Summer Islamic Workshop (2004)

During August of 2004, the Academy conducted a Summer Islamic Workshop. The program aimed at providing an opportunity to increase Islamic knowledge and provide a platform to alance both religious as well as secular issues pivotal to modern society. The students learned a variety of skills essential for success in the realms of the material and the spiritual worlds. A total of 12 students articipated in the program mostly from Vancouver but one from as far away as London, UK. The workshop was divided into two different sessions. The classes ran from Monday, August 16th to Friday, August 20th beginning at 9.00am and running up till 3.30pm.

1. Introduction to the Holy Qur’an – Instructor: Shaykh Hasnain Kassamali
2. Youth Issues – Instructor: Br Arif Hasham, London, UK.
3. Discussions – conducted by Br. Salim Yusufali from Qum on various topics such as Halal vs. Haram food, presentation and media bias, and sharing Islam to non-Muslims.
4. Activities: Debates – Br. Arif Hasham; Sports – Assad Dharsi.
5. Weekend Course – Aug 21 & 22, 2004 by Br. Khalil Jaffer of Toronto conducted a course on Spirituality in Islamic Eschatology.

General Overview

In general, the workshop was highly appreciated by the students as well as the wider community. All of the students had high regard for the services provided by the Academy in relation to this workshop and expressed their willingness in attending such programs in the future. Indeed the Academy commends the instructors for their selfless efforts and prays for their success in both the Worlds.

Summer Intensive Program for Girls (2003)

During August of 2004, the Academy conducted a Summer Islamic Program for girls. The program aimed at providing an opportunity for girls to increase Islamic knowledge as well as develop their thinking and communicating skills. It also hoped to provide a forum for useful and informal discussions about Islamic issues. A total of fourteen girls participated in the program. Four of these traveled from outside Vancouver to attend the course. The program was as follows:

• Morning Courses - 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
  1. Understanding the Holy Qur’an - Instructor: Hasnain Kassamali
  2. Spirituality through Prayer - Instructor: Dr. Mohammed Sulaimanpaneh
  3. Family Life in Islam - Instructor: Sis Tahera Kassamali
• Afternoon Program - 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
  1. A short talk and discussion on mental fitness.
  2. Activities and tests for memory, lateral thinking etc.
  3. A short talk given by the presenter on motivational topics.
  4. A brief talk by one of the students.
  5. Reading of report of the previous day prepared by a student.
• Evening Discussions: Twice a week, the students gathered in the park to relax and discuss topics such as youth contributions to the community, and balancing family, education, and work with various guest speakers
• Weekend Course: Br.Khalil Jaffer of Toronto conducted a course on the weekend of Aug. 16-17 on Acquiring Ma’refat of Allah

General Overview

Students generally enjoyed the program and benefited from the knowledge gained. The courses were intensive and designed to impart a lot of knowledge in a few sessions. This was a little intimidating at times. The students in the program enjoyed getting to know one another and became close friends by the end of the two weeks. The varied backgrounds were enriching, and a lot was gained from informal discussions and talks that took place during the program.