The ISNA Annual Convention 2025 is one of the most anticipated events in the American Muslim community. Held each year by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), this gathering brings together thousands of Muslims, thought leaders, scholars, professionals, and families from across the country. As the largest gathering of its kind, the convention offers a unique space to connect, learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations. From inspiring keynote speakers to powerful community sessions, the ISNA Annual Convention 2025 promises to be a transformative experience for individuals and Islamic organizations alike.
A Legacy of Unity and Empowerment
ISNA has a long history of organizing conventions that serve as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and community building. Since its inception, the annual convention has grown from a small gathering into a massive event, featuring dozens of sessions, exhibitions, youth programs, and entertainment segments. Each year, the convention adopts a theme that reflects the current challenges and opportunities facing Muslim communities in North America.
The ISNA Annual Convention 2025 continues this legacy with a renewed focus on unity, justice, and the evolving identity of Muslims in the West. As global and domestic landscapes shift, events like ISNA’s convention provide a space to process, strategize, and celebrate the resilience of the Muslim ummah.
Key Moments from the Convention
This year’s convention, held at a major convention center in a vibrant U.S. city, was filled with memorable and impactful moments. Here are some highlights that stood out:
1. Opening Ceremony: A Call to Action
The convention opened with a powerful address by ISNA President Dr. Safaa Zarzour. His message emphasized the importance of civic engagement, interfaith cooperation, and the role of youth in shaping the future. He reminded attendees that building a strong and sustainable community requires more than just words; it requires intentional action, commitment, and compassion.
The opening ceremony also included a recitation of the Qur’an by a young hafiz, setting a spiritual tone for the weekend.
2. Youth Forum: Voices of the Next Generation
One of the most dynamic parts of the ISNA Annual Convention 2025 was the Youth Forum. This year’s sessions focused on leadership development, mental health, identity, and digital activism. Young Muslims shared their struggles and successes navigating faith in a modern world.
Panelists included Muslim student leaders, social media influencers, and professionals who are breaking barriers in fields such as science, tech, and media. The sessions were packed with practical advice and real talk about the pressures youth face, especially regarding Islamophobia, peer pressure, and cultural expectations.
3. Main Stage Speakers: Inspiration and Insight
The convention featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
- Dr. Omar Suleiman, who addressed justice and compassion in today’s world
- Dalia Mogahed, speaking on the power of storytelling in shaping public perceptions
- Linda Sarsour, discussing activism and Muslim identity
- Imam Suhaib Webb, sharing a personal journey of faith and service
These thought leaders delivered compelling keynotes that emphasized the need for unity among diverse Muslim voices. Their messages resonated across generations, leaving many attendees energized and motivated to serve their communities.
4. Interfaith and Civic Engagement Panels
In a time of increasing polarization, the ISNA convention continues to build bridges between communities. The Interfaith Panel featured Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders discussing shared values and collective action. These conversations underscored the importance of mutual respect and working together to address social justice, environmental concerns, and human rights.
Several sessions also focused on civic engagement, encouraging Muslims to vote, run for office, and participate in local government. Representatives from city councils, state legislatures, and congressional offices were present to answer questions and encourage participation.
Islamic Organizations on the Frontline
The exhibition hall at the ISNA Annual Convention 2025 was a testament to the strength and diversity of Islamic organizations working across the country. Booths featured nonprofits, educational institutions, advocacy groups, and businesses all striving to serve the Muslim community.
Organizations like:
- Islamic Relief USA
- CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations)
- MAS (Muslim American Society)
- Zakat Foundation
- ICNA Relief
Showcased their work in areas such as disaster relief, civil rights, youth mentoring, education, and health care. These Islamic organizations play a vital role in addressing the needs of the community while also building bridges with the broader American society.
Attendees had the chance to network, donate, volunteer, and even seek career opportunities through these connections. The collaboration between ISNA and these organizations illustrates how unity and shared vision can drive impactful change.
Women’s Leadership and Inclusion
A notable theme at this year’s convention was the celebration of women’s leadership. From scholars and activists to entrepreneurs and educators, Muslim women were at the forefront of many panels and workshops. Discussions included:
- Gender equity in the mosque
- Muslim women in politics
- Balancing family life and professional growth
- Spiritual empowerment and scholarship
These sessions not only highlighted the achievements of Muslim women but also addressed the systemic challenges they face. The message was clear: empowering women strengthens the entire ummah.
Takeaways That Will Resonate Beyond the Weekend
The ISNA Annual Convention 2025 was not just an event, it was a movement. For many attendees, the most valuable parts were not only the speeches and sessions but the sense of belonging, purpose, and hope it fostered.
Key takeaways include:
- Faith and action must go hand in hand: Islam encourages not only belief but also service, advocacy, and justice.
- Youth must be centered: They are not only the future, they are the present. Their voices, challenges, and solutions matter.
- Collaboration is essential: Whether it’s between different Islamic organizations, or across faith lines, progress requires partnership.
- Muslim identity is rich and multifaceted: It includes scholars, artists, politicians, parents, activists, and entrepreneurs, contributing in unique ways.
- The ummah is resilient: Despite challenges, American Muslims continue to grow, adapt, and thrive.
Looking Ahead
As the weekend came to a close, many were already looking forward to next year. The energy, insights, and connections built at the ISNA Annual Convention 2025 are expected to fuel year-round initiatives in communities across the nation.
ISNA’s commitment to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and social growth of American Muslims remains unwavering. Through collaboration with Islamic organizations, the convention continues to uplift and empower a generation ready to lead with purpose and compassion.
Whether you attended in person, watched online, or plan to join next year, one thing is clear, the ISNA Annual Convention is more than an event. It’s a homecoming, a classroom, a launchpad, and a legacy in motion.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, the ISNA Annual Convention 2025 served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when faith, unity, and purpose align. It brought together thousands of people with one shared goal to grow as individuals and to build a better future for the Muslim ummah.
From stirring speeches and educational panels to youth empowerment and interfaith dialogue, every moment reinforced the value of gathering, reflecting, and acting together. And as more Islamic organizations join hands to uplift the community, the impact of such conventions will only grow stronger.
Mark your calendars for next year because this journey of faith and service is just getting started.
