ILLINOIS: The 62nd annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America began at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
About 50 elected officials and community leaders attended the opening ceremony, after which thousands of people performed Friday prayers.
The convention was described as the largest gathering of Muslims in the United States as the convention attracted thousands of people this year again.
Chairman of the steering committee of the Islamic Society of North America Mir Khan said that the convention is being attended not only by American Muslims but also by representatives of other religions, international delegations, and heads of state and local governments.
ISNA President Syed Imtiaz Ahmed said in his opening address that through this convention, we want to bring together people of all religions and backgrounds in the spirit of peace, love, and understanding.
He said that this is not just for Muslims but an American gathering for all. He said this year’s theme is renewing the American spirit: Prophetic Values for Challenging Times, which aims to highlight how faith can be a vehicle for social change and the establishment of justice.
Steering Committee Secretary Ashfaq Hussain Syed described the convention as a great success.
Supreme Court Justice Mary K O’Brien said in her address that where there is justice, there will be peace and when there is no justice, there will be no peace.
Former President and Board Member Azhar Aziz said that this convention provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to connect with each other and strengthen community ties.
More than 200 prominent speakers, academics, social leaders and government officials are participating in the convention.
Congressman Chuy Garcia, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Consul General of Pakistan Tariq Karim, Consul General of Bangladesh Munir Chaudhry, Board Member Azam Nizamuddin, and Senator Karina Villa also spoke on the occasion.
Dr. Qaseeruddin was honored with the Presidential Award, while Dr. Sharmeen Jackson delivered the keynote address at the Community Service Recognition Luncheon and Imam Zaid Shakir was presented with an award in recognition of his lifetime service.
Azhar Aziz further said that 40 percent of the speakers at the convention were women, including prominent academics and scholars. In addition, special conferences were also organized by the Muslim Students Association of America and Canada.
