Thousands of Muslims to Convene in DC for ISNA Convention Labor Day Weekend
Conf. to Focus on 2012 Elections, Interfaith Relations, Human Rights
Aug 30, 2012, 02:26 ET
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tens of thousands of Muslims from around the country will gather in Washington, D.C., this Labor Day weekend for the 49th annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) convention, "One Nation Under God: Striving for the Common Good."
The convention, which is the largest gathering of Muslims in the U.S., brings together a multitude of prominent Muslim, interfaith, and government leaders to discuss pressing issues facing American Muslims today. This year, the convention will focus on Muslims' civic engagement, including in the 2012 elections, and interfaith harmony, such as religious freedom for both Muslims in America and for minorities in Muslim majority countries.
"We welcome everyone to Washington, D.C. for the 49th annual ISNA convention and we look forward to a wonderful weekend of family, friendship, fellowship, and peace," said ISNA President Mohamed Magid. "The lectures, activities, and functions throughout this convention are designed to reaffirm our American Muslim identity and enhance our community's contributions to the common good of our society alongside all Americans."
WHAT: ISNA's 49th Annual Convention
WHEN: August 31st to September 3rd
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C,
Speakers will include: Imam Mohamed Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America; Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Co-Founder of Zaytuna College; Aisha al-Adawiya, Founder of Women in Islam; U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison, U.S. House of Representatives; Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, and Rabbi David Saperstein, Director and Counsel of Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Representatives from various federal agencies, including the Department of State and the White House, are expected to speak.
To view a full copy of the program, please visit www.isna.net/convention.
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) is an independent American Religious organization registered in the state of Indiana. ISNA is governed by a 12 member democratically elected North American board of directors comprising of men and women, 3 appointed North American zonal representatives, and 7 North American Constituent organization representatives.
ISNA 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 and to represent Muslims in the national discourse on issues of faith and public policy. These inter-religious projects have helped break down barriers of misunderstanding, form genuine partnerships of faith and ethics, and establish a platform to advocate for social justice issues for the common good.
Media Contact: Rabiah Ahmed, 202-439-1441, [email protected]
SOURCE Islamic Society of North America