Islamophoria is one response to what has been described as Islamophobia, or a fear of Islam, which the media often portrays.
Sarenna Lalani, Carolin Aizouki, Serena Habib and Armaan Somani met at the 2016 I-STAR National award ceremony in Toronto, Ontario. They were invited to attend the national youth leadership conference on civil society and were asked to create a civil society project.
They created Islamophoria, a travelling art exhibition that celebrates Islamic diversity by showcasing the artwork created by Muslim youth.
According to Lalani, Islamophoria is an opportunity for youth to celebrate their identities as Canadian Muslims and illustrate the pluralism and diversity that exists within Islam. It is a chance for Canadian youth to shape the narrative and portrayal of Islam around the world, she says.
Based on the concept of a water prism, the Islamophoria logo creates beautiful spectrums of colour by refracting light through its edges. The logo utilizes varying shades of blue to represent the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the diversity of the many interpretations and practices of Islam. It is a difficult shape to work with, and it symbolizes the fact that achieving a pluralistic society requires effort, introspection, focus, and commitment.
Islamophoria has incorporated the concept of “art awakens” which alludes to the potential for art to awaken something extraordinary. This concept is adapted from a celebrated 14th century Sufi poet, Hafiz, from Iran, whose work was translated into English in the 18th century, and influenced Western writers including Thoreau and Emerson.
When asked what the Islamophoria project will accomplish, Lalani said she hopes Islamophoria can unite Muslim and non-Muslim groups across Canada, creating an image of community that challenges the narrow portrayals seen in the media. Islamophoria fosters a tolerant, accepting, and informed Canada, crafting a robust foundation for future generations to build upon.
Lalani, a Grade 12 student at Lillian Osborne High School, has been an active volunteer with multiple organizations including Rotary Interact International, the University Hospital Foundation, the Salvation Army, Celebrate Canada Edmonton, and the organization she founded to address the needs of those less fortunate in Edmonton – the Nurturing Community Foundation. While Lalani was born in Canada, her family has roots in Tanzania.
Aizouki, a Grade 11 student at Harry Ainlay High School, has undertaken humanitarian work around the world including in the Mediterranean region. He has also been involved in fundraisers to help students purchase study aids. Aizouki is a Canadian Citizen and was born in Syria.
Habib, a Grade 9 student at Senator O’Connor College School was the founder of “Knit for Newborns”, a project dedicated to saving the lives of babies in the developing world. This project gave marginalized seniors a purpose through the handmade hats and blankets they made. Habib was born in Canada and her family has roots in Tanzania and Uganda.
Somani a Grade 10 student at Old Scona Academic High School is passionate about causes involving “youth helping youth”. He currently serves as Chair of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Youth Network and has been involved in the City of Edmonton Youth Council. Somani was a recipient of the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day Youth Award. He was born in Canada and his family has roots in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Islamophoria art exhibition will be hosted in cities across Canada in the upcoming year.
