Muslim conference focus on sharing culture, community

Volunteer to coach Little League. Join the Parent Teacher Association. Run for political office.

These are just three ways Muslim Americans can take a civic role in their neighborhoods -- and it's also the theme of this weekend's 44th annual Islamic Society of North America Conference.

At least 30,000 attendees are expected to head to Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for the four-day gathering, which starts Friday.

There, they will be encouraged to become more involved in their communities, said Muneer Fareed, the society's secretary general.

"Too often religion becomes disconnected from social realities," Fareed said. "The spiritual and social worlds don't always collide.

"That is particularly the case with minorities," he added. "Generally, minorities have more difficulty participating in the civic structure -- either because they feel they don't belong or because the society gives them that impression."

Some of the session topics will reflect this year's theme, including running for office at the local and national level.

Another session will look at how lessons in the Quran urge Muslims to take a role in the environmental movement. Since the Quran references nature as a sign of God, the concepts of stewardship over the Earth and ecology match the tenets of Islam.

Beyond the speakers and sessions, the annual meeting also features a much-anticipated bazaar with some 500 booths. It's prime shopping for head scarves, clothing, books, artwork and jewelry.

"That's probably the best part," Fareed said. "They don't want to go the boring speeches. They want to go have fun."

For Muslims, this is a festive event and a time to see friends and relatives who live in different corners of the continent.

It's also a venue for meeting new people.

"Their primary reason for coming is simply to be amongst so many Muslims with whom they share so much culture, religiosity, values and concerns," Fareed said.

If you go

The conference opens at 10 a.m. Friday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont.

Fees: Adults, age 19 and up, $95; husband and wife, $165.

For details, log onto www.isna.net.