In its 60th Year ISNA’s Chicago Convention attracts thousands. “Its an all American event,” says ISNA Prez Safa Zarzour

CHICAGO - The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) rolled out its high profile 60th Annual Convention and attracted Thousands of Enthusiastic Participants at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. “A Multifaceted ISNA’s 60th Convention was inaugurated by around 40 elected officials and community leaders.

ISNA convention is widely regarded as the largest annual gathering of Muslims in America. It attracts thousands of participants and serves as a social and spiritual event for the betterment of our community. In addition to Muslim Americans, the convention attracts people of other faiths, international delegations, and officials from local, state, and federal government, 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.

At ISNA, Over 200 Renowned Speakers, Round Table Discussions, Interfaith Reception, Bazaar with 550 booths, Film Festival, Enlightening Entertainment, Basketball Tournament, Jesse White Tumblers, Huge 60th anniversary cake, food packing, governmental breakfast and many more innovative events capture the heart and soul of the participants.

He stated 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, 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" was focused 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 optimistically concluded.

“ISNA had 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 are some of the examples.

The Muslim matrimonial events were addressed by renowned speakers like Hamza Yusuf, Zaid Shakir and Yasir Qadhi.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, was the keynote speaker during the Community Service Recognition Luncheon which 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.

Ladies comprised 40 percent of the Convention speakers. These included: well known academics and scholars like Dr. Rani Awad, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Ustadha Lehsa Prime, Ustadha Muslema Perumal, and Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed.

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.