Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin is the Chairman of the Al Sunnah Foundation of Canada (ASFC), VICE President of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada.

 

As a teacher of the Baha Al-Din Naqshband school, authorized by H.E. Shaykh Nazim al-Qubrusi; amongst the top three most influential Muslims in the world according to a 2009 Reuters online poll, Mr. Amiruddin pioneered the Canadian concept of a systematic radicalization prevention initiative and a 12-step de-radicalization program.  Mr. Amiruddin’s 12-step program was founded in response to the Al Qaeda inspired 2006 Toronto terrorism case.

 

Wilfred Laurier University’s “The Laurier M.A. Journal of Religion and Culture” writes, “…the establishment of Amiruddin’s Al Sunnah Foundation and the twelve-step program…can be seen as inspiring and reinforcing the flurry of activism that has continued to emerge from within the community since mid-2009…This growing anti-jihadist activism includes Canadian-based sheikh Tahir ul-Qadri independently issuing a 600-page document in London in March 2010, thoroughly refuting any potential theological justifications for Islamic extremism and going so far as to state that terrorists and suicide bombers are destined for damnation”.

 

In 'Keeping Canadians Safe by Tacking Radicalization' Dr. Keith Martin, P.C., M.P. wrote:

 

"Under the guise of removing the threat al-Qaida poses to Canadians, billions of dollars are being spent in Afghanistan. The reality is that, according to the Central Intelligence Agency, there are only about 50 to 100 al-Qaida operatives in Afghanistan. The much larger threat to us lurks closer to home...The Canadian government must work with moderate Islamic leaders to diffuse this threat. Sheikh Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin is one of those leaders. He has a 12-step de-radicalization program that focuses on creating a counter-narrative to these poisonous diatribes that are on the internet, identifying at risk youth to illustrate to them that murder is a violation of the Koran and God, and ensuring that those suffering from psychiatric illnesses get the medical treatment they need.  Over 50 Imams in Canada have already publically supported this initiative. It is time for our government to do the same."

 

Mr. Amiruddin has testified before the Senate of Canada's Special Committee on Anti-Terrorism in 2010 and was personally called upon by the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He has spoken at conferences the attendees of which include former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Deputy Prime Ministers of Canada Anne McLellan [MP], and the Hon. John Manley [MP], Bill Graham [MP], Justin Trudeau [MP], Dr. Keith Martin [MP], Senator Art Eggleton, and Alison McDermott [Chief of Fiscal Policy Analysis Division of Canada], Attorney General of Ontario Chris Bentley MPP, Transportation Minister of Ontario Harinder Thakkar, and Ontario Minister of Education Gerard Kennedy, MPP. 

 

Mr. Amiruddin has repeatedly appeared in the national media and his program was featured on Fox News as an effective de-radicalization strategy.  His Efforts to foster peace and bridge cross-cultural partnerships in Canada were and  recognized in writing by Hon. David Wilkins, US Ambassador to Canada.