We are grateful to announce our 6th annual conference, Ma’rifa 2025: Justice at Hand. Join us on February 21-23 in Los Angeles, CA to envision the world through ‘Adl, the Islamic conception of justice. Living amidst human tragedies and injustices, what is our communal responsibility in upholding justice? How do we learn from our history and traditions to connect individual instances of injustice to larger systems of power? In light of our duty as humans, how must we put forth just futures by our own hands?
Our theme this year is inspired by the following verse from the Quran:
“This is the result of what your hands have put forth. Indeed, God is never unjust to His servants” [3:182]
Due to the ongoing and preventable tragedies across the globe today, both locally and internationally, it was imperative for our team at Ma’rifa to reexamine our programming for 2024-2025. The theme for this year’s conference, “Justice at Hand” is central to our mission of providing students with culturally relevant and Islamic perspectives through our programs. We are inspired by our student community’s calls for justice and grateful for the imagination they carry in their hearts and actions for a better world.
We pray that Ma’rifa 2025: Justice at Hand will honor past, present, and future struggles and renew our commitment to the worldview of our Prophet and Imams. Indeed, by God, only justice will prevail.
Who?
Shi'a individuals between 18 - 25 years old
When?
February 21st: 6 pm PST - 10 pm PST
February 22nd: 9 am PST - 7 pm PST
February 23rd: 9 am PST - 12 pm PST
Where?
Los Angeles, CA
Have a question about attending Ma’rifa 2025? We encourage all those interested in attending the conference to take a look at some helpful FAQs! Please feel free to reach out by DM on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @marifaprograms or by email at conference@marifaprograms.com with any additional questions.
At Ma’rifa, we are constantly developing new projects, services, and content dedicated to Shi’i youth. We are student-led and volunteer-run; all our funds are used to serve the Shi’i student community through inclusive and accessible programming. We are asking you to contribute to the Ma’rifa movement. By donating to Ma’rifa, you will be investing directly in the future of the Shi’a community. Help us build a world where Shi’i students approach their personal and professional growth through Islamic frameworks, where the Shi’a community organizes together, where religion is not a concept but an activated lens to approach all issues. Please consider this as doing your part in enriching the Shi’i student journey in North America.
Please donate by clicking the button below. All donations are tax-deductible.
Since 2020, Ma’rifa has cultivated an intellectual spirit in Shi’i students through our annual conference, where we explore, reflect, and teach the intersections of Shi’i tradition and student experience.
Ma'rifa plays a vital role for Shi’a Youth in North America, it offers a unique platform for us to network and grow as individuals. It fills a huge gap that’s left in traditional centres. The interactive style really allows for open and honest discussion, creating a sense of authenticity between everyone at the conference. I’m looking forward to Ma'rifa 2025, and I’m excited to have amazing conversations with all the attendees and grow my Shi'a network.
Toronto, ON ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
The Ma’rifa Conference was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had. I was surrounded by people who felt like family, even though we had just met. And the best part is, we were encouraged to have deep, meaningful conversations—skipping the awkwardness or small talk. It felt like everyone was there to support each other’s growth, spiritually and personally, and I left feeling inspired and connected.
San Ramon, CA ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
Meticulously arranged to value knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of growth, Ma’rifa 2024 was a place where the heart, mind, and soul changed completely. In a world of complexity and chaos, Ma’rifa fosters spiritual connection and wholehearted relatedness to those holding the same thirst - the same uniform treasure of the Shia faith and identity.
Gainesville, VA ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
Ma’rifa uniquely brings together Shi'a young professionals and college students from all walks of life. To interact with people who embrace different branches of thought while being bound by love for the Ahlul Bayt is fascinating. Not only is it social, but also deeply intellectual with its workshops and speaker sessions.
San Antonio, TX ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
Ma'rifa was one of the most memorable and impactful parts of my development as a Shi'a student and young professional. I was able to unpack my faith and deconstruct the hurdles that I face as a practicing Shi'a in the contemporary context. I have been able to push myself to question my passions and interests and how they can intersect with my religion. I was also able to share some of my own personal photography and poetry, which made me feel like a bigger part of it.
New York City, NY ~ Ma'rifa 2020 - 2023 Attendee
Attending the Ma'rifa Conference in Philadelphia this year was a transformative experience for me. It was my first Shi'a conference in North America, and the theme, Under One Sun, was truly inspiring. We collectively explored how drawing across diverse traditions of mercy and justice, we can cultivate care and accountability toward one another — all under one sun.
Toronto, ON ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
As an advisor in the Seekers & Scholars program, I had the pleasure of virtually meeting many fellow students in the Ma’rifa community throughout 2020 and 2021. Attending the 2022 conference provided me the incredible opportunity to make new Shi’a friends! Overall, due to the inspiring scholars and peers in attendance, Ma’rifa 2022: Heart & Revival was the perfect way to spiritually recharge before the month of Ramadan.
Providence, RI ~ Ma'rifa 2022 Attendee, Seekers and Scholars Advisor
Ma'rifa’s annual conference serves as an anchor for North American Shi'a creatives and academics on the collegiate and graduate level. They strive to create an environment that stimulates spiritual growth with their wide selection of workshops and selected speakers that bridge the gap between the community at large and students living in a secular world that gives us knowledge but leaves us yearning for divine wisdom.
New Brunswick, NJ ~ Ma'rifa 2020 - 2023 Attendee
The great thing about Ma’rifa is being able to find and build a community through knowledge. Every year through Ma’rifa I’m able to learn so much about my identity as a Shi'a Muslim not only from the lectures but also from the students there as well. It's always an experience that I look forward to every year!
Chicago, IL ~ Ma'rifa 2020 - 2024 Attendee
Ma'rifa plays a vital role for Shi’a Youth in North America, it offers a unique platform for us to network and grow as individuals. It fills a huge gap that’s left in traditional centres. The interactive style really allows for open and honest discussion, creating a sense of authenticity between everyone at the conference. I’m looking forward to Ma'rifa 2025, and I’m excited to have amazing conversations with all the attendees and grow my Shi'a network.
Toronto, ON ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
The Ma’rifa Conference was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had. I was surrounded by people who felt like family, even though we had just met. And the best part is, we were encouraged to have deep, meaningful conversations—skipping the awkwardness or small talk. It felt like everyone was there to support each other’s growth, spiritually and personally, and I left feeling inspired and connected.
San Ramon, CA ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
Meticulously arranged to value knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of growth, Ma’rifa 2024 was a place where the heart, mind, and soul changed completely. In a world of complexity and chaos, Ma’rifa fosters spiritual connection and wholehearted relatedness to those holding the same thirst - the same uniform treasure of the Shia faith and identity.
Gainesville, VA ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
Ma’rifa uniquely brings together Shi'a young professionals and college students from all walks of life. To interact with people who embrace different branches of thought while being bound by love for the Ahlul Bayt is fascinating. Not only is it social, but also deeply intellectual with its workshops and speaker sessions.
San Antonio, TX ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
Ma'rifa was one of the most memorable and impactful parts of my development as a Shi'a student and young professional. I was able to unpack my faith and deconstruct the hurdles that I face as a practicing Shi'a in the contemporary context. I have been able to push myself to question my passions and interests and how they can intersect with my religion. I was also able to share some of my own personal photography and poetry, which made me feel like a bigger part of it.
New York City, NY ~ Ma'rifa 2020 - 2023 Attendee
Attending the Ma'rifa Conference in Philadelphia this year was a transformative experience for me. It was my first Shi'a conference in North America, and the theme, Under One Sun, was truly inspiring. We collectively explored how drawing across diverse traditions of mercy and justice, we can cultivate care and accountability toward one another — all under one sun.
Toronto, ON ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee
As an advisor in the Seekers & Scholars program, I had the pleasure of virtually meeting many fellow students in the Ma’rifa community throughout 2020 and 2021. Attending the 2022 conference provided me the incredible opportunity to make new Shi’a friends! Overall, due to the inspiring scholars and peers in attendance, Ma’rifa 2022: Heart & Revival was the perfect way to spiritually recharge before the month of Ramadan.
Providence, RI ~ Ma'rifa 2022 Attendee, Seekers and Scholars Advisor
Ma'rifa’s annual conference serves as an anchor for North American Shi'a creatives and academics on the collegiate and graduate level. They strive to create an environment that stimulates spiritual growth with their wide selection of workshops and selected speakers that bridge the gap between the community at large and students living in a secular world that gives us knowledge but leaves us yearning for divine wisdom.
New Brunswick, NJ ~ Ma'rifa 2020 - 2023 Attendee
The great thing about Ma’rifa is being able to find and build a community through knowledge. Every year through Ma’rifa I’m able to learn so much about my identity as a Shi'a Muslim not only from the lectures but also from the students there as well. It's always an experience that I look forward to every year!
Chicago, IL ~ Ma'rifa 2020 - 2024 Attendee
Ma'rifa plays a vital role for Shi’a Youth in North America, it offers a unique platform for us to network and grow as individuals. It fills a huge gap that’s left in traditional centres. The interactive style really allows for open and honest discussion, creating a sense of authenticity between everyone at the conference. I’m looking forward to Ma'rifa 2025, and I’m excited to have amazing conversations with all the attendees and grow my Shi'a network.
Toronto, ON ~ Ma'rifa 2024 Attendee