Welcoming Br. Azhar Azeez as CEO of ISNA | | |
Dear Respected Community,
As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
It is with great joy and optimism that we announce the appointment of Br. Azhar Azeez as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), effective January 1, 2026. This milestone marks an exciting opportunity for ISNA to embrace dynamic leadership, innovation, and growth rooted in our Islamic values.
Br. Azhar brings extensive experience to this role. His tenure as a CEO and senior executive at reputable Muslim charities reflects his deep commitment to mission-driven leadership. He has overseen large-scale operations, led program development, and guided highly successful fundraising initiatives. He is widely respected for his ability to build strong relationships within the community and strengthen collaboration across diverse groups.
In addition to his work in corporate America and the nonprofit sector, Br. Azhar has played a pivotal role in advancing community engagement and strategic partnerships. His prior service as President of ISNA, along with over 25 years as a dedicated board member, provides him with invaluable institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of ISNA’s mission, vision, and the evolving needs of our community.
As we welcome Br. Azhar into this pivotal leadership role, we pray for a smooth transition and continued success for ISNA. We invite our entire community to join us in supporting him as he begins this new chapter in our shared effort to serve the ummah.
May Allah ﷻ guide our efforts and grant us success.
Sincerely,
The ISNA Board of Directors
| |
MYNA’s 2025 Winter Camps Kick Off
Florida and Virginia
| | |
MYNA’s 2025 Winter Camps have officially kicked off this week in Florida and Virginia, bringing together over 100 youth from across the two regions for a powerful and transformative experience. Campers have come together for a week of learning, reflection, and connection centered around exploring what it truly means to be a voice of justice as a Muslim today.Throughout the week, youth have been engaging with inspiring lectures that draw on examples from across Muslim history, connecting timeless lessons to the realities they face today.
Campers have had the opportunity to learn from esteemed speakers such as Ustadh Abidah Ali, Ustadh Uthman Qureshi, Ustadh Ahmed El-Gendi, and others, reflecting on the lives and legacies of figures including Musa (AS), Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA), Malcolm X, and more. These sessions have challenged campers to think deeply about courage, truth, and standing firm for justice in the face of adversity.
In addition to spiritual and intellectual growth, campers have been participating in interactive workshops, team-building activities, and recreational programming—including rock wall climbing, archery, and other high-energy experiences—creating space for fun, bonding, and personal growth.
As the week continues, excitement remains high for what’s still to come. We’re also looking ahead with anticipation as three more winter camps prepare to kick off next week in Indiana, California, and Texas, inshaAllah—continuing a season of impact, inspiration, and community for Muslim youth across the country.
| | |
Year End Campaign
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Faith,
As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the many blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (SWT). This year has been filled with challenges and opportunities, and we are grateful for your steadfast support of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).
The end of the year is an opportune moment to give back and support the projects and initiatives that resonate with our values and faith. Your kind donations can help us continue our mission of serving the community, promoting education, fostering interfaith dialogue, and providing programs and conferences addressing community needs.
Remember the words of Allah in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 267:
"O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned..."
As we draw closer to the end of this year, let us reflect on our blessings and share from what Allah has given us. Each donation, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on our community and beyond.
How You Can Help:
- Make a Donation: Visit our website www.isna.net to contribute online.
- Spread the Word: Share this message with family and friends and encourage them to contribute to uphold our mission.
- Pray for Our Cause: Your duas (prayers) are equally important. Pray for our efforts to reach those who need it most.
May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly for your generosity and willingness to support our cause. Together, we can continue making a difference in our community and for future generations.
JazakAllah Khair for your kindness and support!
Wishing you a blessed end to the year.
| |
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
| | Discount Extended to December 15, 2025 | |
|
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.
| | |
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!
| | |
The Exemplary Life of Emir Abd al-Qadir al Jazairy
AUTHORS: AFEEFA SYEED, DEMI, TAMAR MILLER
A Deeply Inspiring Story
Children, their parents, and teachers will be captivated by the inspiring life-story of one of the world’s noblest and most exemplary leaders. In this book for children, Emir Abd al-Qadir describes his own childhood and education, growing up in the Algerian Sahara. When, later, the French army invades his country...
More information on how to read it here: https://fonsvitae.com/product/the-exemplary-life-of-emir-abd-al-qadir-al-jazairy/
| |
A Program of ISNA
#POWEREDBYISNA
| | Are You Subscribed to Islamic Horizons Magazine? | | The November/December Issue is here! Get your copy today. | |
10 Books to Read During Uncertain Times
From Malcolm X to Greta Thunberg, the Timeless Revolutionaries Who Helped Shape Our World
By Shabnam Mahmood
Jan/Feb 25
During every crisis, clear voices emerge to denounce state violence, guide the people, and reimagine what justice can look like. From revolutionary Black leaders to climate activists and political dissidents, these individuals have not only lived through the world’s upheavals but have helped to reshape it in the aftermath with their words and deeds. Here are 10 books by changemakers from our recent history that can guide us through times of uncertainty and unrest...
| | |
World War III is Coming
And it Will Begin in the Middle East
By Luke Peterson
Jan/Feb 26
On Sept. 17, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact. This compelling regional accord is trumpeted as a response to Israel’s violation of Qatar’s sovereignty in early September with their bombing of diplomatic offices in Doha connected to the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (known as Hamas). This agreement, according to The Associated Press, is stated as the first major diplomatic maneuver involving an Arabian Gulf state since Israel’s attack on Qatar which took place a mere week before its signing...
| | |
Evangelicals Believe Muslim American Politicians are a Threat. Here’s Why They’re Wrong.
Evangelical Abhorrence of Muslim Politicians Contradicts Christian Values
By Dennis P. Allan
Jan/Feb 26
Photo Cred: @madisonswart on Instagram
In the days after New York City Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic Primary, a predictable form of opposition emerged from white, conservative evangelical Christians. The criticism didn’t focus on Mamdani’s policy positions or leadership qualifications, exclusively. Instead, it centered on his...
| |  |
The Science Behind Manifestation and Goal Setting
A Look at Quranic Du’a and Neuroplasticity for the New Year
By Batoul Koussan
Jan/Feb 26
In Islam, du’a is described as calling on God with humility, sincerity, and trust. The Quran confirms this sacred act, as God commands, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you” (40:60). But du’a is more than spoken words; it is a dynamic interaction that bridges the spiritual and neural realms. In recent years, Western psychology and neuroscience have explored how goal setting, positive visualization...
| | | |
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 | | | | |
