IIT Newsletter

Dhul Hijjah begins

BREAKING NEWS: The crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah 1447 has been sighted in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah has commenced, and ‘Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday 27th May 2026, in shā Allāh.

May Allāh ﷻ grant the hujjāj a safe, accepted and spiritually uplifting Hajj, ease every stage of their journey, and return them home forgiven like the day they were born. Aameen.

May Allah ﷻ also allow us all to maximise the blessed first ten days of Dhul Hijjah through dhikr, fasting, du‘ā, charity and righteous deeds, and may He accept all of our worship and efforts. Aameen.

Day of ‘Arafah: May 26
Eid Al-Adha: May 27

May Allāh accept the Hajj of the Hujjaj and our worship and allow us to make the most of these blessed days. Aameen.

How to Maximize the Blessings of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah – Shaikh Ahmad Kutty

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah have been singled out for their great merit and excellence like no other in the Islamic calendar. Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has chosen to dispense immense spiritual blessing and rewards in these particular days. They enjoy such high status that Allah Himself makes an oath by them: “By the Daybreak, by the Ten Nights” (Quran 89:1–2).

According to some mufassirun (Quranic commentators), the nights mentioned here are none other than the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah, while others hold the view that they are the last ten nights of Ramadan. But none dispute the fact that the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah possess tremendous blessings and excellence. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said, “There are no days that are dearer to Allah in respect of devoting oneself to worship than the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjjah.”

Fatwa Session: Shaikh Ahmad Kutty

Ask the Scholar - On Dhul-Hijjah, Hajj and Udhiyah

10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah: 5 Reasons Why They Are Very Special

These days, many messages and social media posts are circulated about the significance of Dhul-Hiijah 10 days. Scholars and Imams encourage us to increase our good deeds.

You may wonder why these days are receiving so much attention. After all, these are not Ramadan days.

But, you know what? These days are comparable to, or even better than Ramadan. This might be unknown to many. Scholars used to compare the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah with the last 10 days of Ramadan; they tried to establish which of the two periods is better based on the Quran and Hadith texts. This in itself shows the greatness of these days.

Did Prophet Muhammad Fast 9 Days of Dhul-Hijjah?

Scholars differ due to conflicting narrations—one from Aishah denying it, and another suggesting he did. Despite this, many scholars encourage fasting these days as part of general good deeds the Prophet praised.

Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

Whether the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasted the 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah is a controversial issue. We find two conflicting reports on this.

One report from Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) states, “I never saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) fasting any of the ten days (i.e., Dhul-Hijjah).” (Muslim)

IIT Umrah Trip: Nov. 5 - register now!

Dar El Salam Travel, in partnership with IIT, invites you to embark on a blessed journey to the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.

This Umrah program is thoughtfully designed to provide a smooth, spiritually enriching experience for all participants. With experienced guidance and carefully arranged accommodations, you can focus on your ibadah while every detail of your trip is taken care of.

Sat. May 23: Muslim Business Expo Presented by Penny Appeal Canada

Join the Muslim Business Expo, Presented by Penny Appeal Canada and connect yourself with a diverse network of Muslim-owned businesses in Toronto and the GTA. As the Muslim community continues to grow, it is important to know who to turn to for quality products and services. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet Muslim business owners from various sectors, such as health and personal care professionals, lawyers, labourers, caterers, bakers and much more, all under one roof. Let’s support each other as a community on May 23rd at the 5th annual Muslim Business Expo!

Whether you’re a small startup or an established company, the Muslim Business Expo is the perfect environment to amplify your business and meet other inspiring professionals. Come out and support the community while taking your business to the next level. We can’t wait to see you there!

Mon. May 25 at maghrib: Voices for Orphans Tour at IIT

Join us for a powerful and uplifting Dhul Hijjah tour with Sh. Jibreel, brought to you by Union of Medical Care & Relief Organizations (UOSSM Canada). Experience inspiring talks, spiritual guidance, and meaningful community connections during these blessed days.

All are welcome — don’t miss this blessed opportunity!

Summer Camp Registration (ages 6 - 15)

Welcome to an exciting summer experience for your children at the Islamic Institute of Toronto! We’re thrilled to announce that registration for our Summer Day Camp is now officially open. Aimed at kids aged 6-15, our camp offers a blend of fun, education, and adventure in a supportive Islamic environment.

Faith Unfiltered: Wednesdays, 5:30 pm (Apr. 8 - Jun. 17)

High school is a time of navigating identity, purpose, and doubt. It’s easy to feel lost in the noise of today’s world. Tonight at 5:30 PM, we launch "Faith Unfiltered"—a space specifically designed for high school students to find clarity and stay connected to Allah.

Join Sh. Musleh Khan as we dive into the Hadith and Ayat that speak directly to the challenges you face every day. This isn't just a lecture; it’s a journey toward a more authentic and resilient faith.

Spring 2026 Courses

Preview our slate of Spring 2026 courses! All courses began the week of April 6 and end the week of June 15.

Introduction to Quran Recitation - In this foundational course, Qari Salem Jahedar introduces students to the essential rules of Tajweed

Family Matters - This course explores what Islam says about the family from multiple angles

Meaningful Prayer and its Jurisprudence - Shaykh Abdool Hamid walks students through all aspects of Salah, including its pillars, conditions, and Sunnah elements

Ijaazah in Forty Hadith – Reading & Sharh - Shaykh Musleh Khan's structured reading and study course covers all 42 hadiths compiled by Imam al-Nawawi

Practice of Tajweed - This practical course is designed for students who have foundational Tajweed knowledge and are ready to move into active, applied recitation practice

School of the Prophet - Within just twenty-three years, the Prophet transformed ordinary people — merchants and shepherds, slaves and nobles, youth and elders — into extraordinary individuals


  1. Download and install the Thinkific mobile app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or the Google Play Store (for Android)
  2. Open the app on your device
  3. In the search bar, type in Islamic Institute of Toronto
  4. Click enter
  5. In the list of results, find Islamic Institute of Toronto

Now you will have all your courses at your fingertips!

Weekday Evening Madrassa Children’s Quran Classes

Tuesday – Thursday, 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Open to children 5+
• Focus on Qur’an Memorization, Dua’s and Islamic Studies
• Fees: $30/month for September 2025 to June 2026


No classes in Ramadan, Islamic holidays and December Break

Friday Night Program

Our flagship Friday Night Classes for Children and Youth resumes on April 10 and runs every Friday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

For children 6-12 years old, we cover basic Islamic Studies, Qur’an Recitation, Dua’s and Akhlaaq. Emphasis is on values and concepts, as well as on learning to read Arabic and memorizing the shorter chapters of the Qur’an

For youth 13 and above, we engage them in discussion about challenges they are facing, and use the situations to discuss fundamental Islamic concepts of Tawhid, Prophethood, Taqwa, Gender Issues, the Qur’an, the Day of Judgement etc.

For adults a conversation with the resident scholars to discuss various topics and reflect on everyday issues that could affect families

Preschool Drop-In Program

Sundays at 1 PM – 2:30 PM

Starts January 11, breaks for Ramadan and resumes March 29

Sisters-Only Pilates Class

Join us for a refreshing and uplifting sisters-only class designed to reconnect mind, body, and soul.

Limited spots — we’d love to see you there!

Tafseer sessions

Join us every 2nd & 4th Sat. of the month at 6 pm for one of our flagship programs, where Shaikh Abdool Hamid discusses central concepts in the Qur'an. These sessions systematically explain the verses of the Holy Qur'an from the earliest sources.

Live on YouTube and facebook

Youth Fundraiser for IIT’s Phase-2 and Masjid Project

The IIT Board, Shuyukh, and Volunteers are calling all youth to help raise funds to build a masjid on the IIT premises.

Earn Sadaqah Jariyah: Gain an ongoing reward for every prayer and letter of Quran taught in the new Masjid

Take Ownership: Be able to walk through those doors knowing you personally helped lay the foundation

Build Leadership Skills: Gain real-world experience in digital marketing and communication by leading your own campaign.

Jumuah khateeb: Sh. Musleh Khan

Khutbah starts at 1:30 PM. Please arrive early - gates will close once all parking spaces are occcupied.

Last week's jumah khutbah

Phase 2 and Masjid Project announcement

Alhamdulillah, during the blessed month of Ramadan we announced a bold new vision for the next phase of the IIT building. Dubbed Phase 2 and Masjid Project, this initiative will see the design and construction of dedicated masjid plus the completion of the original Phase two components including the mirror image of the eastern wing.

The plan for the project includes stakeholder consultations, youth-led discussions & feedback and expert consultations. Your ongoing support is needed to realize this vision - please give generously!

Donate food to local Muslim Canadians in need

With the rising cost of living and increased hardships that local Muslim Canadians are facing, the IIT has partnered with the Muslim Welfare Centre to create an additional avenue of food donations.

You are invited to bring a non-perishable food item every time you visit the IIT and drop it in the barrel located between the entrance doors on the South side.

The Islamic Institute of Toronto offers a wide variety of online courses taught by qualified scholars, most of which are free. We also have reliable religious answers, podcasts, and an active YouTube channel.