The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) concluded its annual convention at the Anatole Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, on September 1, 2024. This year’s event attracted a record-breaking crowd of approximately 20,000 attendees, marking a historic moment in ISNA’s 61-year history. The convention, held in Dallas for the first time, featured a wide array of activities that brought together people from diverse backgrounds.
Day One: Opening Ceremonies and Key Announcements
The convention kicked off on Friday with an opening ceremony attended by multiple officials, community leaders, and members of various faiths. ISNA’s central president, Safaa Zarzour, and other key officials held a joint press conference to inaugurate the event. They announced that more than 150 prominent speakers had been invited to address the attendees over the course of the three-day convention. The opening day also featured the ISNA Bazaar, which boasted over 350 booths, providing a platform for businesses and organizations to showcase their products and services.
In his opening address, Zarzour emphasized the inclusive nature of the convention, stating, “This event is not just for Muslims, but for all of America. It serves as a platform for individuals from various faiths, their families, businesses, and volunteer organizations to come together.”
Day Two: Discussions, Panels, U.S. Officials’ Participation, and Activities
The second day of the convention was marked by a series of important sessions and discussions on a variety of topics, including international conflicts and domestic issues affecting the Muslim community. Key U.S. officials, such as Mohamed Elsanousi, a senior official from the Biden administration’s U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, attended a breakfast meeting with community leaders. This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss significant international issues and the challenges faced by Muslims both in the U.S. and abroad.
Sessions held throughout the day focused on conflicts in regions Sudan, and Palestine. Additionally, Huda Alkaff, Uzma Mirza, and Johari Abdul-Malik led a session on eco-friendly mosques and societal responsibilities from an Islamic perspective, moderated by Syed Masroor Shah.
The convention also included a range of activities designed to cater to the interests of all attendees. The ISNA Health Fair offered medical care, dental screenings, mental health resources, and a blood drive, aiming to promote wellness and well-being within the community. The Health Fair attracted many visitors, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental health.
Day Three: Awards, Cultural Events, and Special Programs
The final day of the convention featured a range of activities designed to engage and entertain attendees. Experts shared their insights on various topics, including a seminar on the ‘Blasphemy Law,’ where scholars argued that the law is contrary to Sharia, citing references from the Quran and Hadith. Awards were presented to doctors who had provided humanitarian services in Gaza. Dr. Ikram, one of the award recipients, shared his moving experiences of working in Gaza, noting the resilience and dignity of the Palestinian people.
Cultural events were a significant highlight of the day.
Mushaira, Film Festival and Comedy Show
The poetry session (Mushaira) featured renowned poets from India and Pakistan, including Abbas Tabish and Noor Amrohvi. Poets from Kashmir, such as Dr. Tauqeer Gilani and Tariq Hashmi, also participated, adding to the cultural richness of the event.
The convention also hosted a film festival, showcasing a diverse range of films over the three days. Notable screenings included “Time Hoppers: The Silk Road,” a 3D animated children’s movie exploring the Golden Age of Islam, and “36 Seconds: Portrait of a Hate Crime,” a documentary addressing the tragic execution of three Muslim-American students. “Unexpected Peace,” another featured film, explored various global conflicts through the lens of a social anthropologist.
The comedy show, held on Friday night in the Cortez Ballroom, featured a lineup of talented comedians, including Preacher Moss, Sabeen Siddiq, Moses The Comic, Antheer Yacoub, and Marlin Hill. Their performances brought humor and laughter to the convention, providing a light-hearted break from the more serious discussions and sessions. The comedians touched on everyday life, cultural experiences, and social issues, resonating with the audience and creating a memorable evening of entertainment.
Qirat Competition
The Qirat Competition, held on Saturday at the Senators Lecture Hall, showcased the remarkable talents of young Muslim reciters from across the United States. Participants, pre-registered boys and girls, demonstrated their proficiency in reciting the Quran, highlighting their memorization skills and melodic recitation techniques. Judged by a panel of esteemed scholars, including Imam Dr. Zafar A. Anjum and Sheikh Abdelkader Mohamed, the competition aimed to celebrate and promote the art of Quranic recitation among the youth. The event not only served as a platform for showcasing individual talents but also emphasized the importance of preserving and nurturing Islamic traditions within the community. The Qirat Competition was a profound reminder of the spiritual and educational significance of Quranic recitation, drawing praise from attendees and participants alike.
Matrimonial Banquets and Youth Engagement
Recognizing the importance of community and family, the convention also hosted matrimonial banquets, providing a space for single Muslims to meet and connect in a respectful environment. This initiative was well-received, as it facilitated meaningful interactions among attendees seeking companionship and life partners.
The youth were not left out of the program, with activities like the basketball tournament held at the Verandah Athletic Club drawing enthusiastic participation. The tournament provided a fun and competitive environment for young attendees, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
Robotics, Science Fair, and Meet the Author
The convention featured a robotics show, emphasizing the importance of STEM education for Muslim youth. The session, led by Mohammed Elida and Marwan Marouf, inspired future innovators and leaders by highlighting the role of Islamic centers in promoting scientific learning.
The inaugural ISNA Science Fair showcased the talents of middle and high school students, with projects reflecting creativity and innovation. The fair provided a platform for young scientists to present their work and engage with the community.
A “Meet the Author” event allowed attendees to interact with prominent authors and discuss their works. This event provided literary enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations.
A Successful Gathering for Unity and Advocacy
The ISNA convention in Dallas was a resounding success, achieving record attendance and providing a valuable platform for dialogue, unity, and community engagement. The presence of U.S. officials and their participation in discussions demonstrated the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation among different communities. Azhar Azeez, a former ISNA president from Dallas, played a significant role in organizing the event and ensuring its success.
By addressing critical issues, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering a sense of unity, the ISNA convention underscored its mission of peace and goodwill. As Safaa Zarzour noted in his closing remarks, “This convention serves as a beacon of hope and a platform for advocacy, bringing together people of all faiths to work towards a better future.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Muslim community in North America and around the world, ensuring that the spirit of unity and cooperation continues beyond the convention.
About the author
Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center. She is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. A dedicated member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is currently pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and the Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. She is also certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy. Multilingual, Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with a diverse range of patients. Also add she is a foodie and loves to create recipes , cook and experiment with recipe hacks that make food healthier.
