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Militant Islam Monitor > Satire > Muslim participants returning from ' Reviving the Islamic Spirit -Legacy of Mohammed ' 'terror' conference questioned & fingerprinted at US border

Muslim participants returning from ' Reviving the Islamic Spirit -Legacy of Mohammed ' 'terror' conference questioned & fingerprinted at US border

Conference which aimed to bring together a "cohort of local and international figures" cited as a means to "promote terrorist activities"
January 1, 2005

MIM: Returning Muslim participants from the "Reviving the Islamic Spirit" conference got the welcome they deserved. The "cohorts" as they were aptly called who spoke at the conference read like a terrorists 'who's who', and their supporters were detained and fingerprinted before being allowed entry to the U.S. .

Of course CAIR, and other Islamist groups in the US, used the charge of 'discrimination' as part of their usual MO, in order to deflect the question as to why these Muslims with American citizenship had crossed into Canada to 'revive their Islamic spirits ' at a radical Islamist conference of known terrorist adherents in the first place.

The US Border Protection realized the obvious answer to this question and told one indignant Muslim who asked what would happen if he refused to be fingerprinted that ; "You can refuse, but you will stay here till you do" (!)

MIM: Stephen Schwartz quotes the border authorities explaining why the particpants were stopped in a 1/24/05 article:

"... Kristi Clemens, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection assistant commissioner, put it simply, "We had ongoing, credible intelligence that conferences such as this one in Toronto had been used, are being used, and will be used by terrorists to transmit fraudulent documents, to fundraise, and also to mask the travel of terrorists. "Based on that information, we decided to have individuals verify they were who they said they were." http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/174izpiw.asp

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MIM: Dr.Daniel Pipes lauded this action of the American border agency and described it in a recent weblog entry:

http://www.danielpipes.org/

"A Room Full of American Muslim Citizens" Kudos to the American border agency, now known as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for the courage to stop returning participants from a three-day Islamist conference in Toronto. That event, titled "Reviving the Islamic Spirit," had a rogues' list of speakers and, according to the border agency's spokesperson, Kristie Clemens,

We have ongoing credible information that conferences such as the one that these … individuals just left in Toronto may be used by terrorist organizations to promote terrorist activities, which includes travelling and fundraising. As the front-line border agency, it is our duty to verify the identity of individuals — including U.S. citizens — and one way of doing that is fingerprinting.

Participants at the conference who returned to the United States by land via Niagara Falls, N.Y. said they were detained for as long as six hours at the U.S. side of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and Rainbow Bridge on Dec. 25-26, or until they agreed to be fingerprinted. In the meantime, they were offered coffee and tea. Miriam Soliman, 20, a Brooklyn-born finance major at Pace University reports that a border patrol officer asked her whether the wire in her underwire bra was a weapon. "I refuse to be treated like this in my own country," she declared. One traveler, Galeb Rizek, 32, quotes himself asking a border guard, "If I refuse to give my fingerprints, what will you do?" to which he got a terse reply: "You can refuse, but you'll be here until you do."

Those who flew to the United States also had to endure interrogations by U.S. Customs officials before they boarded their planes at Pearson airport in Toronto. For example, the self-proclaimed extremist Hamza Yusuf, a keynote speaker at the conference, was detained and interrogated for several hours on Dec. 27 before being allowed to board a flight to San Francisco. "They asked me about the religion of my family and wanted to make photocopies of my notebook and other material," he later told a reporter.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, of course, finds this a villainous development and demands an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security. Nihad Awad, CAIR's long-time chieftain, complained in his usual pungent style: "The image of a room full of American Muslim citizens apparently being held solely because of their faith and the fact that they attended an Islamic conference is one that should be disturbing to all Americans who value religious freedom." Actually, as an American who defers to no one in his appreciation of religious freedom – and who has severely criticized the U.S. border service in the past – I am immensely relieved to see it showing some backbone. (December 30, 2004) Permalink

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The conference will bring together a cohort of local and international Muslim figures, including Sheikh Yusuf, Suwaidan, Khaled, singer Yusuf and Khan


Toronto Hosts Reviving Islamic Spirit Convention http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2004-12/23/article06

For conference website and more information see:

http://www.revivingtheislamicspirit.com/convention/program1.asp.shtml

http://www.revivingtheislamicspirit.com/convention/conference-2004.asp

CAIRO, December 23 (IslamOnline.net) – Toronto, the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada, will play host Friday, December 24, to a three-day conference on Islam.

Organizers say the Reviving the Islamic Spirit Convention, held for the second consecutive year, will bring together a cohort of local and international Islamic scholars, according to the Web site of the convention.

Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick, South Africa, will speak on defending prophethoood in a secular age while Dr. Jamal Badawi will give a lecture on "Islam today: Canada and the United States."

Amr Khaled , a London-based prominent Egyptian preacher, will speak on the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Dr. Umar Abd'allah and Sheikh Hamza Yusuf - Muslim scholars from the US - will recite poetry in honor of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Dr. Tariq Suwaidan, Kuwait, will elaborate on "Lessons For the Modern Age: Great Events in the life of the Prophet."

Sheikh Suliman Mulla, South Africa, will talk about the last moments in the prophet's life.

Pakistani cricket legend Imran Khan will also be a key speaker in the conference.

Unique Youth Effort

The conference is seen as a unique youth effort.

"This effort is supported by various youth organizations and individuals across Canada. It is our hope that through efforts such as these we, the youth, could make a difference," according to the Web site of the convention.

No organizers were mentioned by name.

The 2003 round drew an unanimous praise for the group of students who organized the event.

They were able to pull off an event that brought together 3,000 Muslims to listen to speeches from an assortment of speakers, mainly from North America, but which also included a few internationally known public figures.

The media said the university students instilled into the event youthful dynamism, exceptional organizational skill, and a genuine sincerity for their religion that pleasantly surprised everyone.

"The effect was that the event had an organic feel to it and was devoid of the corporate layers that usually characterizes organizationally run Muslim conventions," reported the Toronto Star after last year's convention.

The first round was meant to address confusion within the Muslim community after the 9/11 attacks and building bridges outward to the wider Canadian society.

Major Venue

The event will take place in one of the major venues in the city, the Toronto Skydome, which is located in the heart of downtown Toronto right beside the CN Tower.

Toronto's SkyDome is home to the two-time baseball World Champion Toronto Blue Jays. The SkyDome's world famous retractable roof makes it an all season, all weather world class stadium.

The city of Toronto is home to the largest concentration of Muslims in the Canada.

The number of Canadian Muslims has increased dramatically over the last decade, according to a national census. With approximately 600,000 Muslims in the country, Islam became the number one non-Christian faith in Canada.

The census attributed the increase to immigration from South Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.

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MIM: Dr . Daniel Pipes described the line up for the event as " a rogues list of speakers". www.danielpipes.org/

One of the the new rogues who merited special mention in the above Islamonline article was Imran Khan:...

"In addition to the international panel of speakers, well-known Pakistani cricket legend and personality, Imran Khan, will be making a special appearance..."

Karen Davies

Imran Khan - playboy cricketeer turned Jihadi anti Musharraf politician made a guest appearence at the Canada 'terror' conference

www.red-top.com/ files/davies/01.html

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In 2004 Khan spoke in an interview ;

"... about the anger in the Muslim world caused by the US campaign against Afghanistan.

He said: "The government actually is very close to the US right now. The problem is that the US policy, the foreign policy is causing resentment not only in Pakistan, but in most of the Muslim world."

"Unless that foreign policy is changed I always feel that the citizens of the United States will become targets. They haven't done anything to alleviate this hatred. The hatred is increasing." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2056431.stm

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Here are excerpts from a biography of Muslim cricketer Imran Khan and his career from a Muslim magazine. The jet setting, playboy Khan, "is now pursuing a political career and campaigns under the party name ‘Tehrik-E-Insaaf'and is no doubt a role model for the more affluent Muslim youth, and a cautionary tale for the rest of us that even the most assimilated, wealthy, western educated, sucessful and modern Muslim is but a step away from radicalism.

"…Imran Khan was the world's most charismatic cricketer, a heart throb to many drooling female fans, that were more enthralled with his stunning good looks and physique than his cricketing abilities. He received many proposals of marriage and had had numerous affairs with many socialites all over the world ..."

"...Currently Imran is pursuing a political career, He campaigns under the party name 'Tehrik – E – Insaaf'. Many believe he would have won the last elections, but the conservative Pakistani people felt that he had betrayed them by marrying a non muslim and the fact that she was a Jewish lady, was a plot by the Americans to get Pakistan under American power. Imran is still devoting his time and energy to politics and his popularity has once again grown in part due to the success of his marraige as well as the fact that he has the Pakistani peoples best interests at heart". http://fl.essortment.com/imrankhan_rwcy.htm

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MIM:In this press release from his Pakistan Tehreek- e- Insaaf party site Imran Khan poses a direct challenge to Musharaff and and objects to Jihad being portrayed as terrorism .http://www.insaf.org.pk/press/2003Jan/press_release_2004Apr04.htm

Imran Challenges Gen. Musharaf to a Live TV Debate

Islamabad (April 04, 2004)

Imran Khan has termed the recent PTV World interview of General Musharraf as a pack of contradictions. Rulers who have no roots in the people rely on pliant audiences to put a spin on their failures. He challenged Gen.Musharraf to a live TV debate to let the people decide what is in the best interest of the nation.

In a statement on Sunday Imran Khan said that the four negative perceptions about Pakistan that Gen. Musharraf often refers to are the result of the establishment's policies. If the establishment's past policies have led us to a disastrous situation, how can the same establishment claim that it is competent to pursue policies which are dictated by expediency rather then national interests. He said Gen. Musharraf has claimed that national interests do not change than how can he justify total u-turns on vital national interests.

The PTI Chief said that Gen. Musharrf stated that he does not know the number or the nationality of the foreigners residing in the tribal areas then what is the basis of his claim that they are terrorists. Without any evidence the government is merely acting on the directives of the US to show its loyalty to their misguided war on terror. During the interview, Gen. Musharraf claimed that Pakistan is "in the eye of the storm." The statement is tantamount to admitting failure of his policies as despite ruling the
country without any checks or balances for over 4 years, Pakistan remains under threat by our so-called allies.

Reacting to Gen. Musharraf's claim that the politicians criticizing his
policies know nothing about policy and national interests he challenged General Musharraf to live TV debate on national issues and let the people decide. The PTI Chief stated in the 80s the West sanctified Jihad and we proudly pursued it as an instrument of state policy. Today, Jihad is being portrayed as terrorism by the establishment on the directives of the West.

He said national interest is not synonymous with General Musharraf's interests, which are to remain in the power by hook or by crook. He said the first time in our history, almost 2 Corps of the Army are deployed to pacify the tribals whose unflinching loyalty to Pakistan is time tested. This is an intolerable situation, which could lead to the complete alienation of the people of the tribal belt.

Imran Khan stated that the military junta is neither competent nor qualified to rule. Each day of their continuing hold over power mean further erosion of national cohesion, threating the very integrity of the country.


Arshad Malik
Press Secretary

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MIM: The radical Islamist stance of the PTI is evident by their participation at this rally against the war in Iraq at which pro Taliban parties participated and at which the PTI chairman urged a boycott of American goods.

http://www.aljazeerah.info/News%20archives/2003%20News%20archives/March%202003%20News/Aljazeerah%20News,%20March%203,%202003/Tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20Pakistanis%20rally%20against%20US%20war%20on%20Iraq,%20News%20March%203,%202003%20www.aljazeerah.info.htm


Tens of thousands of Islamists, some chanting "America is the terrorist", marched in the southern city of Karachi yesterday to protest a possible U.S.-led war on Iraq as a heavy police contingent kept security tight.

The demonstration, the first of two planned "Million Man Marches" in Pakistan against a potential Iraqi war, was the largest so far.

The protesters vowed to boycott U.S. goods as a mark of solidarity with Baghdad and warned their government against voting in favour of the United States in the UN Security Council on any resolution targeting Iraq.

"Pakistan should vote against America at the UN Security Council," Maulana Fazalur Rehman, a central leader of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal - the pro-Afghan Taliban alliance of six religious parties, told a huge rally in the port city of Karachi.

"The nation has rejected the pro-U.S. foreign policy of President General Pervez Musharraf," he said as rally participants shouted "Friends of America are traitors".

America wants to seize the oil and wealth of Muslims, said Rehman, who is the chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam - the staunchest supporter of the Taliban.

Qazi Hussain Ahmed, another central leader of the MMA and chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, said the government should not abstain from vote at the U.S. Security Council. Pakistan is one of the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council.

Pakistan, which is a key ally of the United States in war against terrorism, has so far remained non-committal on which way it is going to vote at the world body. Ahmed said the government would not be allowed to abstain from the voting. "Any attack on Iraq would be considered an assault on Islam," he said.

The rally was so far the biggest pro-Iraq rally in Pakistan, which was held at the M.A. Jinnah Road. While there were conflicting claims about the number of participants at the rally - independent observers say that the number was more than 100,000. But the MMA leaders claimed that the number of participants was more than three million - a claim taken as highly exaggerated.

Mairaj Mohammed Khan, general secretary of cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan's Tehrik-e-Insaaf, urged the people to boycott American goods. The Tehrik-e-Insaaf is not the member of the MMA.

Khan, a former leftist leader, urged the people to mobilise themselves against the designs of what he called American imperialism.

Earlier, Rehman the leader of the JUI, paid tribute to the people of Europe and those Americans opposing the war. "American is the biggest terrorist and aggressor," he said. "We will resist any attack on Iraq. Saddam Hussain is not alone. We are with him," he said. Many participants of the rally were carrying pictures of Osama bin Laden. Others were carrying banners saying "No war for oil".

Security forces made unprecedented security arrangements. Not just roads outside the U.S. Consulate, British Deputy High Commission and residences of diplomats belonging to the two countries were sealed, but several other leading roads in the heart of the city were closed for traffic, including the one outside the Governor House.

In several volatile neighbourhoods, police escorted the processions of buses and vehicles heading toward the MMA rally.

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MIM: Click on to enlarge posters:

MIM: Not just another pretty face :

It appears that one of Imran Khan's way of proving his Muslim loyaltiesto those who questioned his committment to the Islamist cause after he married the blonde British born daughter of a Jewish billionaire businessman, was to divorce her . Their 9 year marriage ended in June at the start of his push for political power. Khan cited that "it was difficult for his wife to "adapt to life in Pakistan" a euphemism for the liability she proved to be to his own political life .

If Khan did indeed divorce his wife thinking he would lose popular support because she was "aJewish lady",his own ignorance an that his compatriots is showing, since according to Jewish law, which is matrilineal, Goldsmith,who converted to Islam was never a Jewess herself since her own mother was not Jewish and most likely had never converted to Judaism If on the otherhand Jemima's mother was Jewish,then according to Jewish law .Khan's children would be Jewish, as patrilineal Islam is not recognised by Jewish law. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3829383.stm

It must be also difficult for socialist wannabee multi millionaire Oxford educated Khan to convince the Pakistani natives that he is " a man of the people" It is also worth noting that according to his then wife Jemima,Khan was "penniless and had given away all his possessions to charity when he met her". http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/702625.stm

A match made in opportunist heaven...perhaps having a Jewish billionaire father in law while trying to oust the ruling Pakistani party was not such a political liability after all .http://www.imrankhanno1.20m.com/divorce.html

ISLAMABAD, 22 June 2004 — Imran Khan and Jemima have divorced,
ending their nine-year marriage.
"I sadly announce that Jemima and I have divorced," Imran said.
"This was a mutual decision and is clearly very sad for both of us.
My home and my future is in Pakistan," he said in a statement.
"Whilst Jemima tried her best to settle here, my political life made
it difficult for her to adapt to life in Pakistan."

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MIM: The 'mishandling' referred to in the headline is not specified in the article written by Khan's party lackey and 'press secretary' .Most likely the 'ill treatment' refers to the fact that US Customs did not give the Jihad supporter Khan the deference and celebrity treatment he is used to among his fellow Islamists.Note that Khan is referred to by his fawning press secretary as "a national hero".

US Senate Probes Mishandling of Imran Khan

http://www.insaf.org.pk/press/2003Jan/press_release_2004Sep2.htm#

Islamabad (September 2, 2004)

At the request of the US Senator Barbara Mikulski, a ranking Senator from Maryland, Congressional Affairs Committee of the US Custom Services has started an investigation into the mishandling and ill treatment of Mr. Imran Khan upon his arrival last week at Dulles Airport Washington DC from London.

In a statement released to the press, a spokesman of the PTI said that Senator Barbara Mikulski of the US Senate has sent a letter to the Jinnah Foundation co sponsors of Independence Day Celebrations informing them about the Senate inquiry. The Jinnah Foundation had lodged a strong protest to relevant US authorities last week about the mistreatment and over 3 hours maltreatment of Imran Khan upon arrival in Washington.

The PTI spokesman condemned the apathy of the government to raise the issue with the US government. The indifference of the government only reinforces the image of the government that it is only interested in pursuing foreign agendas even at the cost of internal peace and security. He said irrespective of Imran Khan's political inclinations, he is a national hero and it was incumbent upon our government to seek an explanation and apology from the US government for maltreating our national hero.

Arshad Malik
Press Secretary

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MIM: You have fight for your right to party ....

Imran Khan Celebrates 52nd birthday

http://www.insaf.org.pk/press/2003Jan/press_release_2004Oct5a.htm

Islamabad (October 5, 2004)

The PTI office bearers and workers celebrated the 52nd birthday of their Chairman Imran Khan and held in a simple ceremony in party office here on Tuesday.

Mr. Khan was pleasantly surprised upon entering party's office to find party leaders and workers carrying bouquets, cakes, cards and sweets. Imran Khan cut his 52nd birthday cake surrounded by party leaders Akbar S. Babar, Asad Ansari, Azhar Tariq, Mrs. Riffat Shaukat, Ali Khan, Col.(R) Yunus Ali Raza, Waqar Raja, Feroz Khan and others.

Collective prayers were offered for the wellbeing of the country. On the occasion Imran Khan prayed that God willing by the time he celebrates his next birthday Pakistan would be out of present crisis and on the road to real democracy and the rule of law.
Beside celebrations in Islamabad the PTI party workers and leaders celebrated Chairman's birthday in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Mianwali.

PTI women wing president Mrs. Riffat Shaukat presented a painting to the Chairman.


Arshad Malik
Press Secretary

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http://www.insaf.org.pk/leadership.htm

MIM: Khan's PTI party also has international branches

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http://www.insaf.org.pk/ik_letter_eng.htm

Fellow Pakistanis,

Assalam Alaikum

This is the first time in my life that I am approaching you through a letter. When I embarked on my mission to eradicate Cancer, and went to every nook and corner of Pakistan, I realized that various injustices had shackled my countrymen.

During my campaign against cancer, I had come to fully realize that more than individual cancer, what needed to be addressed was the cancer of an unjust system that was eating away at the vitals of our nation. This collective cancer was destroying our country, and needed as drastic a treatment as does an individual suffering from this dread disease.

This can only be possible if the factors responsible for the spread of this cancer can be removed…they being none other than the professional politicians and the corrupt administration. Only their removal can breathe life into the system.

This is the basic conviction of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and this is why we have shunned professional politicians, because the need of the hour is a clean, unstained leadership that can rein in the arrogance of the bureaucracy in an attempt to save this country.

This is my aim and objective. I am fully aware of the fact that this is an onerous task, and there will be many hurdles along the way in the shape of professional politicians and corrupt officials but I give you my word that I shall not be thwarted by them and will do everything in my power to root out this cancer from the body politic of Pakistan.

This is something, however, that I will not be able to achieve without your cooperation. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf needs financial assistance to be an effective force in Elections 2002. Its members and office bearers do not have access to funds like the professional politicians, as they belong to the cadre which earns its living in an honest manner.

Rid your country of the cancer of corruption and injustice. Extend a helping hand to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Pakistan Zindabad

Allah Hafiz

Imran Khan

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/174izpiw.asp?pg=2

Update: Recent article about Hamza's Yusuf's phony cries of discrimination after he is stopped at the border upon his return from the "Reviving the Islamic Spirit " conference . A US border protections and customs commissioner explained: "We had ongoing credible evidence that conferences like this one had been used, or are being used, to transmit fraudulent documents, to fundraise and to mask the travel of terrorists".

Hamza Yusuf, At It Again
A radical Muslim cries discrimination.
by Stephen Schwartz
01/24/2005

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2004-12/26/article05.shtml

Sami Yusuf, Imran Khan Shine in Toronto Convention

Yusuf was performing for the first time in Canada

By Muneeb Nasir, IOL correspondent

TORONTO, December 26 (IslamOnline.net) - Sami Yusuf, the British Muslim singer, capped off the second day of the 3rd Reviving The Islamic Spirit Convention in Toronto with a concert that captivated the audience.

Yusuf, whose recent album, Al-Muallim (Teacher), has taken the Muslim world by storm, was performing for the first time in Canada.

His concert was much anticipated by the convention goers who sang along to the popular songs he performed from his album and cheered him on throughout the performance.

The 24 year-old Yusuf was born into a musical family of Azeri origin and showed a keen interest in music from an early age.

Thousands of Canadian Muslims flocked Friday, December 24, to the Toronto Skydome, in the heart of downtown Toronto, for the opening of the three-day convention, which seeks to promote greater understanding of their faith and a more active citizenry.

A cohort of local and international Muslim figures and scholars is taking part in the convention, themed "Legacy of the Prophet (peace be upon him)."

Openness

"Unless the Muslim people speak out they will continue to be governed by dictators and autocrats who can be controlled by the US," Khan said.

Pakistani cricket legend, Imran Khan, also addressed the convention and made a strong plea for greater openness and debate in Muslim societies.

"Muslim societies will only evolve when critical thinking and debate is encouraged," he said.

Khan also told the audience that true democracy is needed in Muslim countries.

"Unless the Muslim people speak out they will continue to be governed by dictators and autocrats who can be controlled by the US," he said.

Khan went on to encourage young Muslims in Canada and the US to become actively engaged in civic affairs.

"You have a voice, use that voice," Khan told an enthusiastic audience.

Khan was a cricket superstar during the 1980's and 90's when he was a leading fast bowler and the captain of the Pakistani team.

He led Pakistan to numerous victories all over the world and to the World Cup championship in 1992.

During his presentation Khan encouraged young Muslims to study the early history of Islam, especially the period of the rightly guided Caliphates, as this was the period in which he said justice was a hallmark of the societies.

"Justice was the number one principle that made the early Muslim community great," he said.

Justice and Inner Peace

Encouraging justice and developing inner peace were two themes that ran throughout the day's sessions.

Dr. Bilal Philips, the Dubai based scholar, spoke on developing inner peace.

"If we can accept Allah, we can find inner peace," he said. "Change yourself and you change the world."

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghroui from the US and South African, Shaykh Suliman Mulla, spoke on justice (Adl) and righteous conduct (Ihsan) and how these virtues were exemplified throughout the life of Prophet Muhammad.

Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan dealt with the topic of gender and the role of women in Islam.

He warned the audience that Muslims need to address the issue of women's role in society.

"It is easy to blame others but it is not easy to correct ourselves," he said.

"We must look at the way we treat women and the way we utilize women - we need both sides to build a civilization," Al-Suwaidan added.

Imam Zaid Shakir, a senior lecturer at the Zaytuna Institute in California, told the convention that there is a need to go beyond the superficial manifestations of religion and revive the deeper messages of Islam.

"What are we contributing to define the communal characteristics of the Muslim community?" he asked the audience.

"It is our collective responsibility to change the perception that people have of Islam," Shakir said.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, the Director of the Zaytuna Institute and a well-known personality in North America, gave an inspiring lecture on the topic, "In the Spirit of Love: Reflections on Prophet Isa and the secrets of his return."

Reflecting on his own conversion to Islam he said, "My movement from Christianity to Islam was not an abandonment but a fulfillment."

The convention, which is taking place in one of the major venues in the city, the Toronto Skydome, will conclude later Saturday, December 26.

The 2003 round of the convention drew an unanimous praise for the group of students who organized the event.

The media said the university students instilled into the event youthful dynamism, exceptional organizational skill, and a genuine sincerity for their religion that pleasantly surprised everyone.

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, the province that one in three Canadians call home, has the largest concentration of Muslims in the Canada.

The number of Canadian Muslims has increased dramatically over the last decade, according to a national census.

With approximately 600,000 Muslims in the country, Islam became the number one non-Christian faith in Canada.

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