ISNA Weekly Newsletter

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

2026 Scholarship Applications Open

February 19, 2026, and close April 30, 2026

General Eligibility for all Scholarships are given below:

(See specific criteria for each scholarship in their description)

• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• You must be enrolled in a US accredited college/university
• Muslim students actively engaged in the community development work

Dr. Abdulmunim A. Shakir Scholarship  - 10 scholarships of $2000 each Given his strong belief in the value of education, Dr. Shakir arranged for a scholarship fund to support Freshmen students in their first year of higher education

The Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Scholarship - 26 scholarships of $2000 each 

Dr. Hamid Sheikh arranged this scholarship in the memory of his mother, Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh. These scholarships will be given in the fields of Islamic Studies and Journalism.

Amana Mutual Funds Scholarship - 1 scholarship of $2000 each 

Amana Mutual Funds endeavors to align investments with principles. They follow a value-oriented approach consistent with Islamic finance principles. Providing this scholarship through the Islamic Society of North America, allows AMANA Mutual Funds to continue to build upon its principles and provide further support for the American Muslim community

Indiana High School Graduate Scholarship - 4 scholarships of $2000 each will be awarded to high school seniors graduating from any Indiana high school, who meet the criteria below;

Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have US Citizenship or Permanent ResidencyBe a Muslim senior graduating from high school in Indiana, who has been admitted to a college or universityAttained a high school GPA of 3.5 or higherArea of Study: AnyHas been active in community services and/or youth group activities and shows good citizenship. (Enter all activities: sports, academic, religious and community at large)Families of Scholarship Committee members and ISNA’s employees are ineligible. 

Application:Applicants should provide the following:

Citizenship or Permanent Residence documentHigh school graduation and GPA documentsCopy of College Admission letterTwo recommendation letters: One from high school faculty/administrator and one from a community leader, highlighting student’s skills and servicesStudent’s Statement of Intent: Plans to benefit your community and society at large.Student University ID# after admittance

Scholarship History:This Indiana scholarship grew out of the first educational efforts in the early eighties of the Muslim women within the MSA and ISNA community in Plainfield, IN.

Musa Dakri Scholarship - 28 scholarships of $2000 each 

Any field of study

Drs. Arfa and Faroque Khan Scholarship (AFK) - 6 scholarships of $2000 each 

These scholarships will be given in these fields of Law, Media, or Journalism

ISNA CEO addressing the congregation after Isha in Colony TX 

ISNA CEO delivering Jummah Khutba last Friday at MEC in Newark CA

Sh Saad Hasanin giving a Khatira after Isha at Coppell Mosque on behalf of ISNA. 

Isna staff managing the table during Isha & Tarweeh at Masjid Fajr in Indianapolis IN 

ISNA masjid annual Iftar in Plainfield IN

ISNA CEO with staff at Lewisville/ Flower mound Masjid at Isha

Sh Saad Hasanin delivering a Khatira with the ISNA staff at Quad cities mosque

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.

Early Bird Discount Fee of $175 will expire on March 20, 2026

Last day for hotel discount rate is March 25, 2026

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) - $175.00
• Teaching Arabic Language - $75.00
• Mental Health & Wellness - $75.00
• Leadership Tour of Islamic Schools (off site 7:30am - 5:00pm) - $75.00

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

Marriott Chicago O’Hare for 137.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book at this rate: March 25, 2026



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

Arabic Pre-Conference

2026 ISNA Education Forum

Arabic Pre-Conference Workshop

Leveraging AI in the Arabic Language Classroom: Time-Saving Strategies for Engaging, Proficiency-Based Learning

Workshop Description

In this interactive hands-on workshop, Arabic educators will explore practical AI tools that significantly reduce planning time while increasing student engagement. Participants will design standards-aligned units, learning experiences, performance assessment, rubrics, and activities across all modes of communication and cultural competencies that are ready for immediate classroom implementation. Teachers will leave with a toolkit of resources, ready-to-use prompts, and the confidence to integrate AI efficiently, ethically, and in culturally authentic ways.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Design standards-aligned Arabic lessons and activities using AI tools.

2. Use AI to reduce planning time and streamline feedback and assessment.

3. Create engaging, proficiency-based tasks across all modes of communication.

4. Integrate AI ethically and responsibly in culturally authentic ways.

Workshop Agenda

8:30 – 8:45 Welcome & Overview of the Day

8:45 – 10:15 Session 1

10:15 – 10:30 Break

10: 30 – 12:00 Session 2

12:15 – 2:15 Lunch Break and Prayer

2:15 – 3:15 Session 3

3:15 – 3:30 Break

3:30 – 4:30 Group Work

4:30 – 5:00 Large Group Sharing

Iman Arabi-Katbi Hashem

Iman Arabi-Katbi Hashem, MA Director, Loyola Marymount World Language Project Director, Southern California Arabic Teachers Council Arabic Language Instructor, California State University, Long Beach Independent Consultant.

Iman Arabi-Katbi Hashem is the 2019 California World Language Teacher of the Year and a nationally recognized leader in Arabic language education. She serves as Director of the Loyola Marymount World Language Project and Director of the Southern California Arabic Teachers Council, where she fosters professional growth and leadership development for world language educators across the region.

As an Arabic language and culture instructor at California State University, Long Beach, Iman designs and teaches courses in Arabic as both a world and heritage language. Her students consistently commend her ability to cultivate deep cultural understanding and meaningful connections to the Arabic-speaking world.

Iman has served as a consultant for Arabic programs in public and independent institutions, developing standards-aligned curricula, instructional resources, and teacher training initiatives. She has supervised teacher candidates, served as a STARTALK Team Leader, and authored textbooks and multimedia instructional materials. Her leadership has contributed significantly to the development of teacher leaders in Arabic and other less commonly taught languages.

Her recognitions include the CLTA/CWLP Hall Wingard Lifetime Achievement Award, the CLTA/CWLP President’s Award, the ISNA Educational Forum Lifetime Achievement Award, and the ACTFL SIG Teacher Award.

Dr. Baset Haridy

Baset Haridy is an experienced faculty development specialist and a senior AI specialist at UNM, with a strong academic background in language education and pedagogy. Baset has held roles including Senior Teaching Fellow and Instructional Design Specialist at the University of New Mexico, where he taught graduate courses on pedagogical theory and led workshops on learning management systems. He has also coordinated translation services, supported course design, and contributed to faculty development initiatives. Baset holds advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies, and has experience in foreign language education, curriculum development, and academic research.

Administration/Leadership Pre-Conference

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 the_main_idea_FLF.pdf to the 

• 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!

Session Topics Overview

Administration & Leadership

• Getting Partners for Parents: Water the Roots, Children Bear Fruit - Mahdy Amine
• Rooted Leadership: Evaluating Teachers Through Ihsaan - Farea Khan
• Prophetic Social and Emotional Intelligence - Yusuf Jaaber
• Legal & Administrative Risk Zones: Governance, HR, Compliance, Safety - Sufia Azmat
• Leading with Ihsan: Excellence in Islamic Schools - Leiya Hasan & Wadud Hassan

Arabic Language

• Enhancing Dual Language Learning with Cooperative Strategies - Rima Mekdashi
• Leveraging AI in the Arabic Language Classroom - Iman Hashem
• Let's Have Fun! Games & Brain Breaks for an Engaged Classroom - Fadi Abgoush
• Prophetic Social and Emotional Intelligence - Yusuf Jaaber

Curriculum & Instruction

• Rooted in Identity, Ready to Learn: Brain-Based Strategies to Support Neurodivergent Students in Islamic Schools - Nelly Kaakaty
• Designing Joyful Arabic & Qur’an Learning: A Play-Based, Community-Rooted Model for Weekend Schools- Iman k Hasan
• Redefining Teaching Best Practices Through Ihsan - Mona Hammad
• Compassionate Consequences: Behavior Guidance and Accountability in the Muslim Classroom - Asmaa Albadawi
• Artificial Intelligence Vs Human Intelligence - Muhammad Aamir Usmani
• Write it Right! Engaging Tools to Unlock the Arabic Writing Potential - Bayan Naamani

Qur'anic Studies

• Rooted, Ready, and Responsible: Qur’anic Ethics for Volatile Times - Donald Bennett
• The Importance of Differentiated Instruction in Quranic Education - Hassan Peay
• Rooted in the Qur’an: Identity, Wellness, and Ethical Resilience through Arabic and Qur’an - Fatima Antakli
• Scientific Miracles of the Quran: The Universe Explained - Ishfaq Ahmad

Weekend Schools

• Engineering Resilience: Building Sustainable Community Ecosystems in Islamic Weekend Schools - Kristin Amina Laktaif
• Preserving Culture and Educational Wisdom: Shatranj from the Islamic Golden Age to Artificial Intelligence - Tamer Karatekin

Mental Health & Wellness

• Role of Educators in making a successful youth transition - - Sarfraz S. Khan
• Building Mental Health Capacity in Islamic Schools Through Youth Mental Health First Aid - Ali Syed
• Anchored by Surat Al-Fatiha: Building Resilient Educators Who Shape Minds and Hearts - Suher KhirAllah

Ramadan Mubarak

1447/2026

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! 

Thank you to Humaniti and Muslimi for sponsoring a part of our Spring Camps this year!

Humaniti is a humanitarian organization dedicated to improving lives around the world through sustainable aid and development. Their work focuses on areas such as emergency relief, clean water, food security, healthcare, orphan care, and community development. By partnering with local communities, Humaniti aims to create lasting impact and bring hope and dignity to those in need. Learn more here: https://humaniti.ca

Muslimi is an online platform dedicated to serving the Muslim community through engaging content, meaningful discussions, and supportive resources. The site shares articles on faith, culture, lifestyle, current events, and spirituality — offering insights that help Muslims connect with their beliefs and navigate real-world challenges. Learn more here: https://muslimi.com

YOUTH SPRING RETREAT 2026:

This spring, youth across North America will gather to Carry the Noor.

MYNA’s Youth Spring Retreats are back—bringing together reflection, learning, brotherhood/sisterhood, and unforgettable memories in regions across the country.

 March 27–April 5 |  Multiple locations

 Prices start at $275 | Financial aid available

 Register now at myna.org/camps

SPRING CAMP COUNSELORS:

Want to make a real impact this spring? Be the role model you once needed. 

MYNA is now accepting Counselor Applications for our Spring Retreats. Help guide, mentor, and support youth while modeling Islamic character and leadership in a meaningful camp environment.

 March 27–29 & April 3–5, 2026

 Apply at myna.org/counselors

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

Assalamu Alaikum,

This Ramadan, we invite you and your family to take part in MYNA’s 8th Annual Quran-A-Thon — a beautiful opportunity to engage with the Qur’an more intentionally during this blessed month 

 February 17 – March 19

 Goal: Engage with the Qur’an as much as possible throughout Ramadan

The Quran-A-Thon is designed to encourage consistent connection with the Qur’an through reading, reflection, and commitment — whether you’re completing pages, juz’, or simply building a daily habit.

 Why participate?

• Strengthen your relationship with the Qur’an 
• Stay motivated and accountable throughout Ramadan 
• Be part of a community striving together for khayr 

 Incentives & Prizes

•  Grand Prize: $100 off camp
•  Top 5 participants will receive prizes from our amazing sponsors

 Sign up & learn more:

 myna.org/quranathon



If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at development@myna.org.

Let’s make this Ramadan one of reflection, growth, and deeper connection with the words of Allah. We hope you’ll join us 

Chicago Matrimonial Baquet - April 4, 2026

Marriott Chicago O’Hare

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