Muslim Canadian novelists, stand-up comedians, musical groups, social media influencers, and photographers participated in this year's Reviving the Islamic Spirit Conference in Toronto, Ontario.

"The fact that I grew up in Canada, I kind of grew up with Islamic values at the same time – accepting people, multiculturalism, people from different faiths and that's what Islam really teaches. We're in an environment where people are fundamentally good. Being a Muslim in Canada I see people as generally good and letting everyone have their own freedom."

"Being Muslim, Canadian and Palestinian is in many ways a microcosm of Canada as a whole, with its beautiful capacity for coexistence and constructive integration. My personal ability to seamlessly be all three is nothing but a proof that Canada is the best place in the world. Being Muslim is about God and about giving to humanity while making the world a better place. Canada gave the world things like insulin, sonar, and the prosthetic hand. If we are good at something, it's improving the lives of people. Being a Canadian Muslim is a unique privilege and offers a huge opportunity for adding good to the world, through our Canadian values, and through Allah's spiritual guidance. I think in many ways, being Canadian has made me a better Muslim."

"You can be both and one doesn't conflict the other. You can be a good citizen being both." - Bashir Mustafa

"Diversity. Different cultures from different backgrounds coming together and living peacefully. Taking care of each other and being kind to each other." - Zoulfira Miniakhmetova

"Muslim-Canadian is the happiest person in this world. Despite what is happening in the world and how we're being blamed – we are the happiest. Because we know we were created to struggle. Without struggle we cannot enter the highest paradise with our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). He was the best example for us. He was the one who faced the most difficulties in this earth."

"Being a Canadian-Muslim I have the freedom to express myself without being harassed. Well, I mean, there was that one time, but that's okay. I can say whatever's on my mind. I can express who I am through what I wear. I can do whatever I want to do because I am a Canadian-Muslim and nobody seems to mind."

Farhia Ahmed is a mother of four who runs her own career consulting business. But on and off since 2005, she has been the team lead for Reviving the Islamic Spirit's Media Team. Muslim Link had a chance to interview Farhia about her journey with RIS and the role the Media Team plays in trying to improve the image of Muslims in mainstream media.