Maryland – Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) https://icna.org Outreach, Education and Social Services Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:15:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://icna.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon.png Maryland – Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) https://icna.org 32 32 Dr. Mohsin Ansari Elected as the President of ICNA https://icna.org/dr-mohsin-ansari-elected-as-the-president-of-icna/ https://icna.org/dr-mohsin-ansari-elected-as-the-president-of-icna/#respond Sat, 05 Dec 2020 18:57:32 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=31842

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— JAMAICA, New York (December 04, 2020) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) National Election Committee announced that Dr. Mohsin Ansari has been elected as the President of ICNA for the 2021-2022 term. Dr. Ansari has been associated with ICNA in different capacities for three decades and is currently the Vice President of Social Services. He previously served as the Chairman of ICNA Relief and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD). He completed his pediatric residency at Metrohealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio. He continued to broaden his training and experience at the same institution in the capacity of a Chief Resident. Dr. Ansari then did his pediatric specialization and fellowship in Neonatology (Newborn and Premature baby care) at Metroheath Medical Center. Dr. Ansari is currently licensed to practice medicine in several states. He is also an author of mutiple research papers published both in national and international medical journals. He lives in Maryland with his wife and five sons. The new President will be taking the oath during upcoming MGA meeting. The Outgoing President, Mr. Javaid Siddiqi, expressed confidence in Dr. Ansari and prayed for his success in this new responsibility.]]>

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

JAMAICA, New York (December 04, 2020) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) National Election Committee announced that Dr. Mohsin Ansari has been elected as the President of ICNA for the 2021-2022 term.

Dr. Ansari has been associated with ICNA in different capacities for three decades and is currently the Vice President of Social Services. He previously served as the Chairman of ICNA Relief and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD).

He completed his pediatric residency at Metrohealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio. He continued to broaden his training and experience at the same institution in the capacity of a Chief Resident. Dr. Ansari then did his pediatric specialization and fellowship in Neonatology (Newborn and Premature baby care) at Metroheath Medical Center. Dr. Ansari is currently licensed to practice medicine in several states. He is also an author of mutiple research papers published both in national and international medical journals. He lives in Maryland with his wife and five sons.

The new President will be taking the oath during upcoming MGA meeting.

The Outgoing President, Mr. Javaid Siddiqi, expressed confidence in Dr. Ansari and prayed for his success in this new responsibility.

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Maryland Governor Martin O'Mally at the ICNA Convention 2018 https://icna.org/maryland-governor-martin-omally-at-the-icna-convention-2018/ https://icna.org/maryland-governor-martin-omally-at-the-icna-convention-2018/#respond Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:49:41 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/video/maryland-governor-martin-omally-at-the-icna-convention-2018/

Register for Next Convention at http://www.icnaconvention.org/register For all ICNA-MAS Convention (2018), please visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLChOvaDzY_AV637HNqfB585kqnrsAdpOo The ICNA-MAS annual convention is one of the largest gatherings of American Muslims in the U.S. This is the forth consecutive year it has been held in Baltimore. It was attended by over 22,000 Muslims. It featured many top scholars and activists, in addition to many special events like 1000 Meals Distribution in Downtown Baltimore, 750 Mercy Bags distribution to senior homes and Street dawah at Inner Harbor. For more information: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icna Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/icna Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/icnatv Website: http://www.icna.org Phone: 718-658-1199 Donate at http://www.icna.org/donation/ Volunteer at http://www.icna.org/joinus/ source]]>



Register for Next Convention at http://www.icnaconvention.org/register
For all ICNA-MAS Convention (2018), please visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLChOvaDzY_AV637HNqfB585kqnrsAdpOo
The ICNA-MAS annual convention is one of the largest gatherings of American Muslims in the U.S. This is the forth consecutive year it has been held in Baltimore. It was attended by over 22,000 Muslims. It featured many top scholars and activists, in addition to many special events like 1000 Meals Distribution in Downtown Baltimore, 750 Mercy Bags distribution to senior homes and Street dawah at Inner Harbor.
For more information:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/icna
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/icna
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/icnatv
Website: http://www.icna.org
Phone: 718-658-1199
Donate at http://www.icna.org/donation/
Volunteer at http://www.icna.org/joinus/

source

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DC/Maryland/Virginia Chapter https://icna.org/dmv/ https://icna.org/dmv/#respond Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:35:53 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=26884  

ICNA DMV would like to announce a great new program!

Free Online Tutoring Service

Assalamo Alaikum, 
ICNA DMV area chapters are excited to announce a new free program for our area students. Under the current circumstances, we recognize a need many parents have to offer some additional help to their young students. Alhumdulillah, our community is also full of talented youth and adults who would love to help out by volunteering as tutors. 
ICNA DMV is providing a platform to bring both sides together under the supervision of our local chapter brothers and sisters. The ICNA program administrators will match the right students with the appropriate tutors and manage the program by providing oversight and guidance, and ensuring that we offer the very best service to our community, Inshallah. 
Subjects: Math, Science, Physics, Chemistry, English, Spanish, or let us know and we will find a tutor who can teach that subject.  
Please use two buttons above to sign up as a student or as a volunteer. 
Here are answers to some common questions that you may have:
Q. If I register as a student, am I guaranteed to get a spot in the program?
A. 
Program administrator will do their best to match the needs of students with the available tutors but registration is just your request and the administrators have to be able to find a volunteer tutor for the requested subject and meet other program requirements to offer a program for you. 
Q. How long it will take for you to make a decision after my registration?
A. 
We commit to getting back to you within one week Inshallah. If we cannot find an exact match for your needs, we will be happy to discuss other options.  
Q. How long is the Tutoring Program?
A. Each program will consist of 8 sessions, 45 minutes each, for eight consecutive weeks. You will sign up for a program by subject.
Q. Is this one-to-one tutoring or a group study?
A. This will be Inshallah one-to-one tutoring based on agreed upon subjects. 
Q. Will I be able to get the time and subjects I requested?
A.
 Inshallah, the program administrators will do their best to match the right student with the right tutors who can meet the subject and timing needs. However, registration is not a guarantee of being approved for a program.   
Q. Can I sign up for more than one program at a time?
A. Yes, you can request more than one subject and ICNA
team will decide based on availability of tutors if more than one subject can be offered to one student at a time. 
Q. Can I sign up again after first 8 week program?
A. Yes, you can again sign up for future programs. ICNA team will decide based on availability of tutors. 
Q. What online platforms we can use for this tutoring?
A. Most of our local students use Zoom or Google Meet to conduct online studies. Our tutors will also use the same tools as needed Inshallah. 
Q. How do you select your volunteer Tutors?
A. Alhumdulillah, we have a team of local brothers who come from academic backgrounds and they will evaluate the ability of the tutor to tech the subject matter at the required grade level. Also, we will require all tutors to consent for background checks and clearance from the Child Abuse Registry as per local laws. Apart from this, we also require our tutors to provide references that will be checked to ensure only those are allowed to engage with our students who have the best moral character and great academic ability, Inshallah.   
Have more questions, please reach out to the program administrators at icnadmvchapter@gmail.com 
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ICNA Relief inaugurates 23rd Muslim Women’s Shelter https://icna.org/icna-relief-inaugurates-23rd-muslim-womens-shelter-home/ https://icna.org/icna-relief-inaugurates-23rd-muslim-womens-shelter-home/#respond Fri, 02 Oct 2020 21:35:07 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=26901

There are millions of people in the United States, the world’s richest and most powerful country, who homeless , including women. The Muslim organization Icna Relief inaugurated its 23rd Muslim Women’s Shelter Home yesterday. Inaugurated by Mohsin Ansari and Icna Relief Baltimore Outreach Director Ibrahim Abu Soya and Hajra Hope’s Nasreen Rehman. The event was attended by representatives of Islamic Centers and government officials, including the Governor of Maryland and the Mayor of Baltimore. Hajra Hope, an organization of Muslim women in Baltimore, also cooperated in setting up the shelter home. Mohsin Ansari said that the shelters of Icna Relief are for Muslim women but we give shelter to anyone beyond race. Not only are women sheltered, but counseling is provided for them to move on with their lives. City Councilwoman Shereen Green said the house was in dire need in Baltimore and appreciated the role of American Muslims. A special award was also given to Islamic centers and personalities who helped establish the shelter. The 8-room Icna Relief Shelter Home is state-of-the-art. Clean rooms, great atmosphere, wonderful play land and praying area. Article Courtesy: pakobserver.net]]>

There are millions of people in the United States, the world’s richest and most powerful country, who homeless , including women. The Muslim organization Icna Relief inaugurated its 23rd Muslim Women’s Shelter Home yesterday.

Inaugurated by Mohsin Ansari and Icna Relief Baltimore Outreach Director Ibrahim Abu Soya and Hajra Hope’s Nasreen Rehman. The event was attended by representatives of Islamic Centers and government officials, including the Governor of Maryland and the Mayor of Baltimore.
Hajra Hope, an organization of Muslim women in Baltimore, also cooperated in setting up the shelter home. Mohsin Ansari said that the shelters of Icna Relief are for Muslim women but we give shelter to anyone beyond race. Not only are women sheltered, but counseling is provided for them to move on with their lives.
City Councilwoman Shereen Green said the house was in dire need in Baltimore and appreciated the role of American Muslims. A special award was also given to Islamic centers and personalities who helped establish the shelter.
The 8-room Icna Relief Shelter Home is state-of-the-art. Clean rooms, great atmosphere, wonderful play land and praying area.
Article Courtesy: pakobserver.net

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Coronavirus: death warrant for low-income residents https://icna.org/coronavirus-death-warrant-for-low-income-and-undocumented-residents/ https://icna.org/coronavirus-death-warrant-for-low-income-and-undocumented-residents/#respond Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:48:17 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=25741

By Khurram Shahzad While getting gas in a rest area at New Jersey Turnpike, I asked the guy, Shahzaib Malik, who was filling up my car tank, aren’t you scared of Coronavirus? Of course, I am but I can’t stay home so I am here and working, Shahzaib replied sadly. What if you get the virus, I asked him promptly? I don’t know, I don’t have medical insurance, I usually get cold and get the flu when the weather changes, maybe I will die home thinking it is a common flu, he answered while scratching his foot on the ground. As the coronavirus is rapidly expanding across America, there is a growing concern that low-income residents, people in poverty and undocumented residents may suffer disproportionately – directly, by getting sick, and indirectly, through disruptions to their work lives. In America, there are more than 13 million undocumented residents and, among them, more than 60% are living without any health coverages. Similarly, 23% of legal immigrants do not have any medical coverage, according to a 2019 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Today, if you walk into any medical facility and you don’t have medical insurance, you must pay the minimum cost which is $1300 to get tested for Coronavirus. Most of the low-wage jobs in retail and service industries do not provide sick paid leave. The rigid workplace environments that prevent immigrants from reporting their illnesses. For those living paycheck to paycheck, it’s difficult to voluntarily take time off when a week’s wages could make a difference in their ability to pay rent. They often live doubled and tripled up in unstable households where people frequently move in and out. They must rely on public transportation, which can hasten exposure or spread infection, health and poverty experts say. Further, as schools are closed and the source of free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch is cut off, the costs and stress to parents and children increase. If shuttered schools conduct online classes, many low-income students will be left out because they have no computers. One of the parents must take time off from work to be home with the kid which means more financial difficulties. I visited a homeless shelter in Herndon, Virginia to get first-hand information about prevention exercises and I was shocked that “freehand sanitizer spray puff” was the only prevention method they were using. A staff member told me that they had been talking to those gathered at the service center about how to avoid exposure to coronavirus and had emphasized washing hands. It is the best we can do with limited resources, said the staff. On Feb 24, President Trump passed a bill about immigration which makes it harder for immigrants to obtain a green card if they’ve sought government help – which includes any form of government health care. Since then, people had been dropping out of Medicaid as the Covid-19 cases began to surface in early March. Moreover, as we have seen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has speedup its operations in recent years which has created an atmosphere of fear, undocumented immigrants are hesitant to go to any health care facilities in fear of being reported, even though community clinics are safe places that do not ask for citizenship status. As a society, we have accepted and have no issues that there are so many in our community who are uninsured, underinsured, undocumented and unable to take sick leave New York, Washington, and California have waived this cost using the state’s special funding. For US citizens and permanent residents, any tests performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are free. Medicaid and Medicare will cover testing costs. For low-income families, especially the immigrants, prevention and testing of Covid-19 isn’t something they can take for granted. In California, for example, where the government is participating in treatment, it will cost up to $200 for uninsured patients to get tested for the Coronavirus, which means they wouldn’t be able to buy groceries, pay phone bills, etc. for the next two weeks. Over time, Immigrant communities have set up their own workarounds for such situations. Muslim Community Center (MCC) clinic in Maryland is providing 100% free medical services without asking the patient’s citizenship status. Similarly, the Jewish community has its free medical facilities in Brooklyn, New York. But the fact of the matter is, there’s only so much these clinics can do, however, without further support at the federal level. After President Trump declared a national emergency, I reached out to the Embassy of Pakistan to inquire about actions the embassy has taken to safeguard the lives of Pakistani students, visitors and others living with different resident statuses. I was given few tweets of the Ambassador AsadMajeed Khan which were primarily about embassy visa services during this outbreak, some canceled events/meetings and precautions that could be used including the use of online services. There was nothing mentioned about communication or coordination with the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) who is very active when it comes to a crisis like this. Maybe the embassy is not required to do so. “Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is one of the biggest Muslim charity and disaster response organizations. We have been releasing awareness videos, distributing hand sanitizers and related kits free of costs”, said ICNA’s director information and outreach Moviz Siddique. In my opinion, as a society, we have accepted and have no issues that there are so many in our community who are uninsured, underinsured, undocumented and unable to take sick leave. We are also okay with the fact that these families and individuals without access to any healthcare are going to get sicker, are going to spread the disease more frequently because they’re not getting care or isolating or getting diagnosed and treated. As we are witnessing its sweep across nations, the coronavirus is exposing flaws in our “civilized society’s system”. If the freedom of information is a problem]]>

By Khurram Shahzad
While getting gas in a rest area at New Jersey Turnpike, I asked the guy, Shahzaib Malik, who was filling up my car tank, aren’t you scared of Coronavirus? Of course, I am but I can’t stay home so I am here and working, Shahzaib replied sadly.

What if you get the virus, I asked him promptly? I don’t know, I don’t have medical insurance, I usually get cold and get the flu when the weather changes, maybe I will die home thinking it is a common flu, he answered while scratching his foot on the ground.
As the coronavirus is rapidly expanding across America, there is a growing concern that low-income residents, people in poverty and undocumented residents may suffer disproportionately – directly, by getting sick, and indirectly, through disruptions to their work lives. In America, there are more than 13 million undocumented residents and, among them, more than 60% are living without any health coverages. Similarly, 23% of legal immigrants do not have any medical coverage, according to a 2019 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Today, if you walk into any medical facility and you don’t have medical insurance, you must pay the minimum cost which is $1300 to get tested for Coronavirus.
Most of the low-wage jobs in retail and service industries do not provide sick paid leave. The rigid workplace environments that prevent immigrants from reporting their illnesses. For those living paycheck to paycheck, it’s difficult to voluntarily take time off when a week’s wages could make a difference in their ability to pay rent.
They often live doubled and tripled up in unstable households where people frequently move in and out. They must rely on public transportation, which can hasten exposure or spread infection, health and poverty experts say.
Further, as schools are closed and the source of free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch is cut off, the costs and stress to parents and children increase. If shuttered schools conduct online classes, many low-income students will be left out because they have no computers. One of the parents must take time off from work to be home with the kid which means more financial difficulties.
I visited a homeless shelter in Herndon, Virginia to get first-hand information about prevention exercises and I was shocked that “freehand sanitizer spray puff” was the only prevention method they were using. A staff member told me that they had been talking to those gathered at the service center about how to avoid exposure to coronavirus and had emphasized washing hands. It is the best we can do with limited resources, said the staff.
On Feb 24, President Trump passed a bill about immigration which makes it harder for immigrants to obtain a green card if they’ve sought government help – which includes any form of government health care. Since then, people had been dropping out of Medicaid as the Covid-19 cases began to surface in early March.
Moreover, as we have seen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has speedup its operations in recent years which has created an atmosphere of fear, undocumented immigrants are hesitant to go to any health care facilities in fear of being reported, even though community clinics are safe places that do not ask for citizenship status.
As a society, we have accepted and have no issues that there are so many in our community who are uninsured, underinsured, undocumented and unable to take sick leave
New York, Washington, and California have waived this cost using the state’s special funding. For US citizens and permanent residents, any tests performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are free. Medicaid and Medicare will cover testing costs.
For low-income families, especially the immigrants, prevention and testing of Covid-19 isn’t something they can take for granted. In California, for example, where the government is participating in treatment, it will cost up to $200 for uninsured patients to get tested for the Coronavirus, which means they wouldn’t be able to buy groceries, pay phone bills, etc. for the next two weeks.
Over time, Immigrant communities have set up their own workarounds for such situations. Muslim Community Center (MCC) clinic in Maryland is providing 100% free medical services without asking the patient’s citizenship status. Similarly, the Jewish community has its free medical facilities in Brooklyn, New York. But the fact of the matter is, there’s only so much these clinics can do, however, without further support at the federal level.
After President Trump declared a national emergency, I reached out to the Embassy of Pakistan to inquire about actions the embassy has taken to safeguard the lives of Pakistani students, visitors and others living with different resident statuses. I was given few tweets of the Ambassador AsadMajeed Khan which were primarily about embassy visa services during this outbreak, some canceled events/meetings and precautions that could be used including the use of online services. There was nothing mentioned about communication or coordination with the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) who is very active when it comes to a crisis like this. Maybe the embassy is not required to do so.
“Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is one of the biggest Muslim charity and disaster response organizations. We have been releasing awareness videos, distributing hand sanitizers and related kits free of costs”, said ICNA’s director information and outreach Moviz Siddique.
In my opinion, as a society, we have accepted and have no issues that there are so many in our community who are uninsured, underinsured, undocumented and unable to take sick leave. We are also okay with the fact that these families and individuals without access to any healthcare are going to get sicker, are going to spread the disease more frequently because they’re not getting care or isolating or getting diagnosed and treated. As we are witnessing its sweep across nations, the coronavirus is exposing flaws in our “civilized society’s system”. If the freedom of information is a problem in China, then inequalities and the massive disparities in the way people are treated depending on their economic circumstances and their immigration status is the reality of America. The coronavirus, of course, does not discriminate on those grounds and having large sections of society being unable to see a doctor is suddenly in focus as not just being bad for the individuals themselves, but for the country a whole.
The writer is a technology expert who is working with US government based in Washington DC
Article Courtesy: Dailytimes.com.pk

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Largest American Muslim Convention at the Capital https://icna.org/largest-american-muslim-convention-at-the-capital/ https://icna.org/largest-american-muslim-convention-at-the-capital/#respond Fri, 26 Apr 2019 18:43:05 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=24724

(April 25, 2019, Washington D.C.) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) held its 44th ICNA-MAS Annual Convention at a new location in Washington D.C. past weekend. More than 24,000 people attended the event at the massive Walter Washington Convention Center, making it the largest American Muslim convention. Nearly 400 volunteers and organizers supported by similar number of staff from various organizations ensured that the event ran smoothly providing a great experience to the attendees. A record 150 speakers from various backgrounds and specialties spoke at the event whose theme was “Healing Humanity: Lessons from Islam”. A remarkable aspect of the 125 sessions was the breadth of topics they covered. From personal spirituality to homeschooling and college admissions, and from Islamophobia in America to the worsening situation of Muslims in India and China, the Convention covered a very wide range of subjects, of concern to Muslims striving to live by Islam at the individual and collective levels. The programs held the balance in acknowledging the serious challenges of the community, while maintaining a very positive and forward looking atmosphere. ICNA Sisters, the women’s division of ICNA, organized many sessions for women and also for Muslim Children of North America (MCNA). Over 40 languages are spoken by the attendees making this the most diverse Muslim event in the country. Parallel sessions were also held in Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Somali, Malayalam, Bengali, Urdu and Indonesian languages. Also organized were many different programs for children of all ages as well as a parallel session for teens and youth. The convention featured a bazaar with 620 booths, a record increase of 22% in just one year, making it the largest Muslim marketplace in America. Vendors sold everything from tours and insurances to clothing and books. All major Muslim non-profits were also present with attractive booths and freebies. Organizers said the booths were sold out almost immediately after being made available and they had a waiting list. Despite the size of the bazaar, there was barely room to walk around the booths due to the big crowds who ensured brisk business even well past the end of the sessions. A huge children’s play area was also setup with many rides and attractions where children can spend many hours. Last year the city of Baltimore estimated that the ICNA-MAS Convention brought $56 Million in revenue to the city and gave ICNA the “Customer of the Year Award”.   Accommodations were arranged by attendees in hotels, Airbnb, with friends in the D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland area. The tourism development agency “Visit D.C.” coordinated the reservation of rooms in nearby hotels. The convention organizers had arranged for prayer spaces in all major hotels, parking facilities and licensed street halal food vendors. Additionally, a prayer area of 65,000 square feet was carpeted and available for attendees throughout the day at the convention center. Community service award was given at the annual leadership luncheon to Nihad Awad, Executive Director of CAIR. Awards were also given posthumously to senior ICNA members Late Ameenuddin Hussaini, Late Umar AbdulAziz, and the Late ICNA President (2004-2008) Dr. Khurshid Khan. A first time luncheon for the executives of major businesses and sponsors was also held during the convention. It provided an excellent networking opportunity to the attendees as well as a chance to get feedback on making the convention more beneficial to businesses and sponsors. ICNA Council for Social Justice in partnership with other organizations organized a rally from the convention center to the White House to highlight the issue of the growing threat and dangers of Islamophobia in public rhetoric. Hundreds people participated in the rally on the lawns outside of the White House where several national leaders addressed the gathering. The convention mobile app provided many useful features including maps, parking info, ability to create own lists of sessions with alerts, meal options, shopping info, and the ability to network with other attendees. The main sessions of the convention were broadcast live and watched by thousands online. In the past 5 decades this convention has become a must-go-to event on the national American Muslim family calendar. An entire generation of American Muslim families grew up attending the ICNA convention and have made it an occasion to reunite with their friends and families and and share memories. Some youth this year were volunteering just as their parents as well as grand parents have been volunteering. —]]>

(April 25, 2019, Washington D.C.) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) held its 44th ICNA-MAS Annual Convention at a new location in Washington D.C. past weekend.

A main session at the ICNA-MAS convention in D.C.

More than 24,000 people attended the event at the massive Walter Washington Convention Center, making it the largest American Muslim convention. Nearly 400 volunteers and organizers supported by similar number of staff from various organizations ensured that the event ran smoothly providing a great experience to the attendees.
Nearly 400 volunteers and organizers supported by similar number of staff from various organizations helped run the event.

Despite the massive size of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the center got very crowded at times, with the 24,000 attendees.

The logistics of arranging over 150 speakers and scheduling their sessions was handled without any major glitch.

A record 150 speakers from various backgrounds and specialties spoke at the event whose theme was “Healing Humanity: Lessons from Islam”. A remarkable aspect of the 125 sessions was the breadth of topics they covered. From personal spirituality to homeschooling and college admissions, and from Islamophobia in America to the worsening situation of Muslims in India and China, the Convention covered a very wide range of subjects, of concern to Muslims striving to live by Islam at the individual and collective levels. The programs held the balance in acknowledging the serious challenges of the community, while maintaining a very positive and forward looking atmosphere.
Shaykh Waleed Basyouni was one of the several top speakers from the country addressing the main session.

Many parallel sessions organized for the first time proved to be popular. The North American Indian Muslim Association (NAIMA) organized a panel on Indian Muslims that brought together leadership of Indian Muslim organizations such as AFMI, IAMC, IMRC, USIPI and NAIMA.

ICNA Sisters, the women’s division of ICNA, organized many sessions for women and also for Muslim Children of North America (MCNA). Over 40 languages are spoken by the attendees making this the most diverse Muslim event in the country. Parallel sessions were also held in Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Somali, Malayalam, Bengali, Urdu and Indonesian languages. Also organized were many different programs for children of all ages as well as a parallel session for teens and youth.
More than 10,000 people gathered for the Saturday Maghrib (evening) prayers. Making it probably the largest Maghrib prayer in the country.

The convention featured a bazaar with 620 booths, a record increase of 22% in just one year, making it the largest Muslim marketplace in America. Vendors sold everything from tours and insurances to clothing and books. All major Muslim non-profits were also present with attractive booths and freebies. Organizers said the booths were sold out almost immediately after being made available and they had a waiting list.
Thousands of people thronged the main hall that included the bazaar, prayer area as well as the main session. The 2.3 million square foot center has hosted some of America’s major events.

Despite the size of the bazaar, there was barely room to walk around the booths due to the big crowds who ensured brisk business even well past the end of the sessions. A huge children’s play area was also setup with many rides and attractions where children can spend many hours. Last year the city of Baltimore estimated that the ICNA-MAS Convention brought $56 Million in revenue to the city and gave ICNA the “Customer of the Year Award”.
 
An elaborate booth at the Bazaar. The main bazaar or market place housed 620 booths.

The hotels managed the logistics of thousands of guests very smoothly. With sufficient meal choices and arrangement for prayers in all major hotels.

Accommodations were arranged by attendees in hotels, Airbnb, with friends in the D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland area. The tourism development agency “Visit D.C.” coordinated the reservation of rooms in nearby hotels. The convention organizers had arranged for prayer spaces in all major hotels, parking facilities and licensed street halal food vendors. Additionally, a prayer area of 65,000 square feet was carpeted and available for attendees throughout the day at the convention center.
The food court accommodated thousands of diners with a wide choice of cuisine apart from the specially arranged food trucks outside.

The 2.3 million square foot center has what is claimed to be the largest hall in America.

Community service award was given at the annual leadership luncheon to Nihad Awad, Executive Director of CAIR. Awards were also given posthumously to senior ICNA members Late Ameenuddin Hussaini, Late Umar AbdulAziz, and the Late ICNA President (2004-2008) Dr. Khurshid Khan.
A first time luncheon for the executives of major businesses and sponsors was also held during the convention. It provided an excellent networking opportunity to the attendees as well as a chance to get feedback on making the convention more beneficial to businesses and sponsors.
Luncheon for the executives of major businesses and convention sponsors.

Hundreds of the convention attendees marching from the convention center to the White House for a rally against Islamophobia. organized by ICNA Council for Social Justice.

A moment of prayer was held for the victims of the recent attacks in Sri Lanka at the rally against Islamophobia in front of the White House.

ICNA Council for Social Justice in partnership with other organizations organized a rally from the convention center to the White House to highlight the issue of the growing threat and dangers of Islamophobia in public rhetoric. Hundreds people participated in the rally on the lawns outside of the White House where several national leaders addressed the gathering.
Rally organized by the ICNA CSJ in front of the White House against Islamophobia was participated by hundreds. Several national Muslim leaders addressed the gathering.

The convention mobile app provided many useful features including maps, parking info, ability to create own lists of sessions with alerts, meal options, shopping info, and the ability to network with other attendees. The main sessions of the convention were broadcast live and watched by thousands online.

In the past 5 decades this convention has become a must-go-to event on the national American Muslim family calendar. An entire generation of American Muslim families grew up attending the ICNA convention and have made it an occasion to reunite with their friends and families and and share memories. Some youth this year were volunteering just as their parents as well as grand parents have been volunteering.

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