iCAN youth conference ignites young hearts in Melbourne

On Saturday 6 September 2025, the Islamic Circle of Australia & New Zealand (iCAN) Youth Wing hosted an inspiring and exciting Youth Conference at the Featherbrook Community Centre in Point Cook, Victoria.

The conference was centered around the inspirational theme of “Ignite your Imān. Find your voice. Fulfill your purpose”. More than 200 enthusiastic attendees, including young boys, girls, and families from all over Melbourne, attended the event.

A spiritually empowering evening

The program began after Maghrib prayer, establishing a contemplative and unified atmosphere.

Sheikh Mohammad Hijazi, Sheikh Benjamin Jurd, Sheikh Anwar Al-Ahwazi, Sheikh Abdullah Hawari, and Sheikh Bakr Hawari were among the esteemed group of scholars who gave insightful presentations tackling some of the most important issues facing Muslim youth today.

Key topics included:

Navigating social media pressures and safeguarding Islamic identity online
Resisting peer pressure and harmful cultural trends
Building confidence and self-worth as young Australian Muslims
Cultivating leadership skills and a strong sense of community responsibility

Speakers urged the audience to live by their principles, pursue excellence, and become constructive members of society, reminding them that the next generation is the Ummah’s future.

Family-centred approach and youth engagement

The President of iCAN addressed the attendees, outlining iCAN’s mission to empower young Muslims across Australia and New Zealand through programs that nurture faith, character, and leadership potential.

To ensure an inclusive and family-friendly environment, dedicated children’s activities ran alongside the main program, allowing parents to fully participate while their children engaged in safe, enriching play.

An open Q&A session provided youth with the opportunity to seek advice and guidance directly from scholars on real-life challenges, sparking honest and impactful conversations.

The program concluded with Isha prayer and a vibrant community dinner, fostering stronger ties among participants and leaders while celebrating shared identity and purpose.

Positive impact and future plans

Attendees described the event as “motivating, unique, and spiritually uplifting,” with many young people expressing renewed clarity about their role in the community and confidence in living as proud Muslims in Australia.

Encouraged by the strong response, iCAN has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting future youth conferences and programs that build faith, inspire action, and empower the next generation of Muslim leaders.