‘From Canada to Qom’: Scholar Shares Experiences of Faith and Interfaith Activities in Canada

IQNA – An Iranian university lecturer, who has received his PhD from a Canadian university, shares his experiences in religious and interfaith activities during his stay in the North American country.

Religiosity faces challenges globally, but the multicultural nature of countries like Canada creates a more accommodating environment for interfaith collaboration, according to Masoud Shadnam, a faculty member at Sharif University of Technology.

Speaking at the online event "From Canada to Qom," hosted by the University of Isfahan’s Quranic Studies Association on Monday, Shadnam reflected on his experiences with religion in Canada. 

“Religion is under attack worldwide,” Shadnam stated. “In countries like France or China, this is more pronounced. In North America, multiculturalism fosters an environment where followers of different faiths coexist and collaborate.” 

Shadnam, who holds a doctorate in management from Simon Fraser University, described how interfaith efforts in Canada often revolved around practical alliances rather than doctrinal debates. “For example, during Ramadan, Christians sometimes joined us for iftar at mosques, and we reciprocated their invitations. Such exchanges fostered mutual understanding.” 

Highlighting Canada's religious diversity, he shared his involvement in organizing interfaith visits to places of worship. “We arranged tours to Hindu temples, where participants could ask questions and learn about Hindu practices,” he said, adding, “This not only deepened the understanding of Canadian-born Muslims but also encouraged dialogue with Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Jews.” 

Shadnam pointed to the importance of preserving Islamic identity within immigrant communities. “Our main goal was to ensure Muslims retained their faith rather than convert others. Keeping one’s religion intact in such environments is a major success,” he noted. 

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