This is a guest post by Aalia Mirza

In the early days of December 2007, I made the decision to go to the Reviving the Islamic Spirit Conference (RIS6). Prior to this experience, I heard from friends that this conference is like no other event. Furthermore, little did I realize the actual impact this gathering would have on my life as a Muslim in this dunya and the akhira.  In the next paragraphs, I would like to discuss how important these gatherings are for us, as Muslims living in North America and I will share with everyone my new aspirations as well as what other Muslims should strive for.

Firstly, I strongly urge Muslims living in the Western hemisphere of the world to make an intention to attend and participate in such gatherings.  One of the speakers present at the conference was Sheikh Hamza Yusuf.  Allah the Almighty has blessed this brother with the magnificent faith of monotheism; “There is only one Allah worthy of worship and Muhammed (peace be upon him) is His messenger”.  Sheikh Yusuf highlighted the fact that Muslims residing in North America are facing more challenges than people living in Islamic countries are. Amongst, some of the challenges he mentioned were substance abuse, domestic abuse, and pornography.  He urged the participants to discuss these issues with children and youth and not ignore these as taboo.  However, we should open discourse so they must know on what side of the fence Islam stands on issues of domestic abuse, substance abuse and pornography.  Only open dialogue with our youth can minimize the incidents of domestic abuse and any fatal incident like the death of Aqsa Parvez.

Imam Zaid Shakir talked about how parents in North America should treat their children to make them good Muslims and good citizens.

Contrary to the ever-increasing media reports and discussions, our religion promotes love and peace.  We will never achieve peace if we cannot be tolerant of our neighbors’ beliefs.  Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) lived in peace with Jewish and Christians regardless of their religious affiliations. We should all be good will ambassadors of Islam and should treat our non-Muslim neighbors the best ever way.  Only through our akhlaaq (good manners) will our neighbors see us as loving and peaceful citizens.  We also have the option of making duas to the Most Merciful to guide them to the path of Islamic monotheism.  We do not know what Allah holds in the future as only He chooses whom to guide.  I as a new Muslim had a good friend to show me the true akhlaaq of Muslims.

In conclusion, Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference made me realize I was being selfish by not sharing the wonderful message that Rasul of Allah (pbuh) brought us.  I have a new goal in life, Inshallah to revert others to this religion by simply being a fulltime good will ambassador of Islam.   Brothers and Sisters let us stop promoting hate to our children and start taking active role in their upbringing according to the basic principles of our religion.  We should share with them the life teachings of our Prophet (pbuh).  Furthermore, we need to revive our own spirit by attending large Islamic gatherings promoting the true message of Islam, peace.  It is very important to educate our children as Allah made knowledge ‘fard’ (compulsory) upon us. I pray to Allah, He guides us during our passing journey in this dunya. Ameen.

Reviving the Islamic Spirit “Family Matters: The Basis of a Civil Society” Conference (RIS6) was held from Decemeber 28 to December 30, 2007 at Toronto Metro Center. The pictures are from the Reviving the Islamic Spirit website.