Chicago IL: Over 20,000 Muslims from Chicago, North America, and around the world gathered in Chicago this weekend to attend four-day long 52nd Annual Convention of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), which is considered to be one of the biggest gatherings in the region.
“This is a Convention by Muslims but it is for everyone. This is not just a Muslim event but this is an American event” said ISNA Secretary-General, Hazem Bata.
ISNA, which is the largest Muslim umbrella organization in North America, lined up a staggering 239 world-renowned speakers, including 80 women speakers, from across the globe.
The theme for the Convention was “Stories of Resilience: Strengthening the American Muslim Narrative”. Azhar Azeez, President, ISNA, said that the theme was important because by sharing success stories of the community, people can educate those who do not understand Muslims.
Community Roundtable Discussions were organized on such topics as Civic Engagement and Muslim Community, Political Unrest Overseas, Overcoming Mindsets in Mosques, Building a Diverse Community, etc.
Parallel conferences were held by ISNA-affiliated organizations – Islamic Medical Association of North America, Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers and Technology Professionals, Muslim Students Association, and Muslim Youth of North America.
One of the Convention’s highlights was launch of a campaign advising mosques to be women-friendly in which women are provided prayer space in the prayer hall and also participation in mosque’s decision-making process.
Experts discussed how parents and community institutions can proactively counter the lure of violence inspired by online recruitment from ISIS, and to keep their children safe.
Considering the fact that over 12,200,000 people inside Syria are in need of humanitarian aid and a surplus of 4,015,000 registered Syrians are living in neighboring countries, a special session was organized on this theme.
Sami Yusuf, the international singing sensation, was super hit at Convention’s Cultural Segment.
A Film Festival, ISNA Bazar with 500 vendors, an Art and Photography Exhibit, a Matrimonial Banquet, a Young Professionals Banquet, a Men’s Basketball Tournament, a Women’s Fashion Show, etc., also captured imagination of the participants.
Source: Asian Media USA