ISNA Convention Concludes With a tangible sense of purpose, renewed resolve, and enthusiasm

In Rosemont, Illinois, the 62nd Annual Islamic Society of North America Convention closed with a resounding sense of energy, purpose, and renewed resolve. From August 29 to September 1, 2025, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center became a bustling hub where faith, service, scholarship, and community life converged under the theme Renewing the American Spirit: Prophetic Ideals for Challenging Times. An estimated 20,000 attendees poured through the doors over the four days, proving once again that the ISNA Convention is more than a gathering, it’s a movement.

The convention opened with a four-day plan that balanced large-scale programming with intimate, targeted experiences. On Thursday night, about 200 volunteers, staff, and board members gathered for a steering committee meeting that set the tone for a weekend of collaboration and impact. This blueprint led to a robust program featuring more than 100 speakers and over 64 sessions spread across three tracks: Islamic Society of North America, Muslim Students of America (MSA), and Muslim Youth of America (MYNA). Attendees engaged with a wide array of topics from mental health, interfaith dialogue, and prophetic guidance to education, finance, self-care, marriage, civic engagement, and pressing global concerns such as Palestine, Syria, and Kashmir. Notable voices included Yasir Qadi, Mehdi Hasan, Tamara Gray, Habeeb Quadry, Ieasha Prime, Muslims Purmul, and others, contributing to a diverse and dynamic discourse. Dr. Mohamed Kaiseruddin, well known community leader from greater Chicago area, received the ISNA President’s award on Saturday night in-front of thousands of attendees

A centerpiece of the weekend was the Community Service Recognition Luncheon (CSRL), a high-impact gathering led by ISNA’s new Fund Development Coordinator, Ahmed Badawi. The program drew more than 500 attendees who came to celebrate leadership, service, and vision within the Muslim American community. Imam Zaid Shakir accepted the Community Service Recognition Award for a lifetime of faith, scholarship, and community development. Dr. Sherman Jackson delivered the keynote address on indigenizing Islam in the American context, offering a thoughtful reflection on building a confident, authentic Muslim presence in the United States. ISNA founder Br. Ghaus Malik served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the evening with warmth and a sense of ISNA’s enduring legacy. The fundraising appeal led by Br. Azhar Azeez, ISNA Treasurer, inspired a remarkable response, with the fundraising goal to support ISNA’s ongoing programs and initiatives met. The CSRL stood out as a powerful moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the community’s future.

Impact extended beyond the main hall into health, education, and cultural programming. The ISNA Health Services Committee presented an education series through the Compassionate Care Network, addressing fitness, mental health, nutrition, and Hepatitis B awareness. A free community health fair and quick-aid clinic offered essential services for minor medical needs, underscoring ISNA’s commitment to holistic well-being. MUHSEN, childcare and a vibrant children’s program featuring Noor Kids, crafts, and even animal visits, ensuring families could participate with confidence. The Film Festival offered a compelling lineup, including titles such as #LiveLikeHaris and PBS’s From Slavery to Freedom: The Untold Story of America’s First Muslims, while the Art Exhibit showcased emerging and established artists like Erik Khan, Dania Eldam, Hanoon Kalathingal, Aqsa Hashmi, and Farha Yousuf. The Qiraat Competition on Saturday highlighted youth talent across separate boys’ and girls’ divisions, with winners announced as part of the weekend’s celebrations. The entertainment roster delivered a rich cultural mix: Quran recitation by sisters Maryam and Fatima Masud, hosted by Preacher Moss, with performances by Yahya Hawwa, Riyaaz Qawwali, and Native Deen. The Friday-night comedy show headlined by Preacher Moss also featured Marlin Hill, Yasmin Elhady, and Moses the Comic.

Sport and social life also thrived in Rosemont. MYNA partnered with Islamic Games to stage the first-ever Pickleball Tournament alongside a robust basketball program, backed by iDrive and Veiled Knights. Over two days, more than 30 teams and 100 players took the court, with staff and volunteers on hand to cheer and manage play, demonstrating how athletic competition and faith can co-exist in a spirited, family-friendly atmosphere. The matrimonial events, held at the Hyatt Regency away from the main hubbub, offered a halal environment in which attendees could pursue meaningful connections. The program blended structured activities with one-on-one meet-and-greet sessions and round-robin rotations, helping many attendees move beyond online algorithms toward real conversations and potential partnerships. Reports from participants highlighted the sense of clarity and purpose gained from meeting like-minded peers in person.
The convention also elevated youth leadership and continuity. MYNA’s track, described as a huge success, drew just under 600 attendees in its largest sessions. Its enduring theme—Akhlaq in Action: Living the Prophetic Way—spoke to both youth and parents, and the weekend saw the launch of exclusive 40th-anniversary MYNA merchandise that quickly became popular at bazaar tables. The Qur’an competition showcased talent and dedication, and an alumni reunion brought together more than 50 former MYNA members to reconnect and reflect on decades of impact. The energy around MYNA’s programming underscored ISNA’s investment in the next generation and its ability to remain relevant across generations.
On the cultural front, the convention shone with a multifaceted program. The ISNA Film Festival, the Art Exhibit, and a range of performances offered a window into contemporary Muslim creativity. The Green Initiative recognized mosques practicing sustainable practices as part of ISNA’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship. First place went to the Islamic Society of Greater Lansing in Michigan, followed by Masjid Aisha in Maryland in second place, with the Islamic Center of Madison in Wisconsin securing third. This recognition reinforced a growing narrative within the community about stewardship and responsibility to the earth as a shared religious value.

Civic engagement and interfaith outreach remained prominent throughout the event. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mushairah, chaplaincy training sessions, and a Government Breakfast highlighted the convention’s broader civic and interfaith agenda. The Government Breakfast, in particular, brought elected officials into dialogue with Muslim communities, reinforcing ISNA’s role as a bridge-builder and policy-aware partner in broader civic life.
The weekend would not have been complete without its generous roster of sponsors and partners. Notable supporters included Guidance, Mercy USA, and Muslim Aid USA, among others. Their backing helped sustain the wide range of programming from health education to arts and sports demonstrating a robust ecosystem of support around the convention’s mission.
As the four days drew to a close, organizers reflected on what worked and what could be refined for the next edition. The four-day format successfully balanced large-scale programming with targeted tracks for ISNA, MSA, and MYNA. The CSRL stood out as a philanthropic centerpiece, marrying leadership recognition with a powerful fundraising moment. The MYNA track energized youth and reinforced the ongoing relevance of youth leadership within the community. Green Initiative awards created a tangible sustainability narrative for mosques and communities alike, while the matrimonial program offered a culturally resonant pathway to partnership in a halal, mindful environment. The blend of health education, arts, and sports produced a holistic convention experience that appealed to families, professionals, and young people alike.
Key numbers capture the scale and impact: 20,000 attendees over four days; 500+ bazaar booths with 25 sponsors; 30+ basketball and pickleball teams drawing 100 players; 700 singles participating in matrimonial events; 100-plus speakers and 64-plus sessions across ISNA, MSA, and MYNA; fundraising goal met at the CSRL; and a convention line-up that included more than 100 speakers delivering sessions on a wide spectrum of topics, from mental health to interfaith outreach to current global conflicts.
The 62nd Islamic Society of North America Convention lived up to its core theme “Renewing the American Spirit: Prophetic ideals for challenging times” by turning faith into action, service into storytelling, and community into a force for positive change. It was a weekend of inspiration, connection, and forward momentum for the Muslim American community, and it set a high bar for future Islamic Society of North America gatherings.
This winter, we want youth to rediscover the rich tradition of justice and advocacy rooted in our faith. Voices of Justice will explore how speaking truth to power has always been a part of Islam, beginning with the prophets and continuing through generations of courageous believers. From the defiance of Prophet Musa AS before Pharaoh, to Bilal RA's stand for racial equality, to the compassionate governance of Umar ibn al-Khattab RA, and the economic leadership of Khadijah RA, our history is filled with those who rose against oppression. We want to connect these legacies to modern-day icons like Malcolm X and Sheikh Omar Mukhtar, empowering youth to see justice not as a trend, but as a sacred inheritance.