Islamic History on display at Royal Ontario Museum this weekend

ROM(October 2, 2009) – This weekend, Canadians will have the opportunity to take a glimpse into Islam’s rich cultural heritage at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

The museum, in conjunction with UM Foundation, will be holding its second annual Muslim Heritage Weekend from Saturday, October 3 through Monday, October 5, 2009.

Visitors will be treated to special Islamic artefacts, lectures, activities, movies and halal food. Prayer facilities will be available for Muslim visitors.

“This is a golden opportunity for Canadians of all faiths and ethnic background to come out and explore the historical roots of Islam’s cultural diversity,” said Abdul Hai Patel, honorary chair of the event and president of the Ontario Multifaith Council. “The best way to build bridges and foster understanding is through education and getting to know one another.”

imam_patelThe second annual Muslim Heritage Weekend at the Royal Ontario Museum is supported by Islamic History Month Canada, an educational and cultural project sponsored by a number of Muslim organizations.

October was designated as Canadian Islamic History Month by the federal parliament in 2007. Several Canadian cities have also proclaimed October as Islamic History Month.

“The ROM is very excited about our upcoming Muslim Heritage Weekend,” said Chuck Thibeault, head of sales and membership at the museum. “The event is an opportunity to celebrate and share Islamic culture with our visitors and the community.”

Meanwhile, the overall theme of this year’s Islamic History Month Canada focuses on Islamic finance and economic theory, and how a different philosophy of creating, managing and distributing wealth could heal, or even prevent, major global recessions.

Dr. Toby Birch, Managing Director of Birch Assets Ltd. in Guernsey UK will be touring the country and speaking on Islamic Finance.

Birch’s company seeks to manage money based on ethical Islamic principles and to provide sustainable investment to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Discounted tickets and other event details are available at www.CivilizationExpo.com

For details on Islamic History Month Canada, visit www.islamichistorymonth.com