Islamic Society of North America 57th ANNUAL ISNA VIRTUAL CONVENTION The Struggle for Social and Racial Justice A Moral Imperative September 5-6, 2020

O YOU who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in your devotion to God, bearing witness to the truth in all equity; Al-Ma'idah (5:8) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

Main Session

10:30 – 11:30 AM Opening Session ● Recitation from the Holy Quran ● Welcome Remarks Sayyid M. Syeed - ISNA President, Safaa Zarzour - ISNA Vice President (US), Muhammad Jalaluddin - ISNA Vice President (Canada) ● Program overview Aisha Al-Adawiya – Program Committee Co-chair ● Messages from organizational heads and dignitaries Javaid Siddiqui - ICNA President, Salam Marayati - MPAC President, Ayman Hamous - MAS President, Nihad Awad - CAIR Exec Director, Tahir Javed and other dignitaries Moderator: Azhar Azeez

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Topic: Reliance on Faith in Times of Difficulty Session 1A Description: As we face difficulties in uncertain times, we are reminded to turn toAl - lah for guidance, for understanding through the Qur’an, and embody the example of our Beloved Prophet (sws). We seek strength through spiritual practices and actions that are pleasing to Allah. ● Speakers: Tamara Gray, Mohamed Magid, Ieasha Prime, Muzammil Siddiqi

Parallel Sessions (3 sessions)

12:45 – 1:45 PM Topic: Principled Political Action for Social Justice Session 2A Speakers: Farooq Mitha, Basheer Jones, Abdul El-Sayed, Rep. Andre Carson Description: Due to 2020 being a critical election year, it is imperative to be politi- cally active and strategically engaged to shape the leadership and policies that will affect Americans of all backgrounds in the coming years. This session will look at the approaches and opportunities for our community to work for more inclusive justice and to counter hate in America.

12:45 – 1:45 PM Organizational Session - International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) Session 2B Topic: Challenges of the Modern Islamic Thought Speakers: Ahmad Al-Alwani, Hisham Al-Talib

12:45 – 1:45 PM Youth Session - Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) Session 2C Topic: The Essentials: Limiting Worldly Distractions Speakers: Mohamed Magid, Rami Nsour Description: This session will be the first session the youth attend as we welcome them into our convention theme: “The Essentials: How the Prophet (sws) Wanted Us to Live.” As Muslim Youth in North America, we tend to find ourselves entangled in worldly matters. Some of these worldly matters are good for us, but oftentimes they can distract us from our connection with our deen and Allah SWT. In this session, we will be discussing how we can replace these nonessential worldly distractions with “essential” matters that will prepare us for success in both this world and the hereaf- ter. We will also be referring to the Prophetic example of living a simpler life, freer of excessive distractions.

1:45 – 2:30 PM BREAK FOR PRAYER & LUNCH 2:30 – 3:30 PM Topic: Being Proactive During Covid-19 Session 3A Speakers: Ismail Mehr (IMANNA), Margari Hill (Black Muslim Coalition on COVID, MuslimARC), Rania Awaad (Khalil Center), Hasan Shanawani (AMPH) Description: COVID-19 has challenged our lives in unanticipated ways. As we adjust to this new reality, we are called to pursue best practices for our collective well-being - physically and mentally. We must also consider those most severely impacted by the virus in this pandemic, and what actions the community as a whole can take to better protect the most vulnerable.

2:30 – 3:30 PM Organizational Session - Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers and Technol- ogy Professionals (AMSET) Session 3B Topic: Muslim Scientists’ Perspective on the Spreading of the Novel Coronavirus Speakers: M. Taher Saif, Umbereen Nehal, Sohel Anwar Description: I - COVID 19 and home-made mask: The COVID-19 virus spreads through droplets emitted during sneezing, coughing, or speaking. A healthy individual can get infected by inhaling droplets. Face masks can offer a physical barrier against virus transmis- sion. Will home-made masks be effective, and if so by what mechanism? We will discuss our recent research on the efficacy of home fabrics in blocking high velocity droplets. II - What to do to Prevent COVID-19 Spread as per Science: Your duty as a Muslim Neighbor: Learn how to stay safe and keep others safe while optimizing your own physical, mental, spiritual, and financial health. This talk will present up to date, evidence-based guidance from the leading public health authorities in academics, government, and public health. Also, learn how to identify ways to separate facts from misinformation found on social media.

2:30 – 3:30 PM Youth Session - Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) Session 3C Topic: Tawakkul: Having Trust in Allah SWT Speaker: Ubaydullah Evans Description: When we are facing struggles or uncertainty in our lives, it can often be difficult to maintain a positive outlook. Tawakkul provides a way for us to seek closeness and trust in Allah during our times of darkness. Tawakkul brings light into our lives. As youth, our lives can become really stressful as we try to navigate who we are while being a part of society that doesn’t always understand us. By reinforc- ing the concept of our Lord, who is the All-Merciful and All-Rewarding, working to have a plan can strengthen our faith and trust in Him. This session will also cover some of the examples our prophets set for us in terms of turning to Allah SWT in times of hardship.

Special Event

3:45 – 5:00 PM Virtual Fundraising/Community Service Award Ceremony Session 4A Award Recipient - Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Former President and Vice President of ISNA Keynote Address - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Speakers: Azhar Azeez, Safaa Zarzour Moderator: Rashed Nizam 5:15 – 6:45 PM Chaplaincy Session Session 4B Topic: Challenges and Opportunities of Muslim Chaplains in American Institutions” In this session, Muslim chaplains from various backgrounds and experiences will share both the challenges and opportunities they encounter on a day-to-day basis. Muslim American chaplains represent the American Muslim community in the military, hospitals, and in correctional institutions. They serve in some of the most so- cially and culturally pluralistic environments in the nation. The chaplain is trained to perform and provide ministry to not only Muslims, but to non-Muslims of diverse faith backgrounds, and to people with no faith at all, yet they provide the utmost quality spiritual care and emotional support to all that they’re called to serve. Panelists: Chaplain (COL) Dawud Agbere, US Army, Installation Chaplain, Ft. Benning, GA, Samsiah Abdul-Majid, Hospital Chaplain, Chaplain Hussain Sheikh, BOP, Dept Justice, and Chaplain (Lt.) US Navy Reserve, Chaplain (CPT) Rafael Lantigua, Staff Chaplain US Airforce Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Moderator: Abdul- Rasheed Muhammad, MS, MSW, BCC, Director Islamic Ser- vices & Endorsing Agent

5:15 – 6:45 PM Kids’ Special Program Session 4C Presented by Noor Kids

5:15 – 6:45 PM TBD Session 4D

ISNA Main Session

7:00 – 8:30 PM 7:00 – 7:10 PM Session 5A ISNA Lifetime Achievement Award - Presented to Dr. Saiyid Masroor Shah for his decades of selfless service and commitment to the Muslim community and society at large. Dr. Saiyid Masroor Shah is a retired radiation physicist living in Newburgh, Indiana. A long-standing member of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Dr. Shah is serving as the chair of ISNA’s Green Initiative committee. As a member of this committee, he has spearheaded multiple projects, webinars, and forged alliances to bring awareness about climate change and Green initiatives. Dr. Shah has been an active volunteer in ISNA and AMSET (Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers, and Technology Professionals) activities since 1977. He has served as chairperson on ISNA’s convention committee in 1982-83, is a member of ISNA Founder’s committee, member of ISNA Masjid Development Committee (2014-18), past President of AMSET, past NAIT (North American Islamic Trust) board member, member of the board of Trustees of Islamic Society of Evansville, member Board of Directors of Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light (H-IPL), member Evansville Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Committee, member Interfaith partners (Interfaith group formed by University of Evansville) and has received the State of Indiana Golden Hoosier Award in 2010. Award presented by Sayyid M. Syeed, ISNA President. ------Topic: 20/20 Vision On Racism Speakers: Linda Sarsour, Bilal Ware, Siraj Wahhaj, Khalil Gibran Muhammad Description: As we entered 2020, many of us prayed for a clearer vision for our lives, our families, our communities, our society. With that came the witnessing of the prevalence of ongoing systemic oppression of Black people in the United States. To overcome blind spots, the broader Muslim communities need to turn to one another, listen to the knowledge and experiences of our brothers and sisters, especially from among the African American community, so that a recognition of adjustments can be made. As a community and individuals, we need to recognize ways we may be complicit in racism, may have internalized white supremacy, and work diligently to become active anti-racists in society.

8:30 PM Maghrib Prayer 8:45 - 9:00 pm Topic: Ima amil Al-Amin’s case - An update on the appeal against his Session 5B incarceration Spaeker: Khairi Al-Amin

Entertainment

9:00 – 10:30 PM Entertainment by Preacher Moss, Kashmir Maryam, Alman Nusrat, Raef

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

Main Session

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Topic: Caring for Community in Times of COVID Session 6A Speakers: Anwar Khan, Khalid Latif, Marium Husain Description: Serving our Muslim community in the time of COVID has involved difficult decisions by religious and community leaders. From ensuring safety, well-be- ing, and protecting the lives of our community members, the love and devotion that normally brings us together has become the strength for us to keep our distance. As we learn to live with COVID, this session will look at how best to serve one another in our community. How does our community’s leadership best engage, offer support, plan for the future, serve families, address disparities, and serve those most impact- ed?

Parallel Sessions ( 3 sessions)

12:45 – 1:45 PM Topic: Advancing Clearer Vision for the Next Generation Session 7A Speakers: Sameera Ahmad, Magda Elkadi Saleh, Habib Quadri, Abdalla Idris Description: The entrenchment of white supremacy is embedded in the education and socializa- tion within our society. Through the narratives that shape our values and sense of who we are as people and society, and the images that continually feed stereotypes, groups become marginalized. This session will look at how we can mindfully educate our children, as Muslims, parents and teachers, in ways that provide more balanced, just and inclusive narratives of our world and society. The session will also touch on strategies related to online and religious education in our current context.

12:45 – 1:45 PM Organizational Session Session 7B Business Success and Social Responsibility This session will bring together Business leaders from the Muslim community to reflect on their successes, challenges, corporate social responsibility and lessons learned. They will talk about how businesses can leverage their resources and knowledge to bring about positive change in the society while also focussing on their corporate goals. The panelists will share ideas and lessons on building alliances and strengthening relationships. Businesses can achieve a balance between economic, social, and environmental domains while maintaining stakeholder interests. 12:45 – 1:45 PM Youth Session - Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) Session 7C Topic: Finding your Passions in this Dunya Speakers: Linda Sarsour Description: Whether it is an artistic hobby, devotion to activism, social leadership, or anything else, it can be helpful to find passions for ourselves that help us stay connected to our communities while developing positive skills and characteristics. This session will be discussing how to find these passions in terms of what suits us specifically along with the importance of doing so. In addition, we will be delving into passion in regards to Islam. We want to be able to maintain that sense of devotion in our religion; instead of being ashamed of being Muslim, we should be proud of it. This interactive session will consist of discussing and tackling this concept.

1:45 – 2:30 PM BREAK FOR PRAYER & LUNCH

2:30 – 3:30 PM Organizational Session - Indian Muslim Relief Council (IMRC) Session 8A Topic: The stories of Muslims Lynched and Oppressed under the Hindutva Regime Speakers: Harsh Mander, Muqteder Khan, Assaduddin Owaisi Moderator: Manzoor Ghori Description: Harsh Mander: The intrepid civil rights advocate tells the story of Muslims who have been lynched or ill-treated by the state and the efforts by civil rights advocates to defend their rights. Things that American Indians do to defend the vulnerable commu- nities in India. Tipping Point: Implications of the Saffronisation of India Dr. Muqtedar Khan examines the fundamental political changes taking place India such as the rise of Hindu nationalism, decline of pluralism and democracy and their impact on the Muslim minority. He will also identify what American Muslims can do to protect India’s democracy and the rights of minorities

2:30 – 3:30 PM Organizations Session Session 8B (Census - TBD)

2:30 – 3:30 PM A Moral Imperative - Interfaith Talk Show Description: An Interfaith discussion with leaders of different Faith Communities Session 8C following the theme of this year’s convention. Speakers: Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson (United Church of Christ), Rabbi Burton Visotzky (Professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary), Professor Simran Jeet Singh (Professor of Religion at the Union Theological Seminary), Ms. Ra- heemah Abdulaleem, Esq (Former Chair of Karamah)

Main Session

3:45 – 5:00 PM From Symbolic to Systematic in Response to Climate Change Session 8D Speakers: Saffet Catovic, Ingrid Mattson, Zaid Shakir, Nina Firman, Jamal Badawi Description: Climate change is a looming cloud threatening to bring disaster, famine and future plagues if we do not make radical change. COVID-19 has shown us our own capacity to change the way we live. This session will look at how we can inno- vate and adjust our old patterns to make systematic changes to the way we are living and work, relying on Allah, to avoid forecasted implications of our global systems. Parallel Sessions (3 sessions)

5:30 – 6:30 PM ISNA Session (30 minutes each) Session 9A Topic: Global Issues: Fighting Rohingyas Genocide in Burma Speakers: Wakar Uddin, Arslan Suleiman ------Topic: Global Issues: Palestine Speaker: Hatem Bazian

5:30 – 6:30 PM ISNA Session (30 minutes each) Session 9B Topic: Global Issues: Kashmiri - Paradise under Siege Speaker: Ghulam Nabi Mir (KAC) ------Topic: Global Issues: Humanitarian Crisis in Syria Speakers: Zaher Sahloul

5:30 – 6:30 PM Topic: Uyghur Muslims under Chinese Session 9C Speaker: Abdul Malik Mujahid, Aydin Anwar ------Topic: Yemen in Crisis Speakers: Anwar Khan, Jennifer Mudawwar

Main Session

7:00 – 8:30 PM Topic: The Moral Imperative for All of Us Session 10A Speakers: Zaid Shakir, Ubaydullah Evans, Yasir Qadhi, Safaa Zarzour, Ieasha Prime

Description: We are living in a moment in history that our children and grandchil- dren will ask us about. More importantly we will be asked on the Day of Judgment how we responded when the news of injustice reached us. If we have wondered where we would have been in the Seerah of the Prophet (sws), we should look to where we are in responding to the injustice now in our society. Are we in the front lines with our time, energy and resources to combat oppression and defend the mar- ginalized, or are we being complacent and enjoying the status quo? At what point in the story do we truly stand behind the Prophet (sws)

8:30 PM Maghrib Prayer

Entertainment

9:00 – 10:15 PM Entertainment by Preacher Moss, Mo Sabri , and others

Closing Remarks

10:15 – 10:30 PM Closing remarks by ISNA leadership