ISNA Weekly Newsletter

27th Annual ISNA Education Forum

Education Forum Dates: April 3 - April 5, 2026

Marriott Chicago O'Hare - 8535 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631

Available Tickets:

• General Conference Registration (Includes 3 meals) - $185.00
• Teaching Arabic Language - $75.00
• Mental Health & Wellness - $75.00
• Leadership Tour of Islamic Schools (off-site 7:00 am - 5:00 pm) - $75.00

Hotel - Marriott Chicago O’Hare for 137.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book at this rate:

For questions about the event, please email convention@isna.net

Scroll down for more information on pre-conferences, sponsors, and more!

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 

·       Matrimonial Events

·       Chaplaincy Conference

·       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. 

Jazakallahu Khayran

To those who have supported this project thus far. We have 23 days left to reach our goal!

We are far from our goal. We urge you to help support this initiative.

Indiana Muslim Cemetery: Honoring Our Legacy, Resting in the Direction of the Sunnah

Dear Community Members,

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is honored to introduce the Indiana Muslim Cemetery Project, a dedicated initiative to serve the long‑term needs of our community.

Through this project, we are working to secure and develop an exclusive Muslim section at West Ridge Park Cemetery, officially designated as the Indiana Muslim Cemetery. This section has been carefully surveyed so that all graves will be oriented in the direction recommended in the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, ensuring our brothers and sisters are laid to rest with dignity and in accordance with Islamic tradition.

To fully bring this vision to life, we need your generous support.

Your donations will help:

1. Secure and develop the dedicated Muslim section
2. Cover initial setup, administrative, and maintenance-related costs
3. Ensure affordable and dignified burial options for Muslims in our region for years to come
4. Help provide financial support for those who cannot afford the plot

This is a unique opportunity to take part in Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity). Every future burial, every du’a made by a grieving family, and every act of remembrance in this space can be a source of continuous reward for you and your loved ones, insha’Allah.

“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”

(Sahih Muslim)

We invite you to donate generously and to share this campaign with family and friends. No amount is too small – every contribution brings us closer to providing this essential service to our community.

Please support the Indiana Muslim Cemetery Project today and make this a legacy of mercy, dignity, and faith.

JazakumAllahu khairan for your support and du’as.

ISNA – Islamic Society of North America

Alhamdulillah ISNA visited a total of 40 mosques in the blessed month of Ramadan 

Our CEO Br Azhar Azeez addressing the congregation after Isha at Tawheed Center in MI 

ISNA EDD Br Basharat Saleem addressing a congregation in St Louis 

Our CEO Br Azhar Azeez delivering Jummah Khutba in GA

Our CEO addressing the congregation after Isha in MO

Our CEO with Imam Masmari at UMMA center in MI during Qiyam

Our CEO at Masjid Ar Rahman in TX on the 29th of Ramadan 

Our CEO Br Azhar Azeez talking about ISNA’s basket of services during Fiqh Council “Blessings of Ramadan” Webinar.

Our CEO gave an interview on Radio Azad.

Green Ramadan Campaign 2026

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint” (2:183). 

Alhamd-u-Lillah, this is ISNA Green Initiative’s 12th Green Ramadan Campaign, through which we seek to enlist and urge Masajid/Islamic centers, schools, and homes, to adopt eco-friendly practices. As God’s stewards and protectors of this planet, let’s abandon wasteful practices from this month onward and become more ecofriendly communities and individuals. Let us reaffirm our sense of self-restraint, ethic of conservation and accountability to make this Ramadan both spiritually and practically meaningful. Remember, interacting mindfully with our eco-system is also a manifestation of faith.

Reduce waste; Save energy; Recycle; Save water; Avoid plastic water bottles; Use bio-degradable products for Iftars and other events; No Styrofoam products.

ISNA Green Masjid Award 2026

To promote eco-friendly practices ISNA will this year offer awards of $1000, $600, $400 to the most eco-friendly (Green) Masajid/Islamic centers as part of the Green Ramadan Campaign. Nominate your masjid through the form linked below. Submission dates are from March 21- April 22, 2026.

*First-place winners - Evansville Islamic Center (2024) and East Lansing Islamic Center (2025) are not eligible for the first-place award*

Pre-Conference: Mental Health & Wellness

Friday, April 3, 2026, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

• Caring for the health and well-being of Muslim youth has become a major priority within our Islamic schools in recent years. In a world where Anxiety and Depression reign as leading causes of disability, preventive mental health and wellness skills are essential. Early education, awareness, and practice of regulating tools are vital to deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. 
• 
  
• In this interactive workshop, a team of very qualified presenters will share key concepts and tools of mental & emotional health and wellness that educators, caregivers, and leaders can use for self-help and to nurture mental and emotional well-being in their students. The following speakers will present at this daylong pre-conference workshop.
• 
  

Time, Topics & Presenters

Session I - 9:00 - 10:30 am

Building Mental Health Capacity in Islamic Schools through Youth Mental Health

First Aid & Behavioral Health Partnerships

Dr. Ali Syed

Islamic schools are on the frontlines of shaping the identity, wellness, and resilience of Muslim youth, yet many educators feel unprepared to recognize and respond to students’ mental health needs. Research on American Muslim youth shows elevated rates of anxiety, mood disorders, bullying, and discrimination-related stress, underscoring the urgent need for structured, Islamically grounded mental health capacity in our chools.

This workshop will equip Islamic school leaders, teachers with an evidence-based framework for supporting student mental health while remaining rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. Through data, Islamic principles, and interactive discussions, attendees will leave with practical steps to build sychological safety in classrooms, develop a school mental health policy, and partner with community psychiatrists to better serve their students.

Dr. Ali Syed is a board-certified psychiatrist and Regional Medical Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health at Mosaic Life Care, overseeing multi-site clinics serving rural communities. Fellowship-trained in Public/Community Psychiatry at Columbia University, he is the founder of Khair Collective, an award-winning 501(c)(3), advancing Islamically integrated mental health literacy and resilience in Muslim communities through mental health and wellness workshops, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings, peer support, faith-based education, and systems-level consultation for Islamic organizations.

Short Break – 10:30 -10:45 am

Session II - 10:45 - 12:15 pm

Role of Muslim Educators in Making a Successful Youth Transition

Dr. Sarfraz Khan

During the challenging era of 21st century, the role of teachers is more important than then the parents. Understanding the milestones of human life both in psychological world and Islamic is very important to understand how mature and fruitful behavior can change the outlook of the youth to become a successful adult. We will review role of transition from home life to dorm and what needs to be done to help them avoiding the potential mental illness.

Knowing the changing environments make educational leaders understand the practical ways of understanding the individuals and not having any stereotyping to give everyone a time and space to progress with one's own pace yet giving them an ethical base to progress as a mature adult who can take the challenges of the family and serve the community and humanity Dr. Sarfraz S.Khan is an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at IU school of Medicine, Clinical Professor at Marian University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Chief of Medical Staff - Meridian Health Services and Distinguished Fellow American Psychiatric association. Part of the first group of scientists to prove the structural brain changes in Depression and PTSD.

Break for Jumma Prayer & Lunch - 12:15-2:15 pm

Session III - 2:15-3:45 pm

Building Resilient Educators Who Shape Minds and Hearts

Dr. Suher Khirallah 

Teaching in an Islamic school is a sacred trust, yet educators face immense emotional, academic, and spiritual challenges daily. This workshop invites teachers to unlock resilience through the divine uidance of Surah Al-Fatiha. This Surah, which we recite in Salah at least seventeen times every day, becomes an invitation to explore its practical, transformative power in teaching. In this session, participants will reflect, engage in interactive exercises, and explore Qur’anic moments that show how Al-Fatiha cultivates purpose, gratitude, mercy, accountability, effort paired with reliance on Allah, continuous growth, and the ability to guide students toward righteousness. A visually compelling “Al-Fatiha Resilience Framework” demonstrates how core reliance on Allah strengthens the teacher’s heart and expands their impact in the classroom. Teachers will discover a powerful way to internalize these divine lessons and transform challenges into opportunities for spiritual and professional growth. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of mission, practical tools, and a God-centered mindset to teach with intention and lead with compassion.

This session equips educators not just to survive the demands of teaching, but to thrive as resilient, faith-guided leaders shaping both minds and hearts, In Shaa Allah.

Dr. Suher Khirallah is an educator, author, speaker, and trainer with over 25 years of experience in Qur’anic education, Arabic language, and youth development. She holds a Ph.D. in Qur’anic Exegesis and Sciences and a master’s degree in Arabic and is certified in multiple professional fields. She is the founder of the educational initiatives Arabic with Suher, Young Productive Muslim, and Muslim Youth Magazine, dedicated to helping people connect with the Qur’an and develop purposeful, productive lives.

Session IV – 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Wrap up session/Q&A with presenters

Administration / Leadership Pre-conference

We are excited to provide you with this unique opportunity to participate in this year's ISNA pre-conference program, where you will have a rare opportunity to observe effective leadership in action as we go on a full-day tour of Universal School, a renowned educational institution in Bridgeview, IL.

Important Information:

• ⁠ISNA will provide bus services to the school from the hotel.
• The bus will leave the Hotel at 7 am on Friday.
• Breakfast and lunch are included with registration
• We will be returning to the hotel by 4:15 pm.

Unlock the Secrets to Effective School Leadership: A Unique Opportunity to Visit Universal School. Bridgeview

Join us for an exclusive, full-day tour of Universal School in Bridgeview, Illinois. You will have the rare opportunity to see the seven elements of effective leadership in action. This hands-on experience is designed for education leaders and educators who want to learn firsthand how successful school leaders create environments that foster excellence and sustainable growth.

What Will You Experience?

As you explore Universal School, you’ll witness how the seven critical leadership elements, as Douglas Reeves outlined, come to life. You'll see how clear purpose, trust, focus, leverage, effective feedback, change, and sustainability are woven into the fabric of daily school life, shaping the academy’s success. Here is the link to the book's main idea, which we will refer to throughout the tour. From Leading to Succeeding

• Clear Purpose: See how a shared, focused vision drives the entire school community toward excellence.
• 
  
• Trust: Learn how strong, supportive relationships are built among staff, students, and parents.
• 
  
• Focus: Experience how intentionality in decision-making impacts the school’s overall direction.
• 
  
• Leverage: Discover how the academy maximizes resources to create meaningful learning opportunities.
• 
  
• Effective Feedback: Observe how real-time, constructive feedback fosters continuous improvement.
• 
  
• Change: Understand how the school adapts to meet the ever-changing needs of its students.
• 
  
• Sustainability: Explore how the academy ensures lasting success for students and staff.
• 
  

Why Attend?

This isn’t just a tour—it’s an immersive learning experience. Walk through classrooms, interact with educators and leaders, and uncover the behind-the-scenes actions that make Universal School a model of educational success. You'll leave equipped with ideas and strategies to take back to your own school and adapt them to your unique context.

Don't miss this chance to learn from a school that has turned theory into practice with remarkable results.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Join us for this unparalleled opportunity to witness leadership excellence in education. Sign up for the Universal Academy Tour and take away actionable insights for transforming your own school’s leadership practices. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pre-Conference: Mental Health & Wellness

Friday, April 3, 2026, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Caring for the health and well-being of Muslim youth has become a major priority within our Islamic schools in recent years. In a world where Anxiety and Depression reign as leading causes of disability, preventive mental health and wellness skills are essential. Early education, awareness, and practice of regulating tools are vital to deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. 

In this interactive workshop, a team of very qualified presenters will share key concepts and tools of mental & emotional health and wellness that educators, caregivers, and leaders can use for self-help and to nurture mental and emotional well-being in their students. The following speakers will present at this daylong pre-conference workshop.

Time, Topics & Presenters

Session I - 9:00 - 10:30 am

Building Mental Health Capacity in Islamic Schools through Youth Mental Health

First Aid & Behavioral Health Partnerships

Dr. Ali Syed

Islamic schools are on the frontlines of shaping the identity, wellness, and resilience of Muslim youth, yet many educators feel unprepared to recognize and respond to students’ mental health needs. Research on American Muslim youth shows elevated rates of anxiety, mood disorders, bullying, and discrimination-related stress, underscoring the urgent need for structured, Islamically grounded mental health capacity in our chools.

This workshop will equip Islamic school leaders, teachers with an evidence-based framework for supporting student mental health while remaining rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. Through data, Islamic principles, and interactive discussions, attendees will leave with practical steps to build sychological safety in classrooms, develop a school mental health policy, and partner with community psychiatrists to better serve their students.

Dr. Ali Syed is a board-certified psychiatrist and Regional Medical Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health at Mosaic Life Care, overseeing multi-site clinics serving rural communities. Fellowship-trained in Public/Community Psychiatry at Columbia University, he is the founder of Khair Collective, an award-winning 501(c)(3), advancing Islamically integrated mental health literacy and resilience in Muslim communities through mental health and wellness workshops, Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings, peer support, faith-based education, and systems-level consultation for Islamic organizations.

Short Break – 10:30 -10:45 am

Session II - 10:45 - 12:15 pm

Role of Muslim Educators in Making a Successful Youth Transition

Dr. Sarfraz Khan

During the challenging era of 21st century, the role of teachers is more important than then the parents. Understanding the milestones of human life both in psychological world and Islamic is very important to understand how mature and fruitful behavior can change the outlook of the youth to become a successful adult. We will review role of transition from home life to dorm and what needs to be done to help them avoiding the potential mental illness.

Knowing the changing environments make educational leaders understand the practical ways of understanding the individuals and not having any stereotyping to give everyone a time and space to progress with one's own pace yet giving them an ethical base to progress as a mature adult who can take the challenges of the family and serve the community and humanity Dr. Sarfraz S.Khan is an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at IU school of Medicine, Clinical Professor at Marian University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Chief of Medical Staff - Meridian Health Services and Distinguished Fellow American Psychiatric association. Part of the first group of scientists to prove the structural brain changes in Depression and PTSD.

Break for Jumma Prayer & Lunch - 12:15-2:15 pm

Session III - 2:15-3:45 pm

Building Resilient Educators Who Shape Minds and Hearts

Dr. Suher Khirallah 

Teaching in an Islamic school is a sacred trust, yet educators face immense emotional, academic, and spiritual challenges daily. This workshop invites teachers to unlock resilience through the divine uidance of Surah Al-Fatiha. This Surah, which we recite in Salah at least seventeen times every day, becomes an invitation to explore its practical, transformative power in teaching. In this session, participants will reflect, engage in interactive exercises, and explore Qur’anic moments that show how Al-Fatiha cultivates purpose, gratitude, mercy, accountability, effort paired with reliance on Allah, continuous growth, and the ability to guide students toward righteousness. A visually compelling “Al-Fatiha Resilience Framework” demonstrates how core reliance on Allah strengthens the teacher’s heart and expands their impact in the classroom. Teachers will discover a powerful way to internalize these divine lessons and transform challenges into opportunities for spiritual and professional growth. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of mission, practical tools, and a God-centered mindset to teach with intention and lead with compassion.

This session equips educators not just to survive the demands of teaching, but to thrive as resilient, faith-guided leaders shaping both minds and hearts, In Shaa Allah.

Dr. Suher Khirallah is an educator, author, speaker, and trainer with over 25 years of experience in Qur’anic education, Arabic language, and youth development. She holds a Ph.D. in Qur’anic Exegesis and Sciences and a master’s degree in Arabic and is certified in multiple professional fields. She is the founder of the educational initiatives Arabic with Suher, Young Productive Muslim, and Muslim Youth Magazine, dedicated to helping people connect with the Qur’an and develop purposeful, productive lives.

Session IV – 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Wrap up session/Q&A with presenters

A Program of ISNA

#POWEREDBYISNA

For over 40 years, MYNA has hosted programs and services for youth, unlike any other! From our leadership development programs to our camps and events, no one does youth development like MYNA ... but we cannot do any of this without the Permission of Allah, our duas, and your generous support. In these last blessed days of Ramadan, please support MYNA. Donations can be made through the QR code or directly here: https://www.launchgood.com/communitypage/myna_4#!/community/myna_4/

Jazak Allahu Khair for your unwavering support! 

HIRA 2026:

Looking for a summer program that strengthens your teen’s faith, confidence, and sense of belonging? This summer, give your teen the gift of deep learning, purpose, and lifelong connection. 

The HIRA Summer Intensive is a transformative 3-week program where students immerse themselves in fiqh, aqeedah, Qur’an, hadith, and seerah—while building community with peers and scholars from around the world.

 Flint, Michigan |  June 28–July 19, 2026 | Ages 15–18

Early bird pricing available until April 5th.

Apply now at myna.org/hira

Chicago Matrimonial Baquet - April 4, 2026

Marriott Chicago O’Hare

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