The Passion & Politics of Islam — A Two-Evening Course with Raheel Raza, Amnon Zohar & Syed Raza

Launch Series

The Passion & Politics of Islam

Understanding Faith, Culture, History & Contemporary Challenges — a two-evening immersive course led by Raheel Raza and Syed Raza

Session One Wednesday, June 24  ·  6:00 – 9:00 pm
Session Two Sunday, June 28  ·  4:00 – 7:00 pm
Location 14 Leswyn Rd, North York, ON
🔥 Early Bird Ends June 19
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$60 GA
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Our Purpose

People understand one another when they experience one another

At a time when society is growing increasingly polarized, opportunities for meaningful dialogue and genuine human connection are harder to find. The Common Ground Collective Series is designed to bring people together across cultures, faiths, backgrounds, and perspectives — through shared experiences rooted in learning, arts, culture, food, music, and dialogue.

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Combat Racism & Bigotry

Education is the most powerful weapon against hatred. By learning about one another's histories, traditions, and humanity, we dismantle the stereotypes that fuel discrimination.

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Counter Antisemitism

At a time when antisemitism is rising globally, Jewish and Muslim voices standing together is not just meaningful — it's necessary. This series is an act of solidarity as much as education.

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Challenge Radicalization

Radicalization thrives in the absence of dialogue. By creating spaces where people genuinely encounter one another, we build the kind of social fabric that makes extremism harder to take root.

Launch Program

The Passion & Politics of Islam

With nearly two billion followers globally and more than 1.8 million Muslims in Canada, understanding Islam is essential for anyone navigating today's multicultural society. This two-evening course goes beyond headlines and stereotypes.

This series exists for a reason: to actively combat racism and bigotry, counter antisemitism, and challenge radicalization — by replacing ignorance with understanding, and assumptions with direct human connection.

Session One
Wednesday, June 24  ·  6:00 – 9:00 pm

Faith, Culture & Civilization

An immersive introduction to Islam as a living faith and rich civilization — beyond the headlines, beyond the stereotypes.

Islam as a Faith

The Five Pillars, core beliefs, and the essential vocabulary you need to understand Islamic practice and discourse.

Islam as a Culture

The extraordinary expansion of Islamic civilization — from the golden age of Baghdad to Moorish Spain — and its enduring contributions to science, architecture, philosophy, and the arts.

8:00 pm - Diversity in Islam; various sects including Sufism the mystical tradition that gave the world Rumi and the whirling Dervishes.

Session Two
Sunday, June 28  ·  4:00 – 7:00 pm

History, Politics & Islam Today

From the rise of empires to the fractures of the modern world — understanding how history shaped the Islam we see today.

Islamic Expansion & the Rise of Political Islam

The historical arc of Islamic civilization — from early expansion through the consolidation of empires — and the pivotal moment when religion and political power became inseparable.

The Defeat of the Ottomans & What Followed

How the collapse of the Ottoman Empire reshaped the Muslim world, drew new borders, and planted the seeds of the conflicts and movements we still navigate today.

Islam Today

Where does Islam stand in the 21st century? Reform movements, radicalization, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and the Muslim voices working toward pluralism, coexistence, and peace.

Raheel Raza

Lead Instructor

Raheel Raza

President of The Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow, founding member of The Muslim Reform Movement, and President of the Steering Committee of Muslims Against Antisemitism (CMAA). An award-winning journalist, author, and internationally recognized advocate for human rights, gender equality, and interfaith dialogue, Raheel has addressed the UN, UK House of Lords, Swedish Parliament, and US Senate. She is the first Muslim woman in Canada to lead mixed-gender prayers, a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Simon Wiesenthal Centre Medal of Courage.

Syed (Syd) Raza

Instructor

Syed (Syd) Raza

Board member of The Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow and Director of Forum for Learning. Widely sought after for commentary on global politics, Islamism, extremism, and multiculturalism, Syd appears regularly across major Canadian media outlets. He brings a grounded, nuanced perspective to the intersections of Islamic history, political ideology, and contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities in the West.

Amnon Zohar

Guest Instructor

Amnon Zohar

Author, speaker, and lecturer specializing in Global Affairs with an emphasis on the Middle East. Born and educated in Israel, Amnon studied International Relations and Islamic Studies at Tel-Aviv University and has delivered lecture series on global affairs at continuing education institutions across the GTA. A champion of lifelong learning in the "Third Age," he brings rare depth and direct regional perspective to every conversation.

Coming

The Series Expands

Beyond the classroom — cultural experiences that bring communities together through creativity and shared humanity.

Culinary

Food, Fusion & Faith

Exploring cultures through shared culinary traditions and the stories behind them.

Comedy

Jewish & Muslim Comedy Night

Using humor as a bridge — breaking down stereotypes, one laugh at a time.

Music

Music Without Borders

Performances and conversations highlighting the musical traditions of diverse communities.

Visual Arts

Art Across Cultures

Exhibitions and artist talks exploring identity, heritage, and belonging.

Film

Film & Dialogue Series

Screenings followed by moderated conversations that encourage thoughtful exchange.

Salon

Cultural Salons

Intimate gatherings with authors, academics, artists & community leaders.

Get Involved

Join the Conversation

01

Attend a Program

Register for our launch course and become part of the first cohort of Common Ground participants. All are welcome — regardless of background, faith, or prior knowledge.

Register Now → Add to Calendar
02

Join the Advisory Council

We're building a council of respected leaders, educators, artists, and community builders. If you're passionate about bridge-building across cultures and faiths, we want to hear from you.

Express Interest →
03

Spread the Word

Know someone who would benefit from this? Share this page, forward the invite, bring a friend. The more diverse our audience, the richer the conversation.

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Advisory Council

Guided by Community Leaders

The Common Ground Collective Series is guided by an Advisory Council of respected educators, artists, faith leaders, and community builders representing a range of cultures and lived experiences. Council nominations are now open.

Nominate a Council Member

Join the Experience.
Join the Collective.

Stronger communities are built through a willingness to learn from one another.

Register for the Launch Course