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on 07-09-2002 16:12
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Story and pictures by Naeem Randhawa
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 ![[ More than 32,000 attended the 39th ISNA conference in Washington.]]( http://www.oneummah.net/~peace/images/conference.png) 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 experiences since 9/11. Muslims were able to express a frustration that many have not been able to share in their every day 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![[ Siraj Wahaj sharing a story about his days with Malcolm X.]]( http://www.oneummah.net/~peace/images/sirajwahhaj.png ) 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, as well as 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, 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 who while searching through Mr. Yusuf’s carry-on hand-bag was in utter dismay as he took out a Quran and also a government report on “what makes a terrorist”. Siraj Wahaj recounted a recent time as he went through a search at an airport where the attendant recognized him. He immediately began apologizing proficiently and then promptly resumed his search.
Ingrid Mattson shared her personal story of feeling at odds with her own emotions and the acknowledgement of buried feelings 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 a 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.
The three day conference was for many a much needed mass, cathartic healing and affirmation of their legitimate rights and freedom as equal citizens and members in this country. Scholars delivered their messages with a potent realism that the Muslim community is ![[Amanda, a young American woman accepts Islam at the hands of Sheikh Hamza Yusuf]]( http://www.oneummah.net/~peace/images/hamzayusuf.png ) in a time of flux, with the greatest need to align and organize for a future where Muslims must assert themselves as a proactive 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 declared that 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. 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; a realization 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.
Naeem Randhawa
Travel Writer / Web Producer / Internet Consultant
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Naeem Randhawa regularly writes feature articles for publications and websites oriented towards innovative and extreme travel, social and community columns, including JustSayGo.com, Zone451.com, TravelWorldMagazine.com and others. Naeem lives in Dallas, but dreams of white vapor trails across clear blue skies. An IT project manager by day, his calendar is marked with skydiving and shark fishing excursions. He is also currently developing a travel related video documentary about Pakistan and a social documentary about civil rights post 9-11.
Last update : 07-09-2002 16:12
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