Chicago – August 30th, 2025
Day 2 of the ISNA Convention started of at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Centre on the morning of Saturday, August 30th in Rosemont, IL.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM MAIN SESSION 5 (HALL A)
Anchoring in Prophetic Ideals: Confronting Racism, Ethnocentrism, and Other Spiritual Diseases in the Community
In this session, the speakers discussed that Deeply ingrained racism and discrimination are the primary causes of all the conflicts and violence, undermining the fundamentals of American values. Even though they are seen as remnants of the past, their influence endures and can be seen in hiring procedures, housing, education, policing, and immigration laws, frequently under the pretext of change. Recognizing these injustices is not enough.
Speakers: Mohammed Faqih, Fazal Bari, Muslema Purmul, Muhammad Ninowy
Moderator: Majida Abdul-Karim
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM MAIN SESSION 6 (HALL A)
Making Sense of Human Suffering in this Turbulent and Violent World
This discussion revolved around the roots of faith are tested when injustice goes unchecked and misery endures. Religion itself feels hollow, doubt seeps in, and the hereafter seems far away. Many are compelled to consider if God exists. Is He Really Just? In such a damaged world, what is the point of human existence?
Speakers: Mohammad Qatanani, Azhar Azeez, Jamillah Karim, Nihad Awad
Moderator: Hassan Aly
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | PARALLEL SESSIONS 7 | ROOM 14
7A: Ask An Expert: Q&A with Fiqh Council Scholars
The Muslim community of North America is facing challenges and needs authentic Fiqhi guidance in matters related to marriage, divorce, prenuptial agreements, post-divorce financial settlements, asset
distributions, house mortgages, business loans, end-of-life issues, organ donation, and many such complicated matters. Come for an interactive session with members of the Fiqh Council.
Speakers: Mohammad Qatanani, Zainab Alwani, Tamara Gray, Muhammad Nur Abdullah, Akram Nadwi, Yasir Qadhi
Moderator: Umer Khan
7B (I): Prosperity with Prejudice? The Muslim Question in India’s Growth Story | ROOM 12
Even with India’s remarkable economic expansion, Muslims, the country’s largest minority, continue to be disproportionately left out of its advantages. This panel examines how sociopolitical marginalization, policy negligence, and institutional bias influence the economic outcomes of Muslims. It poses the question: Can a country really thrive when a sizable portion of its population is systematically excluded from advancement and opportunity?
Speakers: Rasheed Ahmed, Aftab Alam
7B (II): Present Challenges & Solutions For Indian Muslims (IMRC) | ROOM 12
In this session the speakers explored the ethical imperatives, institutional challenges, and long-term strategies necessary for impactful relief efforts. The aim was to foster critical dialogue on the intersection of diaspora philanthropy, human rights, and inclusive development in the Indian context.
Speakers: Amirullah Khan, Muqtedar Khan
7C : Inclusion of Special Needs in Islamic Schools (ROOM 10)
Inclusion of students with special needs in Islamic schools is an important but often overlooked responsibility of educators. Schools should provide all students with equitable access to education, including students with disabilities. This panel will present models and practices of inclusion of students with disabilities, challenges, successes, and what still needs to be done.
Speakers: Dr. Aisha Subhani, Dr. Ifrah Zainab
Moderator: Dr. Sabeen Rizwan
Autism Strength Based Approaches: How to Identify and Nurture Autism Strengths (ROOM 25)
In the U.S., approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This talk focused on the need to identify and nurture the strengths, skills, and talents of autistic people that are frequently overlooked. The panel discussed the assessment process as well as how technology can assist in this process.
Speaker: Dr. Shariq Refai, Dr. Arshia Baig
Moderator: Dr. Shariq Refai
AI for Good: Standing up for Truth in Times of Social Good (ROOM 26)
Misinformation and disinformation are two of the most critical challenges facing the Muslim community (and society at large) today. Truth is under siege from biased media, manipulation, and the erosion of trust. This panel explored the role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in fact-checking, automation, and safeguarding truth in public discourse. A detailed discussion on what AI can and cannot do, and how Muslims can leverage this technology while maintaining ethical standards was also on the agenda.
Speakers: Asif Khan, Farid Ahmad, Michael McNamara
Moderator: Maryam Amirebrahimi
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Community Service Recognition Luncheon (CSRL) (ROOM G)
Keynote address by Dr. Sherman Jackson, leading scholar of Islamic law and Black American Muslim history at USC.
Also featuring Imam Zaid Shakir for lifetime community service through scholarship, activism, and institution-building.
2:00 PM | DUHR PRAYER | HALL A
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PARALLEL SESSIONS 8
8A Global Issues: Palestine, Kashmir, Syria
Room 14
Moderator: Mujeeb Kazi
I. Holy Land Under Siege
Violations of human rights in Palestine persist unabated. Disregarding ceasefire, Israel enforces systemic discrimination, forcibly displaces Palestinians through demolition and coercion, and routinely deploys excessive force—killing civilians, including children. Movement is choked by checkpoints and roadblocks, while critics—human rights defenders, journalists, and dissenting voices—face relentless repercussions.
Speaker: Nihad Awad
II. Kashmir Conflict: A Festering Wound in the Muslim Collective Conscience
People of Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding their right to self-determination and an end to 78-year military occupation and the inhumane suffering of Kashmiris at the hands of Indian soldiers. Instead of seeking peace with its neighbors, India has chosen the path of ongoing conflict, which has led to political and social instability in the region. Kashmiris are determined to pursue the path of resistance until the Indian occupation, militarization, atrocities, and colonization end and Kashmiris gain their freedom. The brief thaw of May 2025 after the two nuclear powers was averted only due to President Trump’s intervention in San Diego. That instead of return to the dialogue table, this time with the participation of the Kashmiris.
Speaker: Khaled Beydoun
III. Syria’s Crossroads: From Crisis to Capacity
This talk will explore Syria’s fragile path from protracted crisis toward early recovery and sustainable development. The discussion will highlight grassroots initiatives for development in conflict-affected areas and offer a vision for Syria’s future—one rooted in dignity, resilience, and global solidarity.
Speaker: Safaa Zarzour
8B Holistic Wellness & Reimagining Healthcare
Room 12
In the US, we spend more than any other industrialized country on healthcare, but have poor health outcomes. American trust in the healthcare system is at a historic low, with only 32% of people extremely or very satisfied. Health is not about popping pills or taking supplements; it is a holistic lifestyle—from waking to sleeping—reflected in what we eat, how we move, what we think and feel, and how we connect to Allah throughout our lives. In this session, learn to reclaim lasting and holistic wellness through the wisdom of Islam and integrative healing. We will also discuss meaningful approaches to end-of-life medical decision-making.
Speakers: Saima Khawaja, Madiha Saeed, Asma Mobin-Uddin
Moderator: Marium Husain
8C Unconstitutional Crackdowns: Protecting Freedom of Speech
Room 10
Legal, policy and advocacy experts share firsthand stories about attacks on free speech for Palestine in public schools, colleges and universities, and workplaces, as well as tips for how you can protect your First Amendment rights. Speakers will also talk about civil rights violations by ICE and other agencies during the recent crackdown.
Speakers: Ahmed Rehab, Mohamed Gula, Gadeir Abbas
Moderator: Farhan Syed
8D Islamic Finance – Dispelling Myths and Providing Solutions for Halal Home Ownership
Room 25 (Guidance Residential Sponsored Session)
Guidance Residential, the #1 U.S. Islamic Home Financing ProviderR will present on the importance of avoiding Riba and why Islamic home financing is the right choice, how you can save up to $50K on your home financing, how unique Declining Balance Co-ownership Program works, and the differences between Guidance and banks. (Guidance is NOT a bank). Attend this exclusive Islamic home financing session and learn how to incorporate halal financing into your life without compromising your faith.
Speakers: Hussam Qutub, Abdessamad Melouane
5:00 PM ASR PRAYER HALL A
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM HAJJ 2026 SPECIAL EVENT ROOM 14
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM MAIN SESSION 9 HALL A
Reclaiming America’s Vision of Justice & Civic Engagement
Amidst chaos and violence, thriving as a Muslim and American means carrying a dual trust – upholding monotheism, justice, and human dignity while serving a nation that often tests these principles. Prejudice lingers, injustice persists, and polarization deepens, all of which challenge unity. The American reality frequently challenges that promise.
SPEAKERS: Mufti Hussain Kamani, Mufti Abdullah Waheed, Khaled Beydoun, Waleed Basyouni
MODERATOR: Rashed Nizam
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM MAIN SESSION 10 HALL A
Building Inclusive Communities & Resilient Society
Muslims in America make up just 1–2% of the population—a small fraction, yet one with a significant stake in shaping the nation’s future. Our diverse demography, representing immigrants from over 75–80 countries, positions us to lead—to move as one, to speak with a unified voice, and to uphold a shared vision rooted in faith and global wellbeing.
SPEAKERS: Abdalla Idris Ali, Tamara Gray, Siraj Wahhaj, Abdulnasir Jangda, Mohamed Magid
MODERATOR: Farhan Syed
7:45 PM MAGHRIB PRAYER HALL A
9:00 PM ISHA PRAYER HALL A
8:15PM- 10:30PM -MAIN SESSION11 (THEME SESSION) HALL A
Renewing the American Spirit: Prophetic Ideals for Challenging Times
In the name of reform, American values are being distorted. Democracy is shackled. The truth is twisted. The media wields unchecked power to spread lies.
SPEAKERS: Syed Imtiaz Ahmad Azhar Azeez , MSA, MYNA Presidents, UMR Humanitarian, Appeal for Gaza Zaid Shakir, Ieasha Prime, Mehdi Hasan, Yasir Qadhi
Moderator: Hadia Mubarak
