Islamic Society of North America to host 59th Annual Convention in Chicago

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The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has scheduled its 59^th annual convention in Chicago September 2-5, 2022.

The theme this year is ‘Reliance, Hope & Faith: With Hardship, Comes Ease,’ according to a press release, which also said, ISNA is widely regarded as the most significant convener of Muslims in North America.

Organizers describe this annual convention as one of the largest gatherings of Muslims in North America. A main attraction of the event is the bazaar which features more than 550 vendors  including clothing designers, booksellers, non-profits and much more.

At a press conference held in Chicago, Board Member & Chairman, Convention Steering Committee, Mir Khan, said ISNA is the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella organization in North America, and that it 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.  Our goal is also to unite people across different faiths and backgrounds in the spirit of peace and better understanding,” Khan is quoted saying in the press release.

For the event, ISNA has invited scholars, community leaders, and public servants to speak at the convention. “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,” Khan added.

The programs at the convention include plenary sessions, main sessions, parallel sessions, round table discussion, health fair, young professionals sessions, around 200 renowned speakers, motivational and leadership lectures, art exhibit, the bazaar with 550 booths, interfaith reception, entertainment, film festival, a fashion show for women, young professionals’ banquet, photography exhibit, qira’at competition, matrimonial banquets, community service recognition luncheon, children’s program, babysitting, basketball tournament and more.

Among speakers will be high profile nationally known personalities such as Khizr Khan, as well as Siraj Wahhaj, Miko Peled, Sayyed Hossein Nasr, Dalia Mogahed and many well-known community leaders, the press release said.

The last two years have been challenging for the global community due to COVID-19 exacerbated by the climate crisis, noted ISNA. “As we know more than 6 million people globally and more than 1 million here in the United States have lost their lives. Our prayers are for those who have passed away and all who have been affected by this pandemic,” the organization said.

“The four-days ISNA convention will unite both Muslim and interfaith individuals, families, businesses and non-profit organizations for a full schedule of lectures, discussions, debates and entertainment,” said Convention Steering Committee Secretary Ashfaq Syed.

More than 200 volunteers have been working over the last three months to make the convention a success. The organization expects more than 20,000 attendees from around the globe during the long Labor Day weekend from September 2-5, 2022, at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018.

The Islamic Society of North America (isna.net) traces its roots to the Muslim Student Association (MSA) from 1963. Incorporated in 1981, ISNA headquarters are in Plainfield, Indiana. The organization offers 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.