By Mohammed Al Fotihi – Contributor 

The Muslim Students Association at Bishop’s University collaborated with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) to host a “Know Your Rights” on Sept. 27, featuring esteemed guest speaker Yasser Lahlou. The event aimed to educate Muslim students about their rights as religious minorities in Canada, a crucial initiative in the face of rising Islamophobia. 

Around 30 students attended the workshop which covered several topics, with a primary focus on addressing Islamophobia and its impact on both Muslims and non-Muslims. The session emphasized the importance of understanding one’s rights and responsibilities in Canada, especially for the Muslim community, which frequently encounters prejudice and discrimination. 

A key message resonated throughout the workshop: the strength of a nation lies in its diversity. Yasser Lahlou eloquently illustrated this point by using a simple yet profound analogy. He compared individuals to different shapes, like triangles, squares and circles. Trying to force these diverse shapes into one mold is impossible. Similarly, embracing and celebrating our differences is the only way to foster a robust society. The workshop not only educated participants about their rights but also fostered a sense of belonging and acceptance. It empowered young minds to stand firm against discrimination and prejudice, promoting a future where everyone is respected regardless of their background. 

“I would like to thank the Muslim Student Association of Bishop’s University and especially Mohammed Al Fotihi for having taken the initiative of inviting me to a workshop designed to present to post-secondary Muslim students their rights as a religious minority in Canada”, says Lahlou. “It was a beautiful experience on a beautiful campus with beautiful people. In the few conversations I had with some of the students who’ve attended, I understood that they currently feel safe and welcome as Muslims in the university and that their faith and identities are not being made to be obstacles to their well-being. I was also able to visit the prayer space, and I’d like to salute the administration of Bishop’s University for making it available for their Muslim population. I’m looking forward to coming back.” 

In a world often divided by  differences, initiatives like the “Know Your Rights” workshop serve as beacons of hope. They remind us of the power of education, understanding and unity in overcoming challenges and building a more harmonious society. As Yasser Lahlou expressed his eagerness to return, it became evident that events like these are not just workshops; they are seeds of change, sowing the values of acceptance and unity for a brighter future.