Frequently Asked Questions

OIL is an acronym and stands for Organization for Islamic Learning.

No. We are group created and run by members of the Shia Muslim community in and around Toronto, Canada, that organizes lectures and events to enhance our understanding of Islam, augment our spiritual growth and promote a positive image of Islam. OIL is both a spiritual organization and an educational organization. 

The Organization for Islamic Learning is a Canadian Registered Charitable Organization: Reg. No. 875443723 RR0001.

“Enlightenment through Awareness.” We come together to learn, grow, pray and build friendships as individuals and families. This allows us another path to a greater level of spiritual and moral commitment, which can help us remain faithful to our religion and make a positive contribution to the diverse pluralistic societies in which we live.

We promote interactive learning and aim to cultivate positive values through all our activities and programs, whether religious or non-religious. Since 1997, we have organized structured Muharram lectures, an annual Ramadan series, independent OIL TedTalks, youth retreats, as well as inter-faith and intra-faith dialogues. Topics range from “Unity in Diversity” to “The Science and Spirituality of Sabr (Patience).” Many of our past events can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

OIL strongly believes in the critical importance of ritual in religion. As an organization focused on life-long learning, knowledge is valued as a vehicle that can help transport us towards meaning, peace and nearness to Allah, but it never supersedes prayer, pilgrimage or majlises. The purpose of the thought-provoking material in our lectures is meant to inspire us so we may honour the traditions of our Prophet and Imams by making them our exemplary models so we can adopt their wisdom and fully feel our love for the Creator while practicing those rituals that fortify our faith.

Unlike a mosque, OIL does not have a resident Alim. We engage learned speakers from around the world who are open to dialogue with our audience and promote theological perspectives that appeal to logic and reasoning. Our board works with each lecturer to develop topics that are relevant to the nature of our existence and address the contemporary challenges within society. All our guest speakers are committed to OIL’s mission of ensuring our events are safe zones where every attendee feels comfortable to speak their mind. To view our past speakers, click here.

In today’s rapidly changing world, many of us sense an urgency to embrace our fundamental selves and engage in the world in a way that feels authentic. Religion tools us to God consciousness and provides a gateway to fully experience life on a higher plane. The prophet of Islam was a great model of what is possible when human consciousness is expanded to receive the Divine. Our programs are meant to expand our minds by having practical and open discussions where young people can have their existential questions answered so we can all connect with the truth in Islam that is undeniable and freeing.

OIL has a youth committee that plans events and promotes acts of service and social justice so that children between the ages of 12–17 have a platform in which to meet, express their abilities, collaborate and become part of the community.

No. We encourage everyone with an interest in Islam and spirituality to join us. Our gatherings are inclusive, where everyone, regardless of age, gender or faith, has the opportunity to share their thoughts and engage with the presenters and other participants. We strive to create an environment where everyone can gain insight into, and practical solutions for, the issues that confront us. Please note that some events have restrictions, such as youth programs that are only meant for certain age groups.

OIL does not have its own centre, masjid or facilities of any kind. When we host lectures, majlises and retreats, we rent venues in the Greater Toronto Area. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have temporarily gone 100% virtual with all our programming produced online and broadcast on YouTube. We will meet again in person when it is safe to do so.

Engaging with each other is at the core of what we do. In recent years, we have worked alongside groups such as MOSAIC, United Muslim Women of Canada, Muslim Friends of Humber and the Office for Refugees at the Archdiocese of Toronto on a range of projects, from fundraising to settling Syrian refugee families in Canada. We are always interested in collaborations that fit our mission and values.

Becoming a member helps grow our organization and secure our future. Your membership gives you a voice at our AGM and connects you directly with our management board, while your membership fees go directly to funding our regular Muharram and Ramadan series as well as our youth programs.

Thank you for supporting us. If you have donated $25 (CAD) or more, our treasurer prepares your tax receipt and emails it to you. This takes some time, but in case you have not received your receipt, please contact us. 

Send your request to the management board via email.

Visit our Contact page to send us a message. 

Any OIL member can stand for election at the AGM in accordance with the nomination rules set out in the charter.