ISNA 39th Annual Conference

At such a precarious time as this, the state capitol of Washington seemed to be at once the most brash and absolutely necessary city to host ISNA’s (Islamic Society of North America) 39th annual conference. The annually growing event attracted 32,000 eager and excited Muslims, from around the nation. The three day conference of activities included a roster of speeches, dialogues and presentations by some of the nation’s most dynamic, spiritual, social, and political Muslim leaders. The conference also included parallel programs organized by MSA (Muslims Students Association) and MYNA (Muslim Youth of North America) with similar programs.

The theme of this year’s conference, appropriately, “A Call for Peace and Justice” aimed to address the deep issues surrounding last year’s most infamous event. The speakers came to the forum understanding that many Muslims have been and are facing many emotionally charged experienced since 9/11. Muslims were able to express a frustration that many have not been able to share in their everyday environment. The raw nerves of anxiety, anticipation, guilt, suspicion, betrayal and anger that many have been feeling since last year were portrayed in the unmasked enthusiasm of the collective roars of applause, calls for takbir, and ovations, as speakers addressed and acknowledged the shared experiences of the community.

The leading scholars, and spiritual leaders including Siraj Wahaj, Mokhtar Maghroui, Abd al Hakim Jackson, Zaid Shakir, Ingrid Mattson and many others appeased the attendees by delivering and marking the events of 9/11 with interpretations of causes, effects, the need for political activism, calling for national coalitions of splinter groups and efforts to band together, and the social climate and path that Muslims must take to guide and heal from. Many scholars shared their very personal and intimate stories of family, friends, government scrutiny, and other related anecdotes. At times the humor of the speakers reflected more of the irony that many feel, than the critical analysis. Hamza Yusuf shared a story with the crowd, of an airport security personnel searching through his carry-on hand-bag and being in utter dismay as he took out a book about terrorism and a Quran, all the time staring at this bearded man. Siraj Wahaj recounted a recent time as he went through a search at an airport, the attendant recognized him, immediately began apologizing proficiently, all then promptly resumed his search.

Ingrid Mattson shared her personal story of feeling at odds with her won emotions and the acknowledgement of a buried feeling of guilt that many Muslims related to. Muslims needed to hear the words from their leaders that they need not live in peril, they also needed reminder that inactivity can lead to paralysis, and that the state of the community lies in what is done next. Upon all this self analysis and reflection through numerous speeches and presentations, one evening culminated in a vigorous outburst of human emotion as a young American girl chose to accept Islam at the hands of Hamza Yusuf in front of a cheering crowd of thousands.

The three day conference was for many a much needed mass cathartic elevation of acknowledgement of their rights and freedom in this country. Scholars delivered their messages with a potent realism that the Muslim community is in a time of flux, with the greatest need to align, and organize for a future where Muslims must assert themselves as a legitimate and integral component of the American fabric. Comparisons of other ethnic groups that have already passed through this in their own time of challenge seemed to bring the message home.

Muslims listened, applauded, laughed, and shed a few tears as they looked into the mirror and reality set in that as a minority, the time and need has never been greater for Muslims to define themselves within the greatest possible democratic nation in the world. The reception of experiences and presentations marks a possible turning point for many who realize the needs of the community out-weight the need of the individual that at times dismisses what may seem distant. The conference supplied a much needed dose of spiritual and emotional guidance from scholars. Muslims left Washington with a feeling of reassurance in not only their faith, but also the faith of their fellow Americans, an acknowledgement that many challenges lie ahead, and an absolute reaffirming that Muslims are first identified by their faith as Muslims and then as a nationality or creed.