Thousands join MAS-ICNA Convention at McCormick Place

Muslim American Society and Islamic Circle of North America Convention is one of the largest Islamic conventions held annually in North America. The annual MAS-ICNA Convention was held at McCormick Place from Dec. 26-28, 2021.

This year, the organizer implemented a vaccination policy for its all participants and staff, which was mandatory. During the convention, all volunteers and all the attendees were required to either be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours. Regardless of vaccination status, everyone must require face coverings with face mask.

ICNA is second oldest Muslim organization after ISNA. Established in September 1968. Currently ICNA is one of the largest, non-profit, grassroots Muslim organizations in North America with many projects, programs, and activities designed to help in reforming society.

The three-day-convention, more than 500 volunteers from all ages were behind the programs. Mostly volunteers were active in providing security, managing logistics, serving on the panels, and directing the human traffic generally. The convention had hundreds of speakers, intensive workshops, roundtable discussions, art exhibits, films, talent shows, a bazaar and lots of more.

The theme was "With Hardship Comes Ease" is drawn from the Quranic verse. Approximately 20,000 Muslims (Some independent sources reported as many as 18,000) met to listen to lectures from renowned scholars like Dr. Mohsin Ansari, Suhaib Webb, Linda Sarsour, Dalia Mogahed, Sh. Omar Suleiman, Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda, Imam Mohamed Abu Taleb, Zahra Billoo, Sh. Saad Tasleem, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy, Dr. Sabeel Ahmed, Dr. Ihsan Bagby and many others.

More than 90 renowned American Muslims, including the many interfaith speakers, addressed the convention including Dr. Mohsin Ansari, Enes Yalman, Oussama Jammal, Hadia Zarzour, Nihad Award, Mir Rizwan Ali, Hatem Bazian, Shaykh Mohamed Moussa, Mohammad Qatanani, Noor H. Salem, Abdullah Oduro, Ahmed Shukri, Ieasha Prime, Dr. Sameera Ahmed, Dr Ayman Hammous, Mufti Hussain Kamani, Jamal Said, Rami Kawas, Margari Aziza Hill, Dr. Hamed Ghazali, Sheikh Kifah Mustapha, Shaykh Abdool Rahman Khan, Dr. Dalia Fahmy, Shaykh Yasir, Mohamed AbuTaleb and many other.

The convention featured a bazaar. With more than 500 booths, it feels like it became largest Muslim marketplace in America. Vendors sold everything from tours and insurances to clothing and books. All major Muslim nonprofits were also present with attractive booths and freebies. The bazaar featured scores of vendors touting all varieties of goods, services, organizations, and causes. On sale were honeys, sweets, and other Middle Eastern and Pakistani food stuffs, traditional and non-traditional men's and women's clothing and outfits.

A young lady Ms. Anna who came from Detroit said, "I had an opportunity to come here to meet and Listen Muslim leaders to clear misconceptions about Islam, get details of Prophet Muhammad's message Now a day makes it more important for non-Muslims to learn about Islam."

MAS-ICNA Convention promoted family issues, finances, civic service, spirituality, civil rights, youth development, and interfaith relations in the USA. Islamic Relief USA and several other organizations, including Helping Hand, ICNA Relief, MUHSEN and Zakat Foundation, were the major sponsors for this convention.