Muslim Literary Festival 2026
About this Event
Human at Heart
Muslim Literary Festival (MLF) is set to return to the Greater Toronto Area on Saturday, August 8, 2026! This festival connects Muslim writers with industry professionals from all backgrounds, such as acquiring editors, publishers, and literary agents, to join a growing movement for diverse, equitable, and inclusive storytelling in the literary world.
This year, the MLF team invites you to attend an inspiring keynote, insightful discussion, and select a breakout workshop best tailored to your writing journey.
At checkout, please make sure you select which workshop you would like to participate in as an add-on. You have two options:
- Marketing, Branding & Promotion with Sarah Mughal Rana
- Developing Your Craft & Pathway in Poetry with Furqan Mohamed
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Who We Are:
Muslim Literary Festival is a not-for-profit organization that aims to connect Muslim writers with education, resources, opportunities, and community.
Why It Matters:
In an often inequitable world, Muslims are routinely underrepresented in publishing spaces and overlooked for opportunities. We hope to create a community that fosters a sense of belonging for those individuals while equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate Islamophobic & xenophobic hurdles in the literary world.
Note of Liability:
By attending and participating in this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- Assumption of Risk: Participation in the event may involve risks, including but not limited to bodily injury, disability, illness, death, or property damage or theft. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with attending the event.
- Release of Liability: You release and discharge the event organizers, sponsors, hosts, and affiliates from any liability, claim, demand, action, and cause of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that may occur during or as a result of your participation in the event.
- Responsibility for Personal Property: You are solely responsible for your personal belongings and any items you bring to the event. The event organizers and hosts shall not be liable for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property.
- Compliance with Rules and Regulations: You agree to comply with all rules, regulations, and instructions provided by the event organizers, hosts, and venue staff. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal from the event premises.
- Photography and Recording: By attending the event, you consent to be photographed, filmed, or recorded for promotional and archival purposes. The event organizers reserve the right to use such media without further consent or compensation.
- Medical Attention: In the event of a medical emergency, you authorize the event staff to seek medical assistance on your behalf. You acknowledge that the event organizers are not responsible for seeking medical assistance on your behalf but may do so on a best-efforts basis, and shall not be liable for any expenses incurred as a result of seeking such assistance.
- Minors: Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who assumes full responsibility for the minor’s actions and safety throughout the event.
- Cannabis Use: This is a cannabis-free event. Cannabis possession and use are not permitted on the premises or during the event.
By attending the event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to this liability disclaimer.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Refreshments and Check-In
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Qur'an Recitation, Opening Remarks, & Meet Cute
Info: EMCEE: Sarwat Ara
Qur’an Recitor: Mahmoodulhasan Bhaiyat
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Keynote by Zeina Sleiman
Info: Zeina Sleiman will deliver a keynote on writing through grief & revision in creative practices.
🕑: 12:05 PM - 01:00 PM
Alaa Al-Barkawi in discussion with Javheria Ibrahim
Info: Alaa Al-Barkawi will engage in a discussion with Javheria Ibrahim on navigating publishing with a political identity and integrating personal stories into fiction.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch and Prayers
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Developing Your Craft & Pathway in Poetry with Furqan Mohamed
Info: Furqan Mohamed will lead a poetry workshop, providing participants with tools, skills, and insights to further develop their craft and career. Please note there are two concurrent breakout workshops and this is one of them.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Marketing, Branding & Promotion with Sarah Mughal Rana
Info: Sarah Mughal Rana will lead a breakout workshop on marketing, branding, and promotion. Please note there are two concurrent breakout workshops and this is one of them.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Literary Marketplace & Connections
Info: Explore the festival's literary marketplace, connect with fellow readers and writers, and meet industry professionals. Browse vendor booths, get books signed by participating authors, network with attendees, and take part in pre-booked one-on-one meetings with agents and editors for personalized feedback and publishing insights.
Sabiqoun Books
Info: Books will be available for sale all day at Sabiqoun Books.
Where is it happening?
CAD 0.00 to CAD 65.23
