ISNA Weekly Newsletter

Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn


We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Yaqub Mirza. On behalf of ISNA, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.


Dr. Yaqub Mirza was a devoted and compassionate leader whose contributions greatly enriched the Muslim community in America. He founded and served as President of the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World at Shenandoah University and was also the founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Management Group, Inc. In addition, Dr. Mirza previously served as General Manager of NAIT.



As an author and thought leader, Dr. Mirza contributed extensively through service on numerous boards. His roles included Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amana Mutual Funds, member of the International Advisory Council of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), and member of the Council of Advisors for the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, along with many other community initiatives.


For his community service, ISNA awarded Dr. Yaqub Mirza with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its Annual Convention. 


We pray that Allah (SWT) grant him the highest place in Jannah and bless his family with patience and peace during this difficult time.

ISNA is Hiring!

Open Positions

Account Manager

Outreach Coordinator

Interfaith Program Manager

Coordinator for Youth Department - MYNA

Email your resume to basharat.saleem@isna.net

Job descriptions can be found by clicking the button below.

ISNA Regional Conference St. Louis

January 31, 2026

Marriott St. Louis West

660 Maryville Centre Dr, St. Louis, MO 63141


Available Tickets: 

  • Conference Only Ticket - $35.00
  • Banquet Only Ticket - $50.00
  • Conference and Banquet Ticket - $75.00
  • Youth Ticket (12-18 yrs) - $25.00
  • Banquet Table of 10 - $500.00


A Special Thanks!

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who submitted proposals for the 14th Annual ISNA Education Forum. We have received a remarkable number of proposals, and your contributions are invaluable to us.



Currently, we are in the process of reviewing all submissions and will reach out to you once selections have been made.


May Allah bless all the work you do, and we look forward to seeing you in Costa Mesa, Insha'Allah.

Use discount code ISNA10 before December 7, 2025 to receive a 10% Early Bird Discount on your General Conference Registration tickets!

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Friday

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Parallel In Depth Workshops

  • Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum through 5D Thinking
  • One Language, Two Goals: Linking Qur’an and Arabic in the Weekend Classroom

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Opening Reception Inaugural Luncheon

  • Qur'an Recitation
  • Welcome Remarks: ISNA Executive Director Basharat Saleem
  • Program Overview
  • Keynote Address

1:25 PM - 1:55 PM Jummah Prayer

2:05 PM - 3:20 PM Parallel Sessions 1-3

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Asr Prayer Break

4:00 PM - 5:15 PM Parallel Sessions 4-6

5:45 PM - 6:00 PM Maghrib Prayer Break

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Celebration Banquet

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Networking Session


Saturday

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Parallel Sessions 7-9

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Parallel Sessions 10-12

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch Break

1:05 PM - 1:20 PM Zuhr Prayer Break

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM Parallel Sessions 13 - 15

2:55 PM - 3:10 PM Asr Prayer Break

3:20 PM - 4:35 PM Parallel Sessions 16 - 18

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM Networking & Concluding Session

  • Our Dream Schools


ATTN: High School and College Students in the U.S.


2026 Abdelkader Global Citizenship Prize with monetary scholarship awards for winning entries. All entries are due February 28, 2026.

62nd Annual Convention Featured Videos

Centennial Reflections on Malcolm X: A legacy of Justice and Transformation

Speakers: Zaid Shakir, Iesha Prime, Yasir Qadhi


Marking 100 years since the birth and 60 years since the passing of Malcolm Little - Later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. His life stands as a symbol of justice and transformation, echoing the sacred command: "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Justice..." (Quran 4:135). This session explores individuals across faiths to stand boldly for truth and integrity.

Convention Recap!

Voices of Justice: Islam’s Legacy of Speaking Truth

Our winter camps are back and registration is open! 

We want youth to rediscover the rich tradition of justice and advocacy rooted in our faith. Voices of Justice will explore how speaking truth to power has always been a part of Islam, beginning with the prophets and continuing through generations of courageous believers. From the defiance of Prophet Musa AS before Pharaoh, to Bilal RA's stand for racial equality, to the compassionate governance of Umar ibn al-Khattab RA, and the economic leadership of Khadijah RA, our history is filled with those who rose against oppression. We want to connect these legacies to modern-day icons like Malcolm X and Sheikh Omar Mukhtar, empowering youth to see justice not as a trend, but as a sacred inheritance.

Join us this winter for an unforgettable week as we delve into this amazing theme! 

Register here: myna.org/camp

MYNA Camp Counselors Needed!


Ready to make an impact this winter? MYNA Winter Camp is looking for dedicated counselors to lead, mentor, and inspire the next generation of Muslim youth!


 Camp Dates:

  • Dec 21–27
  • Dec 28–Jan 3


If you’re 19+, passionate about youth, and ready to build lifelong memories, apply now! 


Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/mynawrccapply to apply today.

Named after cave Hira, to which Prophet Muhammadﷺ would habitually retreat, and where he received the first revelation, Hira Intensive aims to cultivate a vibrant, diverse, and engaged environment for students to focus on spirituality and self-reflection. Hira brings the very best of Muslim American scholarship to young Muslims, facilitating the highest quality instruction with renowned scholars from across the country, as well as a robust personal development curriculum.Student Testimonial

“Everything about Hira struck home to the heart, and really made me think and have helped me change certain habits in my life for the better. Hira was truly a life changing experience that I would gladly participate in a hundred times over.” - Saba T

Click here to learn more and fill out the interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/1mWjnbbBzFsP0AgF9W2CDkY_Gar0fWfA_5sYf1c41Upk/edit

Shelter in the Storm: Lessons from Surah Kahf

“Shelter in the Storm: Lessons from Surah Kahf” is a six-week online course with Sr. Sana Khan for girls ages 12-18 to reflect on Surah Kahf and its timeless relevance in today’s world.

Students will meet via Zoom on Sundays, starting Sunday Jan 4, 2026 from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm EST, to examine the surahs four powerful stories and relate them to the difficulties that come with leadership, peer pressure, and social media. Through the lens of modern challenges, they’ll learn how Surah Al-Kahf can become a spiritual shield against daily trials.

“Shelter in the Storm: Lessons from Surah Kahf” fosters spiritual reconnection as the new year begins, helping teen Muslimahs build a confident identity rooted in the Qur’an and a heart connected to divine guidance.

Miftaah X MYNA Winter 2026


We are excited to announce that registration for the Miftaah x MYNA Program is now open for the Winter 2026 semester!


In this semester, we will be offering 2 amazing courses with Mufti Sultan Mohiddin and Imam Ali Hofioni: 


 From Resurrection to the Final Abode 

 Exploring the Fiqh of Taharah


 Register now at miftaah.org/myna


We look forward to having you join us!

A Program of ISNA

#POWEREDBYISNA

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The November/December Issue is here! Get your copy today.

Featured Articles

12 Muslim-Owned Cafés Across the U.S. to Visit This Winter 

A Cup of Tradition to Keep You Warm

By Nawal Ali

Nov/Dec 25


As winter’s icy grip takes hold, seeking solace in a café becomes a ritual. Muslim-owned cafés in the United States have masterfully crafted spaces that blend exceptional beverages with a welcoming atmosphere for the whole community. These establishments offer taste and tradition through their genuine coffees, teas, and pastries. Here are 12 Muslim-owned cafés across the nation that promise warmth and comfort during the colder months. 

Winter Activities to Enjoy with Your Muslim Kids So They Don’t Feel Left Out During the Holiday Season


A Muslim Guide for a Joyful Season

By Shabnam Mahmood


When the winter season arrives, the air fills with glittering lights, jingling music, and the scent of pine and cinnamon. For many Christian families, the holiday season is a time of celebration and connection. For Jewish families, it’s a time of joy and reflection. But for Muslim families — especially children — the season can stir a sense of being on the outside looking in...


Five Countries Beyond the Middle East with Deep Islamic History


Mixing Faith and Local Traditions to Shape Cultures Around the World

By Zahra N. Ahmed

Nov/Dec 25


When some think of countries with rich Islamic influences, images of the adhan echoing from towering minarets, pilgrims circling the Kaaba, or golden Sahara dunes often come to mind. But Islam’s global footprint extends far beyond those iconic scenes and is far more layered than many realize. Over the centuries, Muslims have journeyed across continents, weaving their faith into local traditions in ways that continue to mold communities today...


The Next Chapter in Islamic Home Financing


Barriers & Breakthroughs

By Mohamed Abdullah

Nov/Dec 25


In communities across the United States, a growing number of Muslims are seeking to own a home without compromising their religious values. For many Muslims, choosing Islamic home financing is about more than money — it’s about honoring their faith while working toward long-term stability. Islamic home financing options are built to avoid interest (riba), reduce uncertainty (gharar), and steer clear of contract terms that may not align with Islamic principles... 


ISNA Convention 2026 in Detroit, Michigan

We at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) are delighted to announce that the 63rd Annual ISNA Convention will take place in Detroit, Michigan, over the Labor Day Weekend, September 4 - 7, 2026.


The ISNA convention is celebrated as one of the largest annual gatherings of Muslims in America, drawing thousands of participants. This convention promises to be an inspiring gathering, bringing together community members, families, leaders, scholars, youth, the business community, and other guests from across the country. With thought-provoking sessions, uplifting spiritual programs, engaging youth activities, interfaith dialogues, and a dynamic bazaar, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

 

The program will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and special events designed to address timely issues, strengthen community bonds, and highlight opportunities for growth and service. 


Detroit, with its rich history and vibrant Muslim community, will serve as the perfect host city for this national gathering of faith, knowledge, and unity.

Convention Highlights:

·       Keynote sessions with distinguished speakers

·       Interactive workshops and panel discussions

·       Networking opportunities for professionals and students

·       Special events and exhibitions

·       Art Exhibit, Film Festival, Science Fair, Robotics

·       Basketball Tournament 

·       Community recognition and award ceremonies

·       Interfaith Events and Activities 

·       And much more 

We invite all members, partners, and the broader community to join us in this landmark event. Your presence will help make the convention a meaningful and impactful experience.


Stay tuned for more details on registration, hotel accommodations, and program highlights. 


Other Upcoming Events - Save the Date

14th Annual West Coast Education Forum - Jan 16-17, 2026

Hilton Costa Mesa

West Coast Matrimonial Banquet - January 17, 2026

Hilton Costa Mesa

27th Annual Chicago Education Forum - April 3-5 2026

Marriott Chicago O’Hare

Chicago Matrimonial Baquet - April 4, 2026

Marriott Chicago O’Hare

Become a Member - Donate - Website

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