ISNA’s 60th Annual Convention Attracts Thousands of Enthusiastic Participants in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL: The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) celebrated its 60th Annual Convention in Chicago over the Labor Day weekend. The convention attracted over 20,000 enthusiastic community members and featured over 200 renowned speakers, round table discussions, an interfaith reception, a bazaar with 550 booths, a film festival, enlightening entertainment, a basketball tournament, and many more innovative events.

The convention was inaugurated by around 40 elected officials and community leaders, followed by Friday prayer by thousands of participants. ISNA’s 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 the community.

This year’s theme, “60 years of service: Navigating the way forward,” 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 the accomplishments and successes of the American Muslim community and at the same time also look ahead to address some of the challenges we face as a community in North America.

ISNA had a rich list of 200 renowned speakers, scholars, community leaders, and public servants to address convention attendees. Remarks from Congressman Ro Khanna, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Khizr Khan, Comedian Preacher Moss, and 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 address evolving Muslim issues.

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.

Over 40% of convention speakers were females including well-known academics and scholars like Dr. Rani Awad, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Ustadha Lehsa Prime, Ustadha Muslema Perumal, Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed, and others. Complementing the main ISNA offering of programs, there were conferences hosted by MSA of the 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 a better understanding of Islam at an international level, representing the voices of Muslim Americans.