British singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, listens to journalists' questions during a news conference before Monday's Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo December 11, 2006.LEONHARD FOEGER
Thousands of Muslims - including the singer once known as Cat Stevens - are arriving in Toronto today for one of the largest Islamic conferences in Canada.
About 17,000 people are expected to attend the three-day Reviving the Islamic Spirit convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The 8th annual conference bills itself as a way for young Muslims to build ties within their faith and across cultural lines.
It will feature many top Islamic scholars and speakers, including Yusuf Islam, the name Mr. Stevens - one of the best-known folk singers from the 1970s - now goes by.
Organizers say it's Mr. Islam's first Canadian appearance in nearly 10 years.
The conference will also feature performances from a member of a Muslim hip-hop group and the comedy troupe "Allah Made Me Funny."