The International Revert Conference 2007 a successful first start!

The first International Revert Conference took place at the Jaffari centre in Toronto April 13th - the 15th. The Conference board committee was expecting 200 to 225 attendees but sadly due to the weather and flight and long-distance travel plan cancellations, many people could not attend. However those that were in intendance left with smiles on their faces and set to begin plans for next years conference. 

"The atmosphere was energized, says Conference Chairperson Sister Jennah, everyone just seemed so happy to be there. "   This years theme:  “Labbaik Ya Hujjatullah – “Preparing the foundation for Imam Mahdi (AS) eventual return.” resonated in peoples minds as it was reflected in each workshop.

The International Reverts Conference had some schedule delays due to conflicting schedules with other events taking place at the Mosque but otherwise it managed to stay on track. A very good first attempt and with so many enjoying their time, finding inspiration and support it was proclaimed a success at its closing ceremonies Sunday night. 

Events Coordinator Sister Fatimah Ali was pleased overall and assured sister Jennah that next years event will be even more successful, inshallah, as we are now left with experience, new ideas and even more interested volunteers.  

"The feedback, so far, has been good, says Sister Jennah, we know we had some issues with sound in that some lectures sound level traveled into the next workshop and caused some interference but that was mild. Those members of the Mosque that were to open were unavailable and could not open on time and so this was out of our control and it did put us off our set schedule. We were told by most that the food was outstanding having been catered by Sister Fatmaz Catering and Kawthar Restarant in Toronto. The workshops were very informative and the Reverts there seemed to be most interested in combating prejudices and racism found within the Muslim communities. I plan to make this a focused workshop next year.  A very insightful lecture by Shaykh Saleem Bhimji on Dying and Death was a real eye opener and everyone was taking notes.  Sister Fatimah Ali's lecture on hijab had the sisters excited and exhilarated about their choice to veil and her approach to capture the room with her wit and zeal was most inspiring.  The other lectures were equally obsorbing and were received well. Sister Masooma Beatty ended our weekend with a lecture on the Battle of Badr. So many of the sisters I spoke to were so thrilled to find others who they can now network with via email and look forward to future events like this. The brothers seemed equally happy and content with the experience. We had many committed volunteers that helped out when we so needed it, Alhamdulillah, what a wonderful group of warm individuals to spend my weekend with."  

Sister Jennah feels that as a Revert Muslim she understands how important these events are to help give support and find inspiration with those newly reverted Muslims and so she will continue to find funding to promote this annual event. The RMA received a lot of feedback from the born Muslims in attendance who claimed they felt refreshed and strong after finding inspiration through the many Reverts in attendance. 

"I never saw so many western Reverts in one room, says Sister Jennah, I honestly felt so happy to look around at all these people hugging and laughing and smiling and really enjoying themselves. Sister Natalie drove all the way from Virginia with her two young sons to attend, this is how much we all need support, we are willing to travel at length to find it...As Reverts we often feel disconnected from the ummah and sometimes even feeling as though we are not being accepted. This weekend we all felt as though we were with family, we were within the ummah and it felt like a warm hug. When I came home and opened my gift from the other committee members, I saw in my hands a beautiful Quran and I was overcome with emotion and tears. This is what it's all about, I thought to myself looking down at the divine words in front of me, we just want to propagate our religion we want to feel as though we are being accepted by other Muslims and we want to do our best to be the best Muslims we can be. Inshallah we will continue to move forward even with the struggle so many of us face."

Sister Jennah is already looking to round up next years conference committee and after having a lengthy conversation with sister Zaynab Rizvi from the UK she is considering holding a Revert Conference in England 2008 as well as a smaller seminar in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada June 2008.

Interested individuals looking to take part in this rewarding work please contact sis Jennah for more details jennah@revertmuslims.com All suggestions and advice will be taken into consideration.

For conference images: (images)