BALTIMORE: The three-day annual convention organized by the Islamic Circle of North America concluded in which more than 25,000 people attended the largest annual gathering of the Muslim community in the United States.
The convention not only broke all previous attendance records, but the convention emerged as a unique and memorable event in many respects.
The highlight of the three-day annual convention organized by the Islamic Circle of North America was that it also celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Special events, historical highlights, photo exhibitions and documentaries paid tribute to ICNA’s half-century of struggle and service.
More than 200 educational, religious, social and training sessions were held during the convention, which were discussed in different languages.
The scope of these sessions covered the Quran and Sunnah, training of Muslim youth, technology, financial planning, family life, psychological guidance and current world conditions.
Participants attended these sessions in large numbers and benefited greatly from the speakers through their thoughts and questions.
The convention was attended by renowned Islamic scholars, preachers, intellectuals and experts from the United States and other countries. Eminent personalities including Sheikh Omar Suleiman, Dr. Yasir Qazi, Imam Siraj Wahaj, Maulana Abdul Rehman also attended the convention. In addition, prominent figures from the social, scientific, medical and engineering fields also addressed the participants with their scholarly talks.
The presence of diplomatic and political figures in the convention gave it more prestige. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, attended the convention as a special guest, while the presence of prominent American Muslim Congressman Andre Carson and other Muslim-origin politicians gave the convention international importance.
The speakers emphasized the unity of Muslims, political awareness, and their positive role in American society.
The case of the oppressed Muslims of Palestine was presented in a comprehensive manner in various sessions of the convention.
The speakers repeatedly highlighted the struggle, suffering and sacrifices of the Palestinian people, and appealed to the Muslim community in America to express solidarity with them.
The presence of Palestinian flags, emotional speeches and slogans of the participants were proof that the hearts of the Muslim Ummah still beat for Palestine.
Special recitation programs were also organized for the youth and children, in which the youth presented the recitation of the Holy Quran in a very beautiful and heart-touching manner.
Under the leadership of these youth, spiritual gatherings of Qiyaam-ul-Layl were also held at night, in which the Tahajjud prayer was offered.
Specific activities were organized for people of all ages in the convention. Play areas, educational activities, and recreational competitions were set up for children, basketball tournaments, career counseling, religious training, and technology-related sessions were held for youth.
The participation of women was particularly prominent this time. Not only did they participate in various academic and social sessions, but they also showed great interest in the convention bazaar.
The bazaar set up within the convention grounds showcased the Islamic way of life and culture. Islamic books, beautiful clothing, oriental jewelry, natural products, home decor items, and Islamic art and crafts were available. Food stalls were also set up in which a wide range of dates, honey, delicacies, and other food items were available.
All Muslim nationalities in the United States were represented at the convention. Arabs, Asians, Africans, Turks, Indonesians, and African-American Muslims gathered under one roof. Congregational prayers were held during the convention.
During each prayer time, thousands of Muslims stand in rows and engage in worship of Allah.
President of the Islamic Circle of North America Saad Kazmi said that through such gatherings, we bring Muslims living in America together on one platform so that they can develop a sense of unity, awareness, and common purpose.
The convention of the Islamic Circle of North America was a crossroads of knowledge, action, unity, and consciousness, it was also a rich expression of the confidence, awareness, and commitment of Muslims living in the United States.
According to the organizers, this gathering is not only an annual event but is becoming an important means of invitation, reform, and training of the Ummah — and God willing, it will return in an even more vibrant way next year.
