It’s the holiday season, and Christmas festivities are everywhere. As Muslims, it can be hard to find anything else to enjoy during the holidays, but we’ve got you covered! Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and the Muslim American Society (MAS) are hosting regional and annual conventions, respectively, during the month of December. Both events – set for Atlanta and Chicago – are wonderful opportunities for attendees to join fellow Muslims for a myriad of educational and religious programs that foster community and drive positive change.
Up first is the regional Southeast ICNA-MAS convention scheduled for Dec. 20-22 in Atlanta. This was preceded by the South Central regional ICNA-MAS convention in Houston the weekend after Thanksgiving and will be followed by a regional convention in San Francisco on July 4.
The regional Atlanta convention, themed “Unshakable Faith: Trusting the Will of Allah,” will feature educational programming, a youth conference, matrimonial services, and a bazaar. For more information on this December event or to register, click here.
ICNA’s annual convention, which takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, May 24-26, shares the same theme as its regional events. In addition to a host of educational and religious sessions, there will be a Quran competition and debate tournament, as well. For more information, click here.
Also happening in December is the upcoming MAS-ICNA annual convention, set for downtown Chicago at the McCormick Convention Center. The mega event – 40,000 strong in 2023 – attracts people from across the United States to listen and to learn from esteemed scholars and community leaders. The 2024 convention runs from Dec. 26-28, including a knowledge retreat set for Dec. 24-25.
For more information, including registration and ticket prices, click here.
MAS-ICNA Convention Slate of Programming
Amidst the ongoing war in Gaza, the theme of the convention is “Breaking Chains & Driving Change.” While the program’s goals is to center our hearts on the tens of thousands killed in Palestine, it also will help us to focus our minds on how we can be arbiters of change. According to the convention program, the aim is to “explore the process of breaking free from limitations, fostering unity, and methodically building a foundation for positive change.”
As in years past, the convention offers a range of activities, special sessions, workshops, marriage events, and youth-oriented programming for children of all ages.
Main Convention
During the main session, programming will be based in a large hall to accommodate hundreds of people while parallel lectures and workshops will be happening in smaller spaces. These events convene some of the most reputable Islamic speakers from across the country and around the world. Insha’Allah, the knowledge they share will help attendees navigate any difficulties that come with being a Muslim in America. With lessons from the Quran and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), insha’Allah you will leave the lectures feeling uplifted and inspired, ready to navigate the stressors of everyday life. For a full list of programs, click here.
2024 Knowledge Retreat
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting and a deeper dive into Islamic learning, consider joining the Knowledge Retreat. The event, which will be presented in English and Arabic, is billed as a two-day lecture series and is scheduled a few days ahead of the convention Dec. 24-25. Seats are limited, ensuring in-depth discussions. These sessions are ideal for people who’ve engaged in formal Islamic sciences study as well as those looking to begin that type of learning.
Another retreat component is the Marriage Rejuvenation track, which advises spouses about ways to improve their marriage. Here attendees will engage in lectures, role playing, as well as discussion and group exercises. The registration fee includes one textbook, two workbooks, and writing materials. The session is limited to 50 couples.
Matrimonial Event
For Muslims looking to wed, it can often be difficult to connect with good prospects or even to meet other singles seeking a spouse. With that in mind, MAS-ICNA Convention 2024 partnered with matrimonial service Pious Hearts to help marriage-minded singles find one another. During the singles event, folks will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with those looking for a partner. To attend, fill out a registration form and share a little bit about yourself and what you’re looking for. This helps the Pious Heart team to pre-select candidates to ensure everyone has a positive experience. Payment will only be processed if you are selected to attend the event.
Bazaar
In between lectures, workshops, and other learning opportunities, you can bet on a bit of fun! The bazaar, which features more than 650 booths, boasts shopping from a wide range of Muslim business owners including artists, entrepreneurs, food vendors, and those selling apparel and books. Additionally, representatives from travel agencies, matrimonial services, Islamic educators, charities and activists will be on hand to talk about their services. Wandering the many rows of vendors and booths is the perfect way to meet and chat with new people. For me, I love browsing the bazaar to support Muslim businesses, and I always make sure to pick up a souvenir to take home with me.
Youth Program
Finally, the MAS-ICNA Convention isn’t just for adults. For those with children ages 14-16, encourage them to attend the Youth Program. There they can listen to a host of lectures on a range of topics including community activism, public services, mental health and other issues they might be interested in. The setting also invites them to pose anonymous questions in a safe and nurturing environment. Being in a group setting with their Muslim peers can be a welcome change for many, particularly those who attend schools with few or no Muslims.
There also will be separate programs for younger children including daycare for kids from birth to age 2, Fun Land for youngsters ages 3-8, and the Young Youth Program for kids 9-13.
Insha’Allah I have the opportunity to attend this year’s MAS-ICNA convention in Chicago. I am excited to connect with old and new friends as we come together to remember the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, to learn and listen to learned scholars as we strive to be better Muslims and to come together as one Islamic community.
