Ann Arbor, MI • March 27th - 29th, 2026

MA’RIFA 2026:

GARDEN
IN BLOOM

Register for Ma'rifa 2026

About Ma’rifa 2026

Garden in Bloom

We are grateful to announce our 7th annual conference, Ma’rifa 2026: Garden in Bloom, taking place on March 27-29 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We will gather for a renewed understanding of how our individual actions and aspirations blossom into the Garden of Paradise. Drawing from a plethora of God’s names, how must we align our hearts and our communities to mirror His Beauty?

We pray that Ma’rifa 2026: Garden in Bloom will help us seek, produce, and cultivate beauty in our lives. May the conference serve as a reminder of God, in all His Names. And may we work to make the Garden here, now.

Our theme this year is inspired by the following verse from the Qur’an:

“He who perfected everything that He created and began man’s creation from clay” [32:7]

Who?

Shi'a individuals between 18 - 25 years old

When?

March 27th - 29th, 2026

Where?

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Have a question about attending Ma’rifa 2026? 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 at @marifaprograms or by email at conference@marifaprograms.com with any additional questions.

More FAQs

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Contribute to the Ma'rifa Movement

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.

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Ma’rifa Testimonials

Words from our Ma’ri-family

  • "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."

    — Ali Makani

    San Antonio, TX ~ Ma’rifa 2024 Attendee & Inaugural BSF Fellow

  • "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."

    — Raza Ali

    San Ramon, CA ~ Ma’rifa 2024 & 2025 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 excited to have amazing conversations with all the attendees and grow my Shi'a network."

    — Adam Kazmi

    Toronto, ON ~ Ma’rifa 2024 & 2025 Attendee

  • "Meticulously arranged to value knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of growth, Ma’rifa 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 Shi'a faith and identity."

    — Yumna Rizvi

    Gainesville, VA ~ Ma’rifa 2024 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!"

    — Kawthar Alzurufi

    Chicago, IL ~ Ma’rifa 2020 - 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."

    — Rida Ali

    New York, NY ~ Ma’rifa 2020 - 2023 Attendee