“Caliphate 2025” conference sparks controversy in Canada amid extremism concerns

Amid growing fears of rising extremism and terrorism worldwide, Canadian media has reported renewed controversy surrounding the “Caliphate 2025” conference, organized by the group “Hizb ut-Tahrir – Canada.”

Scheduled for January 18 at an undisclosed location, the event has drawn significant political and social concern over its controversial agenda, including promoting the return of an Islamic caliphate and the implementation of Sharia law.

The conference comes after its cancellation last year, following the designation of the party’s UK branch as a terrorist organization. Critics and activists have called for the event to be banned and for the group to be listed as a terrorist entity, citing fears of fostering extremist ideologies and justifying violent actions.

Promotional material for the conference, including a video, frames historical Islamic military victories over European powers as evidence of “colonial powers fearing Muslim political and military strength.” Observers have labeled this rhetoric a veiled justification for violence.

It should be noted that the organizers have declined to respond to media inquiries, and Hizb ut-Tahrir’s central media office in Beirut has similarly avoided comment.

Former party leader and counter-extremism advocate Rashad Ali warned of the potential dangers, stating that introducing such ideas into the political sphere makes their impact difficult to predict or contain.

As the group distributes free tickets and continues to promote its ideology, questions remain over whether Canadian authorities will intervene to halt the gathering or allow it to proceed unchecked.