GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2020


The Islamic tradition is clear on the rights of persons with disabilities in society. However, this tradition remains misunderstood and under-studied, resulting in misconceptions about disability within Muslim communities. The goal of this conference is to advance our understandings of Islam and disability, the needs of Muslims with disabilities within an Islamic context, and the responsibilities of Muslim communities to support individuals with disabilities.

Conference Banner
Theme of 2020: Towards a better understanding of disability in Islam.
Theme for 2021: To be Announced

What is it about?

The Islamic tradition is clear on the rights of persons with disabilities in society. However, this tradition remains misunderstood and under-studied, resulting in misconceptions about disability within Muslim communities. The goal of this conference is to advance our understandings of Islam and disability, the needs of Muslims with disabilities within an Islamic context, and the responsibilities of Muslim communities to support individuals with disabilities.

Who should attend?

This virtual, multi-disciplinary conference brings together the work of service providers, academics, Islamic scholars, individuals with lived
experience of disability, and disability advocates to explore opportunities and challenges for Muslims with disabilities in both Muslim majority and minority context. All those who are interested in hearing diverse perspectives on issues related to disability & Islam are welcome to attend.

Program Booklet

For last year’s program booklet, which includes the full schedule and speaker biographies, please click below: 
GDIC Program Booklet 2020

GCDI 2020 Livestream

To watch a full replay of our 2020 conference, please click below:
GCDI 2020 Conference

Join our Global Network

The goal of this network is to continue dialogues initiated at the conference and provide opportunities for global learning and peer-support. To join the global network, please click below:
 Global Network

Conference Outcomes

The first issue of DEEN’s annual Journal on Disability and Islam is a large outcome of this conference. All submitted papers will be considered for publication. Paper selection for the journal will be based upon peer review and conference presentation.

The launch of DEEN’s Global Network on Disability and Islam that will bring together service providers, academics, researchers, Islamic scholars, individuals with lived experience of disability, and disability advocates. The goal of this network is to continue dialogues initiated at the conference and provide opportunities for global learning and peer-support.
To join the global network, CLICK HERE


KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FROM 2020

Dr. Ingrid Mattson: Next Steps – Obligations and Responsibilities of the Ummah

dr. ingrid mattson- next steps: obligations and responsibilities of the ummah- global disability conference logo- deen logo- image of dr. ingrid mattson on the right

Dr.Mohammed Ghaly – Towards Understanding Disability in Islam

Dr. Mohammad Ghaly- Towards understanding disability in Islam- Global conference logo- deen logo- image of dr. mohammad ghaly on right


MediaGDIC 2020 Coverage:


Global Conference on Disability and Islam to Take Place Virtually – by AboutIslam.net


First Global Conference on Disability and Islam: Interview With Disability Activist Rafia-Haniff Cleofas – by MuslimLink.ca


Disability and Islam – Interview with DEEN CEO Rabia Khedr – by the Pulse on AMI-audio (via Apple Podcasts)

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rabia Khedr: (rabia.khedr@deensupportservices.ca | (905) 270-9679
Rafia Haniff-Cleofas: ( rafia.cleofas@deensupportservices.ca | (647) 836-3461)


We are honoured to have the support of the following organizations:

Canadian Centre for DEEN Studies

Yaqeen logo Institute for Islamic Research
Islamic Institute of Toronto Logo