now grown to become a hallmark in the calendars of many Muslims. RIS has hosted global Islamic Scholars like Shaykh Abdallah Bin-Bayyah, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Maulana Tariq Jameel to name a few.
Over the years RIS has garnered support from many government officials who’ve spoken at and attended RIS, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. So, what does RIS have to offer?
A unique Muslim experience for the whole family! Here are some not to miss features at RIS this year:
1. 27 renowned world speakers who you can hear from!
Speakers this year include: Maulana Tariq Jameel, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, Imam Zaid Shakir, Ustadha Ieasha Prime, Shaykh Omar Sulaiman and for the first time Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi among many others! Check out the full list of speakers here
2. A Unique Children’s Program and Babysitting Services
RIS offers a special complete program for children ages 4-11 where they can have their own conference experience that is catered to them (at no additional charge to you!)
In the Children’s Program every minute is accounted for with programs that are designed specifically for that age group. They will also be joined by Youtubers and Quran Hafizas Aisha and Maryam. Activities include: Kickboxing lessons, arts and crafts, Reptilia exhibition amongst many others. So you can enjoy your conference experience while your kids get a chance to play, learn and socialize with their peers.
In addition, RIS offers a one-on-one babysitting service for infants who are younger than 4. To ensure that you have as smooth a conference experience possible!
3. Grand Bazaar
All those Muslim brands you see online? Come meet and shop with them in person at the RIS Grand Bazaar. As part of the complete Muslim experience RIS offers, a bazaar with more than 250 stalls and booths each of them offering their unique products. You can eat, shop and catch up with your friends all at the RIS Bazaar.
4. First Time Ever - Virtual Reality Experience of the Haram
You read that right, for the first time in North America, you’ll get to experience a glimpse of what it was like to walk the streets of Mecca and the Haram during the Prophet (PBUH)’s time using Virtual Reality.
See what it’s like here:
https://youtu.be/ZSz50FiAURs
5. Entertainment and 360 Stage
Islamic arts are a huge part of our history and our experiences as Muslims today. It’s how we best articulate ourselves in a way that matches our traditions and experiences. That’s why RIS has always made sure to host the biggest names in Islamic Art as well as budding talents to help them grow and advance in their careers!
This year is no different, we will be hosting 15 artists and comedians at our new and improved RIS 360 stage! The RIS 360 is a stage in the middle of the bazaar dedicated to our talented artists and comedians joining us at RIS. Giving you a chance to hear from them up close, engage with them and ask your questions!
Artists this year include: Brother Ali, Isam Bachiri (Outlandish), Khaled Siddiq, InTeam, and Dawud Wharnsby Ali among others.
6. Youth Program: For and by the Youth
Back by popular demand, RIS we will be offering a youth program for attendees aged 12-18 to have their own space at RIS. The program will include workshops on photography and story-telling, team challenges and races and ask-me-anything session with some of our teachers. As well as an Arts Night to showcase the many talents of the youth in the program. All of this prepared by and for the youth to ensure that they make the most of their time at the conference and get to spend time with their peers in a safe-space that is theirs only!
RIS the Next Chapter
RIS this year is a complete and full experience for the whole family. Where you can leave feeling spiritually rejuvenated and that you’ve made the most of every moment at the conference! Join us in Toronto this December 20th - 22nd for a memorable experience.
Check out the website: risconvention.com for tickets, flight discounts and hotel discounts!
