"A Muslim cause is everyone’s cause” ISNA Convention 2023
Samaa Elibyari reports her experience at ISNA 2023 – Chicago Labour Day weekend
I was planning to take what in my mind was a well-deserved break and spend Labour Day weekend at the beach. Instead, I registered for a Convention entitled “60 Years of Service: Navigating the Way Forward” taking place in Chicago during Labour Day week-end.
This was organized by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), with two dozen chapters of Muslim Student Association (MSA), and MYNA (Muslim Youth of North America).
I viewed this trip as an antidote to the toxic atmosphere of Montreal. I wanted to be with many other Muslims for a while. There were approximately 20,000 of them. Here is a synopsis of my impressions.
It is impossible to do justice to the program in such a short report so I invite to visit the website
https://isna.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/60-Convention-Program-Web-3.pdf
The message was, we North American Muslims (read US Muslims) are here to stay. How can we become an integral part of the American fabric while preserving our faith. Practically speaking how can we thrive in our society, guide our children, participate in the social and political arena, and help those less fortunate than us in the world?
With encouraging statistics to consider: In Huston, Texas, 1972, there were 3 people at the Eid Prayers, Recently, the Imam lead the prayers with 30,000.
What I loved
Hearing the Azhan loud and clear, in person, and the communal prayers lead by professional Imams.
What warmed my heart
Being part of this big event, roughly 20,000 attended (figures supplied by the organizers). The help I got everywhere, concretely showing what it means to belong to one Ummah
What I was impressed with
The MARVELS, showcasing some of their coolest robots for a “fun, hands-on learning experience for everyone”. One session was devoted to Islam, STEM & Applications in the Medical Field, the other to “Robotics in Your Community”. www.iktan.one, admin@itkan.one
What I thought was an excellent idea
The ISNA Basketball Tournament, that brought together athletes from across the region, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. A basketball clinic/camp was also available free of charge. A huge success. The way to go if we want to attract the young generation.
What I indulged in
Spending time at the amazing bazaar with displays packed with clothes, jewelry, accessories, artifacts, books, displays of charitable organizations. Attendees were reminded to visit the booths and encourage the vendors (which I did wholeheartedly). Listed in the program, I counted 291 of them, some occupying more than one booth. The Pakistani and Afghani dresses were stunning, shimmering with golden embroidery and glitter. I am eager to show off mine at our next CCMW annual meeting (where else could I go with an embroidered chiffon dress).
What I relished
Pistachios cheese cake served by the Turkish booth. Don’t ask about the calories.
What I missed
The film festival featuring documentaries addressing social and cultural issues followed by discussions
The Health Fair, with clinics, advise and more.
What I found expensive
The meals at the Convention Center and the shopping malls. This is definitely not the US of the eighties and nineties. I used to visit my sister in Detroit and we would go to the outlet malls and shop till we drop. With the present exchange rate ..
What surprised me
To be informed that there is a big mosque in Chicago with an operational budget posted on the wall of 5 million US. Did have the opportunity to visit it.
Illinois being presently the state with the highest concentration of Muslims. It used to be Dearborn, Michigan (with the automotive industry)
The wide-spread use of Spanish everywhere.
The Gangster Circuit offered as a tourist attraction.
What pained me
To find that Chicago had an influx of new comers (immigrants, non documented, asylum seekers, and others).Many of them had no place to stay and were sleeping in police stations. Juxtapose this with the sight of the US Bank downtown!
What should be improved
Definitely recycling and composting.
What I expected
More ethnic diversity. The majority of attendees were mainly of East Asian origin. Noticeably absent were African Americans.
After my return to Montreal
I returned energised having met other Muslim organizers devoted to our well being and youth who are excelling in sciences and sports. This trip validated what we are doing in Montreal with such initiatives as Muslim Awareness Week, and our own programs like DARE and now ASPIRE. The next convention dates are already announced, August 30 to Sept 2nd 2024 Insha Allah.
NB:
Montreal is a nice city to be (in spite of present Quebec government).
The venue was the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, am impressive building with six separate but connecting halls with the capacity of accommodating 3,566 10’x 10’ exhibit booths. The Rosemont Conference Center offers 92,000 square feet that will accommodate up to 50 meetings and a Ballroom for general sessions capable of hosting up to 4,000 people or banquets for 3,000 (this is where the prayers were held).