Islamic Society of North America returns to Chicago for largest American Muslim convention

The Islamic Society of North America will be hosting its 53rd annual convention in Chicago Sept. 2-5.

The theme this year is "Turning Points: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities." The annual convention is the largest gatherings of Muslims in North America. Last year, the convention drew tens of thousands of attendees. One of the main public attractions is the annual bazaar which features over 400 vendors including clothing designers, booksellers, nonprofit and much more. ISNA is widely regarded as the most significant convener of Muslims in North America.

Azhar Azeez, ISNA President, while addressing the press conference in Chicago, said: "Islamic Society of North America is the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella organization in North America. ISNA fosters the development of the community through convention, conference, education forums, interfaith activities, youth programs, civic engagement and other avenues. ISNA's annual convention isn't merely about bringing together the Muslim community. In the face of issues like Islamophobia, our goal is also to unite people across different faiths and backgrounds in the spirit of peace and better understanding. ISNA has invited a rich list of speakers, scholars, community leaders, and public servants. We live in challenging times by showcasing a diverse array of voices, stories and viewpoints, we hope to continue shaping a new narrative around what it means to be a mainstream Muslim today."

Hazem Bata, ISNA Secretary General, explained the incredible experience the Convention will be for the attendees. He also requested all the community members to join ISNA convention for the great experience. The Convention may be for four days, but the memories last for a lifetime." he said. ISNA convention helps city to generating good business transaction in four days.

Mir Khan, convention steering committee co-chair, highlighted the 53rd ISNA Convention and said: "The convention will have plenary sessions, main sessions, parallel sessions, roundtable discussion, health fair, young professionals sessions, around 200 renowned speakers, inspiring & leadership lectures, art exhibit, meet the author, 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, baby-sitting, basketball tournament and more. There will be many featured speakers at this year's Convention, such as Dr. Tariq Ramadan, Sh. Hamza Yusuf and Muslema Purmul as well as community leaders such as Dalia Mogahed, Linda Sarsour, Mehdi Hassan."

Ashfaq Syed, convention steering committee secretary, said: "The three-day ISNA convention will unite both Muslim and interfaith individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations for a full schedule of lectures, discussions, debates and entertainment." ISNA will have over 20,000 plus guest attending the 53rd ISNA Convention during the long Labor Day Weekend from Sept. 2-5 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 9291 Bryn Mawr Ave. in Rosemont. This convention will have attendees from across the globe and there are more than 200 volunteers working hard since three months to make this convention successful."

Salman Azam, ISNA Convention Media Relations Chair, invited media to cover the Convention. Local, national and international media have been invited to cover the Convention during the three days.

Faryal M Khatri, ISNA Communications Director, thanked all media houses for attending the press conference. She encourages all to follow the conversations and discussions of the Convention on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat using #ISNA53.

ISNA has its roots with the Muslim Student Association from 1963 and ISNA was incorporated in 1981. Its headquarters is located in Plainfield, Ind. ISNA has a wide variety of services and programs including education forums for Islamic schools, webinars, regional conferences, youth development, community resources, scholarships, mosque development, chaplaincy endorsement, matrimonial services, community outreach and interfaith programs.