PROGRAM BOOKLET

MAIN PROGRAM
HALL A
SATURDAY, MAY 21 ST , 2016
2:10 - 3:00PM
SHAHINA SIDDIQUI
Khadija, Aisha, and Beyond: Muslim Women Leaders
Lady Khadija (RA) was of noble descent: an exceptionally intelligent, successful business
woman who was the first person to become Muslim after the Prophet (SAW) received revelation.
Lady Aisha (RA) narrated the largest collection of ahadeeth, was principled, strong, and vocal
about her opinions. Lady Aasiya (RA) was the first martyr to have died for the sake of Allah
(SWT). Umm Salamah (RA) was a master in the Arabic language, extremely learned in Islamic
law, took part in many battles, and was known to give the Prophet (SAW) sound advice.
Strong female leadership is central to Islamic history and provides enriching lessons from which
we can draw insight and wisdom. In today's hyper-sexualized society where women are often
valued for their physical appearance, it is time to return to the first principles in understanding
the role of female leadership in Muslim societies, both historically and presently.
3:00 - 3:40PM
DR. KEITH NEUMAN
Results of the Nationwide Poll of Canadian Muslim Opinion
Environics Institute conducted an inaugural national survey in 2006 exploring the relationship
between Canadian Muslims and the Canadian society-at-large. In April 2016, Environics
released the findings of a survey in partnership with several Muslim and non-Muslim organizations
to update this important research and find out how Muslims in this country are faring
almost a decade later. The results and findings are a critical and useful tool to understand how
our collective Muslim community thinks and feels, how they view their future in this country and
the issues and concerns they are facing. As we seek to nurture and become principled leaders
in our community, this survey sheds light on important directions and purposes we can plan
towards.
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