Mississauga's Radical Islam Khilafah Conference- 2025
Updated: 12 minutes ago
“Hate disguised as faith is still hate.” That’s what Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie firmly declared when addressing the controversy surrounding a planned radical Islam conference in her city. It was a bold and necessary stance, reflecting the growing frustration of Canadians who feel their communities are being infiltrated by divisive ideologies hiding behind the shield of religious freedom.
I was struck when I read about the planned Islamic Supremacy conference in Mississauga. Organized by a group designated as a terrorist organization, it was alarming to think such an event could even be considered on Canadian soil. It wasn’t just a harmless gathering; the speakers slated to attend had a track record of promoting divisive, extremist ideologies under the guise of religion.
This isn’t just about one event. It’s about a broader issue of how extremist views infiltrate and destabilize the very fabric of inclusive, multicultural societies. The question is simple: Where do we draw the line between protecting free speech and safeguarding the community from harmful propaganda?
Khilafah Conference : The Event That Sparked Outrage
The conference in question, planned by groups with known links to radical ideologies, was set to bring together controversial speakers—some of whom have publicly espoused misogyny, homophobia, and anti-Western rhetoric.
An extremist group, recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United Kingdom, is scheduled to hold its annual Khilafah (Caliphate) Conference on January 18 in Mississauga, Ontario.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, meaning "Party of Liberation," has announced that the conference's theme will focus on "removing the obstacles hindering [the] return" of an Islamic caliphate.
Watch this video shared by @jarydjager on his X where the spokesperson in the video concludes that "Allah supports those who support his cause and nothing will stand in the way of his believers.": https://x.com/i/status/1875218287363293246 .
What a stupid notion, I'd say.
Guised as one, for many in Mississauga, this wasn’t just an academic gathering. It was a platform for hatred, wrapped in drapes of religious discourse. As someone who believes in the values of inclusion and mutual respect, I couldn’t stand by quietly. This isn’t about targeting any religion; it’s about taking a stand against radicalism that directly opposes values of equality and freedom. Events like this one don’t just spread hatred—they create an environment where extremism thrives. It’s terrifying to think about the damage they can do to any and every community.
Mayor Bonnie Crombie didn’t mince words either. Mayor Crombie’s response was unequivocal: “We will not tolerate events that promote hate, division, or radicalization.” And she’s right. When leaders take a stand against extremism, it sends a clear message that our communities won’t be passive battlegrounds for dangerous ideologies. We can’t allow harmful propaganda to infiltrate our cities under the pretext of free speech. That freedom doesn’t extend to inciting violence or sowing discord.
Radical Islam vs. Canadian Values
Let’s be clear: Criticizing radical Islam is not the same as attacking Islam. The vast majority of Muslims in Canada (and around world) are peaceful, law-abiding citizens who contribute immensely to society. But radical Islam—an extremist interpretation that seeks to impose its views through coercion or violence—stands in direct opposition to values of equality, freedom, and human rights.
In this instance Canada’s multicultural fabric thrives because of mutual respect. When any group—religious or otherwise—seeks to undermine this harmony, it’s our responsibility to call it out. Events like the planned Mississauga conference undermine trust between communities, making it harder for us to work together toward shared goals.
The Danger of Complacency
History has shown us what happens when extremism is left unchecked. From the rise of ISIS in the Middle East to homegrown terror plots in Western countries, radical ideologies spread like wildfire when given room to grow. Conferences, workshops, and online forums act as breeding grounds for radicalization. They’re not just harmless discussions; they’re recruitment tools.
Take the case of Omar Shafik Abdel Rahman, also known as the Blind Sheikh—a man whose sermons didn’t just preach fire and brimstone but practically handed out DIY guides to terrorism. You could almost call him the world’s most dangerous motivational speaker. He used religious lectures to inspire followers who later carried out acts of terrorism, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Radical gatherings—no matter how innocuous they may seem on the surface—have real-world consequences.
The Role of Leaders and Citizens
Leaders like Mayor Crombie play a crucial role in drawing a line in the sand. But combating radicalization isn’t just their job. It’s ours too. As citizens, we must:
Stay Informed: Know what’s happening in your community. If something seems off, report it. Awareness is the first step to prevention.
Engage in Dialogue: Talk to your neighbors, especially those from different backgrounds. Building trust and understanding weakens the appeal of extremist narratives.
Support Policies That Promote Inclusion: Inclusion isn’t just about diversity; it’s about ensuring everyone feels valued and heard. When people feel alienated, they’re more susceptible to radical ideologies.
Balancing Free Speech and Security
One of the most contentious aspects of this debate is free speech. Critics argue that shutting down events like the Mississauga conference infringes on this fundamental right. Because apparently, the "right" to host hate-filled tirades and incubate extremist ideologies is the hill some are willing to die on—freedom of speech, reimagined as freedom to undermine societal cohesion. But freedom of speech isn’t absolute. It doesn’t give anyone the right to incite hatred or violence.
Canada’s laws on hate speech are clear: expressions that promote harm against identifiable groups are illegal. By taking action against radical gatherings, we’re not silencing legitimate religious or political discussions. We’re protecting our communities from harm. This must be the take for every country that promotes free speech and values the very fabric of communal harmony.
A Call to Action
The fight against extremism isn’t just a governmental responsibility; it’s a societal one. We need to foster environments where radical ideologies can’t take root. This means investing in education, promoting dialogue, and ensuring that everyone else feels a sense of belonging.
This fight isn’t just for leaders. It’s our responsibility too. If we stand by and do nothing, we’re complicit. It’s time to speak up, support leaders who take a stand, and create a future where no ideology—radical or otherwise—can threaten the harmony we’ve worked so hard to build. Staying informed, fostering dialogue, and supporting inclusive policies are steps we can all take to ensure extremism has no fertile ground. Let’s work together to protect our communities and uphold the values we cherish. Let’s be proactive, not reactive. Our communities depend on it.
They need to know that Radical Ideologies Have No Place in Our Communities!
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