Notes

Why I Look Forward to RIS

By Imam Zaid Shakir · October 13, 2014

Virtually everyone I know who has attended the Reviving the Islamic Spirit Conference (RIS) since its inception feel that it is the best large Islamic Conference they have attended. I definitely feel that way. The organizers have done an amazing job in creating a highly professional event that truly leaves most attendees feeling revived and re-energized, prepared to face the daily challenges awaiting them upon returning to their homes with greater energy, resolve and vision. I look forward to that boost every year.

Like any human endeavor, RIS is not perfect. Some of its imperfections have been highlighted this past summer by a series of very public criticisms. This brief message is not to call into question the substance of those criticisms. I have had the opportunity to speak personally with some of those who feel the conference is not as inclusive as it could be, and I appreciate both the honesty of their observations, and the brotherly concern, which moved them to share them. At the end of the day, like Tariq Ramadan, a very high-profile critic of RIS, whom I have not yet had the opportunity to speak to in person, they want to see a better conference, and that is the foundation of their critique. May Allah bless them all.

Even before those criticism came to light, others, such as Canadian Muslims with Disabilities (CAM-D) have complained of the need for the conference to be more accessible to Muslims challenged by various disabilities. I know that the organizers of the conference have tried to address some of their concerns, but they will readily acknowledge that they have much more to do in this particular regard. Yet others criticize the conference from other, justifiable, directions. Members of our community should not be hesitant to raise issues that concern it, for we would all readily admit that constructive criticism is one the most fundamental requisites for improvement in any endeavor. RIS is no exception.

Having said that, what has been accomplished by the organizers has proven to be a powerful, life-changing experience for many of the attendees, beginning with those individuals who each year proclaim their Shahada at the conference. In addition to the benefits accruing to those Muslims attending, the annual coat drive, food drive and other social service programs, programs which the organizers are seeking to expand, thousands of non-Muslims benefit from RIS. As a result, the entire community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has come to see the RIS as a source of positive Muslim involvement in the life of the wider community.

For many Torontonians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, RIS is a source of great civic pride. In this age where Muslims are increasingly viewed by many in North America as menacing outsiders, the organizers should be commended for what they have accomplished. They have created, from scratch, without the aid of any Muslim country or major political party or organization, a powerful institution that serves as a testimony to the beauty of our religion at a time when there is so much making to appear ugly.

At the end of the day, the conference is dedicated to reviving the spirit of the attendees. Other conferences are dedicated to other purposes, some strictly political, some more eclectic in their approach. In my estimation, RIS has done a wonderful job accomplishing its mission. May Allah protect this unique gathering and may He reward the organizers immensely for what they have been blessed to achieve. I look forward to seeing you all in Toronto, Insha Allah!

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Comments (84)

  • Ghazi

    October 16, 2014

    Subhan'Allah! Beautiful response Shaykh. May Allah(swt) bless you.

  • Amin

    October 28, 2014

    Personally not a supporter of RIS, i recall driving two hours to attend their conference in Long Beach a few years back. We only had time to attend the night lecture yet we were expected to pay the price of the full three day conference. We kindly explained our situation and requested to make a nominal donation yet we were not admitted into the conference. RIS seems more more money driven then spreading knowledge driven.

  • John Ellis

    November 9, 2014

    So Amin if you turned up late to a rock concert or a Dave chappelle comedy tour, you'd expect to get a discount proportional to time elapsed? Get the heck out of here.

  • Amin

    November 22, 2014

    Mr. Ellis, With all due respect, its flawed logic to compare rock concerts and comedy shows to Islamic events. And to tell a fellow brother to "get out of here" for simply sharing an experience is rude and shows a lack of comportment on your part. May Allah bless us all with the best Akhlaaq.

  • DustonB

    December 15, 2014

    Salaam Alaikum brother Amin, I think perhaps you're not appreciative of the expense that it takes to put on one of these events. I feel that your accusation of being "money driven" is inappropriate and unfair to our respected brothers who have dedicated their lives to spreading information about Islam to increase the knowledge of Muslims. Do they not deserve to be compensated for the time they spend giving lectures? The fact that you were faced with the unfortunate incident of only being able to attend one lecture is definitely an oversight on the part of the organizers for not having a tiered admission price, however perhaps the event did not lend itself well to tiering. Nevertheless, we must not always think the worst of our brothers and sisters when we are only looking at one aspect of events and how they affect us. I have not been to RIS myself; but I would not go there expecting to be able to pay a ticket price different from what is promoted. I'm not sure why you assumed that you were owed special consideration.

  • Seg

    December 25, 2014

    Since when did the sharing of Islamic knowledge become something to profit from? Should these so-called scholars not be sharing their knowledge without expecting compensation? I would really like to know how much money is made from this event every year and how exactly it is allocated. I personally find the ticket prices far too high.

  • Shuaib khan

    December 27, 2014

    Salam, we are the supporters and donors since 2003 RIS started in Toronto, however we see a trend moving towards more materialistic instead meeting the original objectives which is recently the lost ie. not attending some scholars or not invited reason could be difference in opinions. today's scholars or organizers attitude changed, may -Allah give the m tawfeeq. The ticket used to be $ 30 today cost is $ 60' booth used to be $ 300 today is $ 900 , sold non Islamic products from bazaar, luxury dinners first class hotels first class ticket Alhamdu Lillah status, justifying expenses gone up?? May Allah give Hidaya to Advisors, organizers.

  • Yas

    December 30, 2014

    Jazakallahu kheyran Shaykh. May Allah grant you firdaous. I used to procrastinate and doubted RIS upon hearing the negative things some people say about it. I've been there this year and it litteraly revived my Islam in 2 ways (constant awareness of Allah, ideas to serve muslims and humanity, doing only what is meaninful and love for the people of God). May Allah bless all the muslims. Let's just put all the fights between us and help one another with adab and ihsan.

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