ISNA hosts its 60th Annual Convention in Chicagoland

CHICAGO: The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) rolled out its high-profile 60th Annual Convention and attracted Thousands of Enthusiastic participants to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, a Chicago suburb. “A Multifaceted Convention was inaugurated by around 40 elected officials and community leaders followed by Friday prayer by thousands of participants.

ISNA convention is one of the largest annual gatherings of Muslims in Americaattracting thousands of participants and serves as a social and spiritual event for the betterment of community. In addition to Muslim Americans, the convention attracts people of other faiths, international delegationsand officials from local, State and Federal governments, including heads of state, said Mir Khan, Chairman, Steering Committee, ISNA.

“ISNA’s Convention is more than simply a coming together of Muslim community. Our goal is to unite people across different faiths and backgrounds in the spirit of peace and better understanding”, said Safa Zarzour, ISNA President, in his Inaugural Address. He said that even though the Convention is by Muslims, it is for everyone.

“This is not just a Muslim event, but this is an American event”, he stated and added that the Convention provides a platform to Muslims, guests from other faith communities, families, businesses and non-profit organizations to network and exchange ideas. This year’s theme, “60 years of service: Navigating the way forward”, he added, was largely centered on how faith can inspire the community to bring positive social change in response to challenges and injustices of all forms.

“The Convention was a great opportunity to look back and celebrate our accomplishments and successes as American Muslim community and at the same also look ahead to address some of the challenges we face as a community in North America”, he concluded with a sense of optimism.

“ISNA had a rich list of 200 renowned speakers, scholars, community leaders, and public servants to address Convention attendees. Remarks from Congressman Ro Khanna (Rep. California 17th District), Congresswoman Summer Lee, Khizr Khan (Goldstar Father and Presidential Medal of Honor Recipient) Comedian Preacher Moss & other national Muslim entertainers offering their signature acts.

Film Festival featuring Muslim American filmmakers tackling relevant issues facing Muslim Americans. One of the largest Muslim Matrimonial events in the US Renowned speakers like Hamza Yusuf, Zaid Shakir & Yasir Qadhi addressing evolving Muslim issues.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, was the keynote speaker during the Community Service Recognition Luncheon that honored Dr.Ihsan Bagby for his lifetime dedication to serving the community. Mazen Basrawi from the white house read a special letter from POTUS, building interfaith relationships and social justice advocacy, said  Azhar Azeez, board member and former President, ISNA. Over 40% convention speakers were, Azeez added. Complementing the main ISNA offering of programs, there were conferences hosted by MSA of US & Canada.

ISNA is the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella organization in North America. Its mission is to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and better understanding of Islam at an international level, representing the voices of Muslim Americans said Basharat Saleem, Executive Director, ISNA.

The roots of ISNA were laid in 1963 by the Muslim Students Association of the US and Canada (now MSA-National). In everything that ISNA does, the effort is not just to unite and strengthen the Muslim community and their trust in Allah, but also ISNA is actively building bridges of understanding, communication, reconciliation, and cooperation with the mainstream faith and other communities.

Ashfaq Syed

Also Read: The 60th Annual ISNA Convention