A Journey of Discovery
A Joint Conference of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) Canada and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association Canada (AMMAC)
by Dr Naveed Aziz, Chair AAMS and Dr Noman Hassan, Chair AMMAC
QuEST 2026 Conference organizers and attendees at Baitul Islam Mosque
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Baitul Islam Mosque in Peace Village, Vaughan hosted a day of scientific insights mirrored with the reflection of faith. The Abdus Salam QuEST Conference 2026—QUran, Education, Science, Technology and Medicine, brought together a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, and students to explore the intersection of science and Holy Quran. This year marked a significant milestone: for the first time, the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) Canada and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association Canada (AMMAC) joined forces to host a joint scientific conference. This collaborative model created a powerful synergy between fundamental research and the clinical world of medicine.
Attendance and Student Engagement
The engagement of members this year was remarkable, demonstrating Jama‘at members thirst for scientific knowledge. QuEST 2026 saw a total of 156 registrations and 250 attendees. While 143 people joined in person at the mosque, another 100 participants tuned in virtually from across the country. The in-person membership was a vibrant mix of 74 men and 57 women, representing everyone from established researchers to the next generation of student scholars. The men were in men’s section of the Baitul Islam mosque while ladies were in the ladies section of the mosque. To ensure geography was not a barrier, the National Department of Ta‘lim provided travel bursaries to students travelling from outside the Greater Toronto Area and covered all conference costs including meals and accommodation for out-of-town guests.
Opening and Session 1: Science and Medicine
National Secretary Ta‘lim addresses the audience with the QuEST Conference banner in the background
The day opened with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by a Welcome Address by Dr. Tauseef Khan, National Secretary Ta‘lim who presented a translation of a faith inspiring address of Hadhrat Musleh Maud (ra) on the unending heights of human potential delivered on 16th Feb 1917.
Session 1, introduced by Dr. Noman Hassan (President, AMMAC), featured Dr. Noman Iftikhar’s compelling exploration of Islam’s historic contributions to medicine in his talk “From Healing Hands to Modern Medicine,” and Maryam Khalil’s presentation on humanized mouse models for testing cancer immunotherapies. Five student researchers then delivered rapid five-minute talks covering topics from RNA binding proteins in glioblastoma to gecko adhesives for capturing space debris—a testament to the breadth and ambition of young Ahmadi scholars.
Career Session
A highlight for many was the Career Session, moderated by Shahab Khokhar, in which six professionals from diverse fields—Medicine (Dr. Noman Hassan), Medical Associated Professionals (Naveed-e-Sahar Chatha), Research (Dr. Tauseef Khan), Science Policy (Dr. Uzma Urooj), Teaching (Amna Ahmad), and Law (Maood Tahir)—shared their career journeys based upon hard-work, dedication, and Huzoor (aba)’s guidance and prayers. In the end the session fielded questions from students and young professionals and generated lively discussion on how to balance professional careers with life of service.
The Career Session panel: professionals share their journeys with the next generation
Session 2: Health, AI, and Nutrition
After a shared lunch and combined Zuhr and ‘Asr prayers, Session 2—introduced by Baria Shafiq (Assistant General Secretary, AAMS Women)—continued with the AMMAC Mental Health Committee’s important discussion on addiction, pain, and recovery. Dr. Fasih Rahman then presented his research on targeting mitochondria for better health, followed by another set of six student short talks covering topics from barriers to breast cancer screening among immigrant women to the effects of screen time on adolescent sleep. Dr. Uzma Urooj delivered a timely and thought-provoking presentation on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and the session concluded with an AMMAC Allied Health talk on how daily nutritional choices shape our health.
Fasih Rahman presents during the afternoon session
QuEST Research Awards
One of the most inspiring moments was the announcement of the 2026 Abdus Salam QuEST Research Awards. Ten exceptional student presenters were recognised for their intellectual rigour and their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, each receiving a $75 Amazon gift card. Every student who presented also received a certificate of participation, honouring the achievement of being selected to present at the conference.
Audience engaged during a session at QuEST 2026
Keynote Address: Message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba)
During the concluding session, Respected Lal Khan Malik, National Amir Jama‘at Canada, delivered a powerful keynote address on the Holy Quran’s guidance on science. At the end of his talk Amir Jama`at shared a special message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper), which reminded us that the pursuit of knowledge is a spiritual mission. In his letter, Huzoor (aba) cited Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:191–192), exhorting believers to reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth. Huzoor (aba) emphasised that Allah the Almighty has encouraged us to use our minds and brain power, to ponder upon His creation, and to search for new roads of human progress and innovation, through research and reflection.
Respected Lal Khan Malik Sahib, National Amir, reads Huzoor (aba)’s special message
Huzoor (aba) said that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has stated that the continued study of physics, astronomy, and the sciences will always lead a righteous person towards God Almighty, and that people of genuine intellect and wisdom are those who never forget God Almighty and always remember Him. Then, Huzoor (aba) urged that our scientists, doctors, researchers, and other academics must always safeguard their faith, fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty, and search for additional evidence proving the existence of an All-Powerful God. Hence, there should always be a clear distinction between Ahmadis and others who pursue similar scientific, medical, or other careers, and the difference ought to be that the practice of an Ahmadi Muslim must always be based upon Taqwa—which is righteousness.
Huzoor (aba) in his message reminded us that during the Middle Ages, countless Muslim doctors, scientists, philosophers, and intellectuals left an indelible mark on humanity, but that unfortunately, Muslims who had previously led the world in science and research drifted away from God Almighty and gradually sank into intellectual ignorance. It now falls upon Ahmadi Muslims to revive the honour and dignity of Islam in the global academic arena and take up the glorious mantle of enlightenment adorned by the great Muslim scholars of the past. In accordance with the promise of Allah Himself, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has assured us: “The members of my sect shall so excel in knowledge and insight that they will confound everyone with the light of their truth, and by dint of their arguments and signs.”
Huzoor (aba) concluded his message by urging attendees to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Abdus Salam and those outstanding Muslim scholars and researchers who left behind a rich legacy of knowledge many centuries ago. He exhorted us to exercise our intellect and talents to acquire fresh knowledge, to develop remarkable new ideas, technologies, and methods which will benefit humanity, and to stay in contact with one another. He prayed: “May Allah enable you to flourish and achieve extraordinary success in your areas of expertise. And may we soon come to witness the dawn of a new Islamic golden age of intellectual progress and advancement, led by Ahmadi Muslims across the world. Ameen.”
Huzoor (aba) specifically encouraged attendees to “work with diligence, passion and above all, constantly seek the help of Allah the Almighty at every step of your scientific, academic and professional journey.” The full text of Huzoor (aba)’s message is published separately.
At the end National Amir Jama`at led in silent prayer and it was followed by dinner.
Looking Ahead
As AAMS and AMMAC look toward next year, they intend to build on this momentum by exploring new areas of research including advancements in genomics, AI, and precision health. This conference success was due to the immense work by the organising committees of both AAMS and AMMAC—led by Dr. Naveed Aziz (President, AAMS) and Dr. Noman Hassan (President, AMMAC)—as well as the National Department of Ta‘lim, and the many volunteers—the Khuddam, Lajna, and Ansar—who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the day seamless. Special thanks are due to the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada setup team, the AV team, and the Ziafat department for their outstanding hospitality.
It is our prayer that, may we soon witness the dawn of a new Islamic golden age of intellectual progress led by Ahmadi Muslims across the world.
Conference Highlights
