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IIT Seniors

Join a growing community of senior Muslim community members to learn Islam, build friendships, and to stay healthy and active together.

Program details

A place to belong no matter the stage of life

Retirement, loss, or declining health can leave people feeling alone. IIT Seniors gives you a community that listens, answers your questions, and cares how you are doing. It is free and open to seniors in Toronto, the GTA, and beyond.

  • Learn Together Every Thursday

    Join us on Zoom or by phone, Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 PM, from September to June. Learn from Shaikh Abdool Hamid and guest speakers. Topics include the 40 Hadith, Ramadan and Eid, and Islamic views on current events. There is time for your questions in every session.

    IIT Gymnasium

  • HELLO: Helping Elders Living Life Optimally

    Meet at the IIT on select Saturdays, usually 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Enjoy light exercise, games, hobbies, tech help, snacks, and good company. Speakers cover issues seniors face, such as health, elder abuse, financial abuse, and loneliness, and share useful resources. HELLO is led by seniors, for seniors.

    IIT Gymnasium

  • Your Questions Are Welcome

    Ask about fiqh, fasting, zakat, prayer, wudu, Hajj, or life’s worries. You never have to share your name or personal details. If your question is not answered right away, it will be addressed in a later session.

    IIT Gymnasium

  • No Computer? No Problem

    You can join by phone. Not sure how? Our team can help you get started. Join from home, from another city, or from another country.

    IIT Gymnasium

Meet the Lead for IIT Seniors

Speaker

  • Shaikh Abdool Hamid

    Resident Scholar

    Shaikh Abdool Hamid has a B.A. in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Madinah, specializing in Hadith Studies. Born in Guyana, South America, Graduated from Madina University; specialized in

    View Profile
    Shaikh Abdool Hamid Avatar Photo

  • Learn. Stay active. Stay connected.

    Topics

    Our sessions are shaped by what seniors need and ask for.

    Faith and knowledge

    • Hadith studies
    • Prayer, fasting, zakat, charity, and Hajj
    • Ramadan and Eid
    • Islamic views on current events

    Health and community

    • Staying active with gentle stretches and exercise
    • Keeping the mind sharp with games and activities
    • Tech help, such as phones, apps, and video calls
    • Safety from elder abuse and financial abuse
    • Ways to cope with loneliness
    • Sharing hobbies, stories, and recipes

    The IIT is here to support the community

    FAQs

    Can’t find an answer to your question below?
    Send us your inquiry to: iit [at] islam [dot] ca

    • Is the IIT Seniors Program free?

      Yes! The program is completely free. Just use the sign up form and register so we can contact you.

    • Are there are restrictions to who can join this program?

      A significant element of the IIT Seniors program is to help develop Islamic knowledge is seniors so this program is ideally suited for senior Muslims in Toronto and the GTA. We don’t define an age for the program because each person’s circumstances and needs are unique.

    • I'm not good with technology. Can I still join?

      Yes! You can join by phone if you find it difficult to attend online via Zoom and we can help you get started, inshaAllah. At our in-person HELLO sessions, you can also get some help with understanding technology.

    • When are the sessions?

      Online sessions are Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 PM, from September to June. In-person HELLO sessions are on select Saturdays, usually 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, at the IIT.

    • I'm shy to ask a question. Is there a way to ask without giving my name?

      Privacy is treated with high priority for our IIT Seniors participants to help ensure that their questions are accepted without judgement and to also ensure that their questions are answered at some point, even in subsequent sessions if not at the time when it is asked. Questions are asked in a manner where the person asking the question isn’t exposed if they are not comfortable.

    • It is not possible for me to attend in-person at the IIT, what can I do?

      If you cannot travel to the IIT in-person, you may join every Thursday from anywhere by phone or by Zoom. Our team is here to help you get acquainted with the different methods by which you may participate.

    • Is the IIT accessible for people with mobility needs?

      Our parking lot has a number of handicap spots available for you as long as you have your Ontario accessibility parking permit. Our building can be accessed with a wheelchair using the ramps and our doors can be automatically opened with a accessible door button.

    • Whom can I contact for help or my inquiries?

      You can send us an email to helloseniors@islam.ca. We can answer questions or point you to the right support. We cannot always solve every problem, but we will do our best to guide you.

    Not convinced? Hear from past participants

    Testimonials

    People come back week after week. Hear from our seniors about what this community means to them.