By Fahad Faruqui
WASHINGTON— When tens of thousands of Muslims gather this weekend for the annual Islamic Society of North American (ISNA) convention, they will not only be taking part in community events, but also celebrating America’s birthday.
“This year’s theme is one that we cherish as Muslims in America,” Sayyid M. Syeed, ISNA National Director for Interfaith and Community Outreach, told IslamOnline.net.
More than 40,000 Muslims from across the US and Canada are expected to attend the 46th ISNA convention, themed Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, on July 3-6.
This year’s convention has been pushed back form the standard Labour Day weekend to the Forth of July holiday, which marks American Independence Day.
“‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness’, is not alien to our convention-goers,” contends Syeed.
“We live by those values and we want everyone to know that we admire those values.”
America is home to between six to seven million Muslims.
“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” is one of the most famous passages in the Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, 1776.
The words, described by some as the most potent and consequential in American history, have often been used to promote the rights of marginalized groups.
They have also come to represent a moral standard for which the US should strive.
The Declaration announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with Great Britain independent states and no longer part of the British Empire.
Progressive
ISNA officials say this year’s convention will bring about a whole new spirit in the variety of events held on its sidelines.
“ISNA has been a progressive organization,” says Syeed.
ISNA is the largest umbrella organization for Muslims in North America.
It represents several other groups, such as the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and hundreds of mosques in the US and Canada.
Participants will spend four days attending interactive sessions on key issues such as spirituality, economic development, family, Islamic banking and outreach.
The Bazaar, a standard attraction for attendees every year, will feature over 600 booths for vendors and businesses.
ISNA will also organize an Art Exhibit, which provides an excellent platform for Muslim artists to display and create networks for further growth.
The Islamic Film Festival will also screen a range of films and documentaries.
ISNA’s annual convention, which dates back to 1963, is the largest gathering of Muslims in North America.
This year’s convention will feature some 300 speakers, including Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress.
Some of the organizers are hoping for a special appearance by President Barack Obama, who has been reaching out to Muslims worldwide since coming to office in January.
Among the most important of all events will be the Interfaith Unity Reception that will be held on the third day of the convention.
“The theme for this year’s reception is ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’,” said Syeed, ISNA National Director for Interfaith and Community Outreach.
“It will be an opportunity for leaders of diverse religions including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and other communities to come together to renew their bonds and forge a path of partnership for the future.”
Among the speakers in this year’s reception will be Southern California pastor Rick Warren, who is leading one of the most prominent US churches and whose Purpose Driven Network spans 162 countries and hundreds of denominations.
Syeed noted that the pursuit of interfaith dialogue between ISNA and leaders of other faiths is not limited to the annual convention but rather the year though.
“This shows maturity on both sides, which doesn’t happen overnight.”
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