Weaving Futures: Opening Prayer & Picnic

Weaving Futures

Opening Prayer & Picnic
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15
🕕 Time: 6:00–8:00 pm
📍 Location: Creative Commons Community Garden, 6 Elsmere Ave., York
(Located between the Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot and 31 King St., York.)

About the Event

Weaving Futures is a temporary open-air prayer space created by Muslim women through collective acts of making, prayer, and remembrance. Over four community workshops, participants engaged in various activities such as writing du'as on clay tiles, braiding rope, weaving leather, and embroidering mirrors, all while sharing tea and engaging in dhikr (the remembrance of Allah). Each crafted object carries the prayers, intentions, and care of the women who made it, creating a shared place of prayer that fosters khushūʿ—presence, humility, and attentiveness.

Join us for the first prayer in the completed space, followed by tea, a community picnic, and optional henna!

What to Expect

• Opening prayer in the completed prayer space
• Community picnic
• Optional henna (6:00–7:00 pm)

What to Bring

• Your own prayer mat
• Water bottle

Who Can Attend

This gathering is for Muslim women and children. Registration is required; unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-ins.

Accessibility

• Accessible pathways throughout the community garden.
• A portable access ramp is available.
• The prayer space has one step at the entrance. If you use a wheelchair or have other mobility needs, we can provide access with assistance.
• A variety of seating will be available, including picnic blankets, chairs with back support, and floor cushions.
• Please inform us of any accessibility needs or dietary restrictions when registering so we can prepare to welcome you.

Acknowledgements

Weaving Futures has been generously supported by the Toronto Arts Council Creative Communities Program and created in partnership with Born Somali, UrbanArts, and Crossroads Theatre.