Welcome to ISLAMIC ILLUMINATIONS!

Salaam, one and all! We welcome you with heart-felt prayers for God's peace and mercy and blessings.

This blog is maintained for the readers of In the Light of a Blessed Tree, as well as for all those interested in the wider work of Dr. Timothy J. Gianotti: including the Islamic Institute for Spiritual Formation (IISF, Toronto), which he serves as the Director and Principal Teacher, the Studies in Islam program at Renison University College (University of Waterloo), where he serves as an Associate Professor, and the American Islamic College (Chicago), where he served as the Director of Islamic Studies (2013-2015).

Please stay tuned for new blog entries and announcements for new programs in Toronto and beyond!


Circle of Sacred Knowledge

Friday October 31, 2008
Circle of Sacred Knowledge

Today we begin our exploration of traditional sacred knowledge with a session devoted to the essence and attributes of God.

We welcome everyone to the next session on Friday November 28, from Noon to 1:00 pm.

The circle meets at the Noor Cultural Centre in the upstairs library/classroom space. We conclude well before the congregational (jum'ah) prayer service. While the texts and topics will come from the Islamic spiritual tradition, people from all faiths are invited to participate and stay for the Friday (jum'ah) prayer service which begins at 1:20 pm.


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Light Upon Light

Friday November 7 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light, Topic: Paradoxes
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map

Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.

This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University


Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.

Next scheduled date:
Friday December 5 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light, Topic: Extremes
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map


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Upcoming Events

Friday October 31 at Noon
Circle of Sacred Knowledge
upper level classroom at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map

Dr. Timothy Gianotti will be hosting an open study session devoted to traditional texts of spiritual formation and sacred knowledge. This will take place in the upstairs library/classroom space of the Noor Cultural Centre from Noon until 1:00 pm, concluding well before the congregational (jum'ah) prayer service. While the texts and topics will come from the Islamic spiritual tradition, people from all faiths are invited to participate and stay for the Friday (jum'ah) prayer service which begins at 1:20 pm.

This is a drop-in format, no fess, no registration required.



Friday November 7 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map

Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.

This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University


Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.

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Light Upon Light 2009 Schedule Announced

Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series
2009 Schedule

Time: 7:30pm
Location: Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map

Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.

Save these 2009 dates in your calendar. We will announce topics on this website closer to the date.
Fri. January 9, 7:30pm
Fri. February 6, 7:30pm
Fri. March 6, 7:30 pm
Fri. April 3, 7:30 pm

This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University


Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.



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Light Upon Light Resumes Fall 2008

Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series begins
Friday October 3, 2008.

Time: 7:30pm
Topic: The Importance of Seeking Solitude
Location: Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map

Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.

This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University


Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.

Save these dates in your calendar. We will announce topics on this website closer to the date.
Fri. November 7, 7:30pm
Fri. December 5, 7:30pm

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Eid Mubarak!

We wish a blessed 'Id al-Fitr (feast of breaking fast) to all our friends everywhere. May God accept your prayers, fasting of all kinds, all your good deeds, and all your noble intentions! As we embark upon a new chapter of life from this moment, may the path before us be better than what is behind, and may we better reflect the Divine qualities of mercy, love, justice, forgiveness, and unity throughout this troubled world.

Our warm greetings and heart-felt prayers go out to the Jewish community as they celebrate the "Days of Awe" or "High Holidays" that began with Rosh Hashanah, signalled by the same new moon that marked the Islamic feast we are celebrating. May you have a good, happy and wholesome new year, and may you be inscribed in the Book of Life!

Warm greetings and heart-felt prayers of peace, God's mercy and blessings go out to each and every one of you.


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