Reimagine and Rebuild with Renewed Resolve

ISNA MATTERS Reimagine and Rebuild with Renewed Resolve

ISNA holds 58th Convention virtually

BY RASHEED RABBI

Front Row (sitting): Mukhtar Ahmad, Sandra Moore, Azhar Azeez, Safaa Zarzour, Basharat Saleem, Magda Elkadi Saleh, Malika Khan, Lubabah Abdullah Back Row (standing): Shayan Bawaney, Fiyyaz Jaat, Alaa Abdeldaiem, Anjum Khan, Tabasum Ahmad, Mauminah Raina

Despite the lack of the traditional bedecked convention halls, enthusiasm and warm welcome for the speakers, ISNA 58th annual — and second virtual — convention, creativity and resilience were on full display over the Labor Day weekend. The 3,000+ registered attendees enjoyed 81 speakers, 20+ sessions and entertainment from the comfort of their remote locations. They all reflected collectively on reimagining an ideal future and therefore shared tools and insights to achieve that notional vision.

Qari Ghafur Farid’s beautiful recitation of 42:24-26 instantly infused a strong urge to be sincere in our religious life and manifest it into everyday action. In every session, we’re compelled to contemplate and devise an effective strategy to defeat Covid-19’s adversities, along with pre-Covid complacencies, as we move forward.

Such a religious pursuit in worldly resolution is part of ISNA’s almost six-decade legacy. Safa Zarzour (president, ISNA), Magda Elkadi Saleh (vice president, ISNA-US), Mohammed Jalaluddin (vice president, ISNA Canada), Affan Badar (chair, Convention Program Committee) and Basharat Saleem (executive director, ISNA) highlighted some of the events and contributions. It was moderated by Azhar Azeez (treasurer; a past ISNA president), who also eulogized Founders Club members Dr. Farooq Selod and Dr. Husain Nagamia, who passed away this year

Dignitaries and guests from across the world testified to ISNA’s history of service via their messages. Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison and Rep. Rashida Talib (D-Mich.) lauded ISNA’s initiatives amidst the pandemic and invited everyone to work with the new administration to rebuild the U.S.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) underlined ISNA’s accommodation of diversity, which was reinforced by Cedric Levan Richmond (senior advisor to the president and director, the White House Office of Public Engagement). Richmond listed Dilawar Syed (deputy administrator, the Small Business Administration, and the highest-ranking Muslim American in any federal agency ever); Zahid Quraishi, the first Muslim federal judge; and Rashad Hussain, the first Muslim American nominated to be the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona applauded ISNA’s commitments, which are fully aligned with President Biden’s vision of a new U.S., and urged all students to uphold diversity, unity and mutual respect. Indiana state senator Fady Qaddoura (D) reminded us that this country’s colorful narrative teaches us to confront new challenges to ensure equal treatment for all by rebuilding a more united U.S. Marium Hussain (president, IMANA) shared the organization’s top achievements to support that collective vision.

Mufti Ekrima Sa’id Sabri (khateeb, al-Aqsa) affirmed that al-Aqsa is a shared space for both Palestine and Israel, a very timely statement meant to alleviate the tension that reappeared earlier this year. Thus, the scope of convention’s theme of reimagination encompasses the entire planet, of which we are God’s vicegerents (2:30).

Plenary Session 1A, following immediately after the opening sessions and moderated by Fawad Yaqoob, delved into that reimagination: “Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know” (2:216). Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi's quoting of this verse lit that light of hope. He discussed 17 benefits, documented in ‘Izz al-Din ‘Abd al-‘Aziz’s (d. 1262) scholarship, to become receptive to that light and harness the hope.

Tamara Gray shared the stories of the

Companions Salman al-Farsi and Umm Salam’s perseverance to contextualize their lessons and encouraged us to take brave, bold and wise steps during hardship. Utsad Obaidullah Evans deepened that same thought by reflecting on the Prophet’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) Sunna. We often associate difficulties with a limited amount of time, whereas the Prophet and the early Muslims faced a three-year boycott, followed by the assault upon the Prophet and his rejection at Taif, and the demise of Khadija and Abu Talib (‘alayhum rahma). Sheikh Waleed Basyouni brought examples of Musa (‘alayhi as-salam), who was also threatened with death and tested throughout his life.

All of the speakers echoed the assertion that our goal is not to overcome problems, but to always uphold the right attitude during difficult times to fulfill the divine mission, humanity’s ultimate objective. They reminded us that every challenge can be an opportunity to pursue only if we have a vision or a dream like all the prophets and great people beheld. So, we must cultivate our own comprehensive visions.

The development of Islamic education in the U.S. also manifests that effort, as detailed in Session 2A. Dr. Shaza Khan (executive director, ISLA) provided a succinct picture of that historical progress. She related that 85% of Islamic school teachers hold a master’s or higher degrees, whereas this number is only 70% in public schools nationwide. Qur’an Shakir (founder, Powerful Youth in Charge and other faith organizations) identified the difference of Muslim teachers and their teaching style, fully based on the Quran, from those of teachers in traditional public schools.

Sufia Azmat (executive director, CISNA) shared the organization’s nonstop efforts to facilitate the four goals of Islamic schools: accreditation, advocacy, professional development and outreach. In 2021 alone, 21 webinars were conducted to help readjust their overarching vision.

To that effect, mosques in the West are nurturing that vision more comprehensively than ever. Session-3A revealed holistic pictures of American mosques’ state of affairs. Specifically, the largest mosque survey report, conducted every 10 years and led by Dr. Ihsan Bagby, came out in 2021. Mufti Hussain Kamani discussed the rise of purpose-built mosques in the U.S. and their increasing influence. Dr. Dalia Mogahed (director of research, ISPU) focused on women and youth involvement to reimagine a shared space, open to all, with freedom and abundant resources. Sheikh Mohammed Nur Abdullah (imam and director, the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis; a former ISNA president) elaborated on this vision’s spiritual ramification.

Parallel Session 3B reconnected ISNA’s role and credibility to developing a common vision. Dr. Hisham Altalib (president, IIIT) shared how MSA (the origin of ISNA), IIIT and other such organizations were founded to advance freedom, justice, equality and autonomy on the basis of Islam. Dr. Ilham Nasser (director, Mapping the Terrain Research; academic dean, The Fairfax Institute) discussed current IIIT initiatives. Azhar Azeez (moderator) recapped

how the involvement of domestic Islamic organizations integrates with ISNA’s core six strategic goals: community development, youth involvement, Islam’s public image, leadership training and development, interfaith and coalition building and creating a sound financial basis. Saturday’s last event, Session 6A, expanded on that integrated view. Sheikh Zaid Shakir (co-founder and Board of Trustee A meeting of MYNA youth group with ISNA headquarters staff and board members during the Convention on Sept 5 member, Zaytuna College) noted that the rising awareness of women, transgender people, and black or white people facing discrimination is causing them to advocate for social justice, but

THE INSTITUTION OF FAMILY that those movements often lack an inte-

IS OUR COMMUNITY’S grated vision. However, the light of faith FOUNDATION AND THE CENTER can weave those disconnected threads together. Dr. Dalia Mogahed compared

OF ALL ACTIVISM. HENCE, the year 2020 with the Prophet’s “year of

THE CONVENTION’S FINAL sadness” to reveal how hardship inspires solidarity as we try to serve others.

DAY STARTED BY FOCUSING While characterizing the pandemic

ON REVIVING THE FAMILY in some ways as a blessing in disguise, Imam Dr. Yasir Qadhi (lecturer, author

BY PRESERVING MENTAL and orator) focused on appreciating WELLBEING. our taken-for-granted mundane entitlements. Besides, he noted that increased religiosity is an eternal trend that can be found even among history’s pagan tribes. The Quran never criticized them for remembering God during times of hardship, but condemned them for forgetting Him afterward. So, while we are seeking God’s help during this crucial moment, we must include Him in our future vision. ISNA’s annual convention traditionally hosts the ISNA Community Service Award and the ISNA Presidential Award ceremonies. Interestingly, both recipients of the first award declined to accept it out of personal humility and their desire to maintain a low profile. To honor their decision, ISNA didn’t present it to anyone else. The second award went to Dr. Bassam Osman, one of ISNA’s founders. During the award ceremony, past and current ISNA presidents Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Azhar Azeez and Safa Zarzour discussed how to get involved with the organization. Given that no vision can sustain itself alone, Islam considers solidarity as one of its higher objectives. This was the topic of Session 7A. Sr. Yasmin Mogahed (author and speaker) noted that God designed human

beings as social beings and thus attending congregational prayers has 27 times more rewards; even hajj, the highest act of obligatory worship, finds its ultimate efficacy through collective performances.

However, the pandemic hinders this innate human nature by generating feelings of loneliness. Dr. Aneesah Nadir (president and co-founder, ISSA-USA) highlighted available resources to address loneliness among lay people. Imam Siraj Wahhaj focused on exhibiting solidarity at all levels, from the political sphere to the correctional system, in which 35-40,000 inmates convert every year. They all stressed that efforts must speak for a radically inclusive vision, starting at the family level.

The institution of family is our community’s foundation and the center of all activism. Hence, the convention’s final day started by focusing on reviving the family by preserving mental wellbeing. Veteran teacher Sufia Azmat (school executive council, Noor-Ul-Iman School) moderated Session 8A. Dr. Fahad Khan (deputy director, Khalil Center) talked about available resources to battle mental illness. Dr. Rokhsana Chaudhry, an expert clinical psychologist-practitioner, spoke on customizing a specific model for each individual, Islamic school or mosque. Dr. Shady Shebak looked at mental health as an essential tool to develop a sense of identity, which can flourish soundly by dhikr and daily prayer, as noted by Imam Mohammed Magid. He elaborated on the psychological distress of Musa and Maryam (‘alayhum-us-salam) in order to relate them to our own era’s difficulties.

After family, solidarity must be extended to communities and then to national and international levels. The rest of the parallel sessions focused on global unity, which can be best fostered and nurtured by faith. Session 8B highlighted the collaboration among faith communities in the U.S. like the “faith for vaccine initiative.” Session 9A outlined comprehensive strategies to counter Islamophobia in everyday life. Three prominent activists in this field, Wael Alzayat (Emgage Foundation), Azka Mahmood (ISPU) and Salam Al-Marayati (MPAC), shared their engagements.

Session 10A presented an overview of what our individual efforts could grow into in terms of renewing our commitment to global harmony. Dr. Ibrahim Rasool, a former South African ambassador, described the Muslims’ struggle to establish justice since World War II. Dr. John Esposito (professor, Religion and International Affairs, Georgetown) zoomed in on the various concerns of Western Muslims, and Ameena Jandali (founding member, Islamic Networks Group) advocated for climate change.

In parallel Session 11A, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Mir spoke about Kashmir, and Wakar Uddin, Serwi Huseyin and Abdul Malik Mujahid (president, SoundVision) focused on the Rohynga. Huda Alkaff, Uzma Mirza, Saffet Catovic and Nana Firman discussed environmental social justice in Session 11B, and in Session 11C Mohammad Al-Hasan and Aatif Belal, on behalf of AMSET (Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers & Technology Professionals), discussed how technology professionals should promote ethical development to advance global justice and peace.

Session 12A recapped a high-level vision and how to engender holistic transformation. Ieasha Prime (director of women’s programming, Dar al Hijrah Islamic Center) referred to Hadith Jibreel, which describes a religion’s gradual development: defining Islam, mastering iman (faith) and finally exemplifying ihsan (excellence). Our visions and strategies need to follow a similar path. Dr. Mattson connected the dots by stressing our individual and collective obligations. Habeeb Quadri focused on consistency, and Magda Elkadi Saleh called for resilience to ensure that our voices overcome the barriers.

Some in-person participation occurred during Friday evening’s town hall meeting. Discussions on both days concluded with an entertainment session. As this was yet another virtual convention, all of the sessions were recorded and are now available for free. ih

Rasheed Rabbi, an IT professional (MA, religious studies, Hartford Seminary, ‘16), pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, is also founder of e-Dawah (www.edawah.net) and secretary of the Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers & Technology Professionals. He serves as a khateeb and Friday prayer leader at the ADAMS Center and a certified Muslim chaplain at iNova Fairfax, iNovaLoudoun and Virginia’s Alexandria and Loudoun Adult Detention Centers.