National Leaders Convene In DC To Discuss Future Of Islam In America

Thousands of Muslims expected to attend ISNA's 50^th convention on Labor Day weekend

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Muslim decision-makers, thought leaders, and grassroots activists from across the country will convene in Washington, D.C., for the 50^th annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convention, titled "Envisioning a More Perfect Union: Building the Beloved Community," on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

The event, considered to be the largest gathering of Muslims in North America, will bring together tens of thousands of Muslims and highlights the pressing social, religious and political issues in American Muslim life today.

This year, as ISNA celebrates its golden jubilee, convention speakers will reflect on the growth of the American Muslim community and discuss its vision for the next 50 years. Topics will include:

• The development of an authentic American Muslim culture and identity.
• The responsibility of Muslims and Muslim institutions in America–a vision for social, moral, and civic engagement.
• How to transcend the historical sectarian divisions that impact the community.
• The advancement of the rights of religious minorities in the Muslim world.
• Interfaith dialogue, cooperation, and community service

In honor of its 50 years of service, ISNA is also offering convention attendees different volunteer opportunities, such as helping package meals for those in need through its partnership with Stop Hunger Now (see: http://www.isna.net/stop-hunger-now-service-project.html) and creating get well cards for children in local hospitals

"We are very excited about this year's convention," said Imam Mohamed Magid, president of ISNA. "It will be an historic one. Against the backdrop of the 50^th anniversary of Dr. King's 'I have a Dream' speech and 150 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, a dynamic panel of thinkers are coming together to offer a vision for Muslims in America reflecting the same message of unity in diversity. This convention is a must-attend for anyone interested in learning about the future of Islam in this country."

WHAT: ISNA's 50^th Annual Convention

WHEN: August 30^th to September 2nd

WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

Keynote speakers include: Imam Mohamed Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America; Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Co-Founder of Zaytuna College; U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison;  U.S. Congressman Andre Carson (D-IN); Carol Flett, Cathedral Interfaith Programs Coordinator; Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster, Director of North American Programs for Rabbis for Human Rights; and Most Rev. Denis Madden, Chair, Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Ingrid Mattson, Islamic Studies Chair at the University of Western Ontario; Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, Hussain Syed Nasir, Professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University, and many more speakers

To view a full copy of the program, please visit: http://www.isna.net/uploads/1/5/7/4/15744382/program_final_web_aug_20.pdf 

CONTACT: Media professionals interested in interviewing convention speakers/attendees or attending the conference, should contact Rabiah Ahmed at 202-439-1441 or [email protected] for all requests.

About ISNA:  Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) an Independent Non-Profit democratic institution was originally founded in 1963 and is one of the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella associations in North America. Based out of Plainfield, Indiana, its mission is to provide Muslim organizations and individuals with a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations. Our office in Washington, DC works closely with the federal government and the interfaith community to build bridges of understanding with people of all faiths.

SOURCE Islamic Society of North America