Islamic History Month 2026
Join us every Saturday in October at the Islamic Institute of Toronto for engaging exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions, and food, exploring Islamic history’s impact on today. Keep checking this page for updates on the upcoming program’s and the guest speakers that will be featured!
Week 4 theme: Knowledge
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
- Time: Doors open 6:00 PM (Exhibition & Open Digital Calligraphy) | Lecture at 7:00 PM
- Location: Islamic Institute of Toronto
Admission: FREE | Light dinner served
Week 3 theme: Justice
Wealth belongs to Allah. We are simply its trustees.
Imagine an economic system where money serves people—not the other way around.
Join us for Week 3 of Islamic History Month 2026 as Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick unpacks the Islamic vision of Justice and economicfairness.
Key Topics:
– Zakat and fair trade principles
– Protecting workers’ rights
– Leadership lessons from Umar ibn al-Khattab and the public treasury
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, Oct 17
- Time: Doors open 6:00 PM (Exhibition & Open Category Calligraphy) | Lecture at 7:00 PM
- Location: Islamic Institute of Toronto
Admission: FREE | Light dinner served
Week 2 theme: The Family
Islamic History Month 2026 – Week 2: The Family
Join us at the Islamic Institute of Toronto on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for Week 2 of Islamic History Month, featuring “The Family” with renowned speaker Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick.
What happens to a civilization when the family collapses? Explore the vital role of strong families in building strong individuals and thriving civilizations. This engaging evening will explore the importance of marriage, the relationship between parents and children, the care of orphans, and the bonds of brotherhood inspired by the community of Madinah.
The evening will also feature a youth calligraphy exhibition, celebrating Islamic art, creativity, and heritage.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the exhibition and calligraphy display available before the lecture begins at 7:00 PM. Admission is free, and a light dinner will be served.
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00 PM | Lecture: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free | Light dinner served
Join us for an inspiring evening reflecting on how strong families lay the foundation for strong communities and civilizations.
Week 1 theme: Looking Inwards
Islamic History Month 2026 – Week 1: Looking Inwards
Before Islam, society was defined by tribalism, systemic oppression, and deep division. One message changed everything—restoring dignity, purpose, and a brotherhood that transcended race and lineage.
Kick off Islamic History Month 2026 (Week 1) with Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick as we explore Looking Inwards: From darkness into light.
Topic Focus:
- The transformative shift from pre-Islamic Jahiliyyah to human dignity
- Lessons from figures like Bilal (RA) and Salman al-Farsi (RA)
- The internal liberation of the human heart
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, Oct 3
- Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM (Exhibition & Calligraphy: Children’s category) | Lecture at 7:00 PM
- Location: Islamic Institute of Toronto
Admission: FREE | Light dinner served
Submission deadline: October 15
Calligraphy competition
As part of Islamic History Month 2026, the IIT would like to invite you to participate in an Islamic Calligraphy Competition.
You can read about the details below.
If you would like to register, please use the form provided further below.
Note that there is a $5 participation fee at the time of uploading your designs..
October 17
Calligraphy workshop
Join us for an inspiring evening with Turkish Calligraphy masters Farhat Kurlu and Illuminator Zeynep Kurlu as they explore the elegance, discipline and spiritual depth of a timeless art tradition.
About the Artists
Hattat (Calligrapher) Ferhat Kurlu, born in 1976, is a distinguished figure in Turkish Islamic calligraphy. His journey began at the Faculty of Theology, where exposure to Illumination Ornament lectures ignited a passion for classical Turkish Islamic arts. Having received international recognition with Thuluth and Naskh ijazas in 2000, he has since garnered numerous awards, including first prizes in prestigious competitions. With participation in over thirty national and international exhibitions, Kurlu’s impact extends beyond accolades; he has contributed to the calligraphic adornment of various mosques and historical sites, emphasizing his commitment to preserving cultural heritage. As an influential instructor and jury member, Kurlu continues to shape the future of Islamic calligraphy, leaving an indelible mark on the art form.
Zeynep Kurlu, born in Istanbul in 1983, is a renowned artist specializing in classical Turkish illumination. Married to Hattat (Calligrapher) Ferhat Kurlu, she has memorized the Quran and achieved the title of Hafız-ı Kalam. Kurlu’s artistic journey began under the guidance of Saime Rikkat Çelebi and Dr. Hatice Aksu. In 2010, she received her ijaza (certificate of mastership). Her illuminated works, including collaborations with her husband, have been showcased in various national and international exhibitions. Zeynep Kurlu’s art, featured in collections worldwide, continues to flourish in her Istanbul-Ümraniye workshop.
HAT and TEZHİB (Islamic Calligraphy and Illumination)
Islamic calligraphy, known as “hat” in Turkish, is a profound artistic expression that transcends mere words. Rooted in a rich tradition dating back centuries, it transforms the Arabic script into a visual tapestry of elegance and meaning. The skilled calligrapher, like a composer with a pen, carefully shapes each stroke to convey not only the literal message but also the spiritual essence of the words. This intricate art form serves as a bridge between the tangible and the divine, creating a harmonious blend of religious devotion and aesthetic beauty.
Complementing calligraphy, “tezhip” or illumination is a meticulous craft that adorns manuscripts with intricate geometric patterns, delicate floral motifs, and radiant colors. Functioning as a visual symphony, tezhip enhances the sacred texts, turning them into illuminated manuscripts that are not just legible but also visually captivating. Each brushstroke and gold leaf application is a testament to the artisan’s dedication to creating a piece that reflects the divine beauty found within the verses. Together, Islamic calligraphy and illumination form a symbiotic relationship, captivating hearts and minds with the artistry and spirituality woven into every detail.
