The annual convention of the ISNA (
Islamic Society of North America) is the largest annual gathering of Muslim Americans to discuss their role in society, politics, public media, activism, educational institutions, etc.
The convention occurs every
Labor Day weekend and also include parallel conventions by the
Muslim Students' Association (MSA) of North America, the
Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA), and
The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMA or IMANA) as well as many other smaller groups associated under the umbrella group ISNA. Attendance in recent years peaked close to 50,000, which is a significant number especially considering the total Muslim population in America is reasonably estimated at 6-7 million. (Other estimates have the number as low as 2 million or as high as 10 million, but these are considered biased estimates).
The convention was held in the following cities in prior years:
(Note: the 2009–2011 conventions were held on the
Fourth of July weekend instead of
Labor Day weekend to avoid the convention occurring during
Ramadan. Similarly, the 2017 convention was also scheduled for the Fourth of July weekend to avoid the convention occurring during the
Hajj /
Eid al-Adha timeframe).
Convention Themes in Prior Years:
1971 The Call of Islam
1976 Human Rights in Islam
1977 The Islamic Renaissance - its Requirements and Realization
1979 Life of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and its Relevance to Muslims in North America
1980 Opportunities and Challenges of 15th Century Hijrah
1981 Human Rights: An Islamic Perspective
1982 Why Islam
1983 Islam in North America: Approaches & Methods
1984 Islam and You
1986 Islam in North America: Directions and Strategies
1988 Muslims for Human Dignity
1989 Reaching Out with Islam
1990 Muslims in 1990s & Beyond: A Community of Solutions
1991 Developing an Islamic Environment in North America
1992 Shaping Our Future: Knowledge and Action for Building an Islamic Environment
1993 Muslims for a Better America
1994 Our Youth, Our Family, Our Future
1995 Islam: Our Choice
1996 Muslims for Peace and Justice
1997 Muslims for Moral Excellence
1998 Muslims for Human Dignity
1999 Islam: Guidance for Humanity
2000 Islam: Faith & Civilization
2001 Strength through Diversity
2002 Islam: A Call for Peace and Justice
2003 Islam: Enduring Values for Daily life
2004 Islam: Dialogue, Devotion and Development
2005 Muslims in NA: Accomplishments, Challenges and the Road Ahead
2006 Achieving Balance in faith, Family and Community
2007 Upholding Faith and Serving Humanity
2008 Ramadan: A Time for Change
2009 Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
2010 Nurturing Compassionate Communities
2011 Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Living in Harmony
2012 One Nation Under God: Striving for the Common Good
2013 Envisioning a More Perfect Union: Building the Beloved Community
2014 Generations Rise: Elevating Muslim American Culture
2015 Stories of Resilience: Strengthening the American Muslim Narrative