Great Success, Excellent host, and outstanding achievements ISNA 59th Convention at Chicago area
After Two years, the annual conference of the Islamic Society of North America held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Labor Day weekend from September 2-5, 2022, returned in person. The last two events occurred virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following its founding in 1963, ISNA is one of the oldest Muslim organizations. Currently, ISNA is one of the largest grassroots, non-profit Muslim organizations in North America, with several initiatives, programs, and initiatives aimed at assisting in social reform. The goal of ISNA is to become a model Islamic organization that unites people and advances both the Muslim community and American society.
Over 15,000 Muslims from across North America and around the world gathered in one location to celebrate this year's theme, "Resilience, Hope and Faith: With Hardship, Comes Ease, which comes from the Quran and symbolizes the in-person return.
Conference activities included keynote sessions, side sessions, panel discussions, a health trade show, sessions by young professionals, approximately 200 distinguished speakers, inspirational and leadership conferences, an art exhibition, an encounter with the creator, largest bazaar in America with 550 booths, interfaith reception, entertainment, film festival, fashion show for ladies, young professionals banquet, photography exhibit, Qira at competition, matrimonial banquets, community service recognition luncheon, children's program and many more.
The ISNA Annual Conference's goal is to unite the Muslim community around a common cause. Their objective is to unite people from many faiths and backgrounds in an atmosphere of harmony and improved understanding. A diverse group of lecturers, academics, civic leaders, and public workers have been invited by ISNA.
Many prominent scholars attended including Miko Peled, Khizr Khan, Imam Siraj Wahaj, Sr. Leasha Prime, Sheikh Zaid Shakir, Sheikh Sayyed Hossein Nasr, Imam Mohamed Majid, Sr. Yasmin Mogahed, and many others.
The Community Service Recognition Breakfast was one of the highlights of the annual convention where Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr is a distinguished scholar and a giant in academia received the lifetime achievement award & Ambassador Rashad Hussain delivered the keynote address.
Over 220 interfaith guests gathered in the Ballroom of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to partake in the annual ISNA Interfaith Unity Banquet on Sunday, September 4th. The event was put together through the traditional collaboration of CIOGC with ISNA for interfaith work. Numbers of sisters and brothers from various faith and spiritual communities were many special guests and part of ISNA's important interfaith conversations and dialogues as ISNA find ways to work together to build bridges of awareness and understanding and collaborate to bring about a more just, compassionate, and inclusive beloved community here in North America and beyond. Mr. Jacob Bender received the "Abu Talib Award" at the ISNA interfaith banquet.
Jesse White Tumbling Team Performed at the Convention. Hundreds of attendees watched the performance.
The third day of the annual conference had a grand finale of entertainment in its closing session with an amazing range of Nasheed singers, spoken word artists and stand-up comedians. Entertainment Night. The entertainment program brought smiles to everyone's face. There were unique performances from Nasheed singers, Hip Hop artists, and spoken word poetry. This entertaining session inspires and rejuvenates attendees' spirit. Featuring Native Deen, Mo Sabri, Kashmir Maryam, Alman Nusra.
ISNA President, Safaa Zarzour, expressed deep gratitude for all who made this year's convention possible. He further said, "We are so thankful to all who attended this convention, all the volunteers, the wonderful Chicago community, and the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago."
This conference has not taken place without the support and hard work of the ISNA team. The team is made up of hundreds of volunteers, but some names cannot be forgotten, including. Abdul Wahab, Omar Chohan, Mir Khan, Farah Laman, Ashfaq Syed, Sadiya Khan, Amira Abu Qaoud, Sabiha Ali Habeeb, Ahmed Habeeb, Gemali Ibrahim, Sadia Nawab, Thabraize Ahmed, Mohammed Khaleel, Dr. Badar Zaheer, Dr. Ganiat Sarumi, Saba Haider, Ali Kazmi, Shoaib Khadri, Arshan Khalid Hamzah Latif, Arjumand Khan, Amal Muhsin, Shahbana Sadurdeen, Abdul M Farrukh, Aijaz Jalil, Zeba Haseeb, Asma Nizamuddin Mahjebeen Chohan, Kulsum Saleem, Farheen Fatima and many others.