Thousands Gather for America's Largest Muslim Convention as Community Tackles Social Justice Challenges

ISNA's 62nd Annual Convention brings together diverse voices to address "Renewing the American Spirit"

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) drew thousands of participants to its 62nd Annual Convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, marking one of the largest gatherings of Muslims in the United States. The three-day event, which began on Friday, August 29, 2025, brought together approximately 50 elected officials, community leaders, and an estimated crowd of thousands for what organizers called a pivotal moment for American Muslim identity and interfaith dialogue.

The convention, themed "Renewing the American Spirit: Prophetic Ideals for Challenging Times," positioned itself as more than just a religious gathering, emphasizing its role as a platform for addressing social justice issues and fostering cross-community understanding in an increasingly polarized political climate.

A Convention for All Americans

ISNA President Syed Imtiaz Ahmed opened the convention with a clear message about inclusivity and national unity. "We want to bring people from all backgrounds and religions together in the spirit of peace and greater understanding," Ahmed stated in his inaugural address, according to Patch Illinois. "Although the Convention is by Muslims, it is for everyone".

"The Convention gives Muslims, visitors from other faith communities, families, businesses, and non-profit organizations a forum to network and share ideas... it is not simply a Muslim event but an American one." - Syed Imtiaz Ahmed, ISNA President

Ahmed emphasized that this year's theme reflected how faith communities can mobilize to create positive social change in the face of contemporary challenges and injustices. The president described the gathering as an opportunity for the American Muslim community to both celebrate achievements and address ongoing challenges facing North American Muslims.

Political Participation and Civic Leadership

The convention garnered significant political attention, featuring keynote addresses from prominent civic leaders, including Congressman Chuy García and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Their participation underscored the growing political engagement of Muslim Americans and the community's increasing influence in local and national politics.

Supreme Court Justice Mary Kathleen O'Brien delivered remarks that resonated with the convention's theme of social justice. "We should all strive for justice because with justice, there is peace in the world. When there is no justice, there is no peace," O'Brien stated, according to convention organizers.

The presence of these high-profile speakers reflects ISNA's evolution from primarily a religious organization to a significant voice in American civic discourse, particularly on issues of social justice and interfaith cooperation.

Diverse Voices and Female Leadership

This year's convention featured an unprecedented level of diversity in its speaker lineup, with over 200 notable speakers, scholars, civic leaders, and public servants addressing delegates. Azhar Azeez, a board member and former ISNA president, highlighted that more than 40% of convention speakers were women, including prominent academics and scholars such as Ustadha Lehsa Prime.

The speaker roster included well-known figures such as journalist Mehdi Hasan and Islamic scholars Zaid Shakir and Yasir Qadhi, who addressed topics ranging from contemporary Muslim identity to social activism. Dr. Kasir Uddin received recognition with the President's Award for his contributions to the community.

Community Service and Recognition

The convention's Community Service Recognition Luncheon honored Dr. Imam Zaid Shakir for his lifelong commitment to community service, with Dr. Sherman Jackson delivering the keynote address. This recognition ceremony highlighted ISNA's emphasis on civic engagement and community building as core Islamic values.

Mir Khan, Chairman of ISNA's Steering Committee, noted that the convention attracts not only Muslim Americans but also representatives from other religious communities, international delegations, and government officials, demonstrating its broad appeal and significance.

Beyond Religious Gathering

Convention Secretary Ashfaq Hussain Syed of the ISNA Steering Committee described the event as "a wonderful Convention," emphasizing its multifaceted nature that extends far beyond traditional religious programming. The gathering served multiple purposes: providing networking opportunities for businesses and nonprofits, offering educational programming, and facilitating interfaith dialogue initiatives.

Azhar Azeez emphasized the convention's role in strengthening community bonds while building bridges with other communities. "Individuals from diverse backgrounds united at ISNA's annual gathering to learn, network, and reinforce our community bonds," Azeez stated.

Challenges and Opportunities

The 2025 ISNA convention took place against a backdrop of significant challenges facing Muslim Americans, including recent policy changes affecting visa access for Palestinians and ongoing debates about religious freedom and civil rights. The convention's focus on "Renewing the American Spirit" appears designed to address these concerns while positioning the Muslim community as an integral part of America's future.

The event also featured programming by the Muslim Student Association of the U.S. and Canada, indicating efforts to engage younger generations in civic participation and community leadership. As American Muslims continue to grow in political influence and civic engagement, gatherings like the ISNA convention serve as crucial platforms for defining the community's role in addressing national challenges while maintaining religious identity and values.

The success of this year's convention, with its emphasis on interfaith dialogue and social justice, suggests that ISNA will continue to play a significant role in American religious and civic life, particularly as the nation grapples with questions of diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion.