20,000 Muslims throng Chicago convention

CHICAGO (IL) — Over 20,000 Muslims from Chicago, North America, and around the world gathered in Chicago this weekend to attend four-day long 52nd Annual Convention of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), which is considered to be one of the biggest gatherings in the region.

“This is a convention by Muslims but it is for everyone. This is not just a Muslim event but this is an American event” said ISNA secretary-general, Hazem Bata.
ISNA, which is the largest Muslim umbrella organization in North America, lined up a staggering 239 world-renowned speakers, including 80 women speakers, from across the globe.
The theme for the convention was "Stories of Resilience: Strengthening the American Muslim Narrative".
Azhar Azeez, president, ISNA, said that the theme was important because by sharing success stories of the community, people could educate those who did not understand Muslims.

Community Roundtable Discussions were organized on such topics as Civic Engagement and Muslim Community, Political Unrest Overseas, Overcoming Mindsets in Mosques, Building a Diverse Community, etc.
Parallel conferences were held by ISNA-affiliated organizations – Islamic Medical Association of North America, Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers and Technology Professionals, Muslim Students Association, and Muslim Youth of North America.