Education Forum May 10-12, 2024 | |
ISNA Board Election Update
We are pleased to announce that the ISNA board elections are underway. In order to vote, you must be an ISNA member by June 3, 2024. If you have not yet become a member, we encourage you to consider joining us today to ensure your eligibility for voting. To sign up, please follow the link below.
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Official Sponsors of the 25th Annual ISNA Education Forum | |
ICNA Relief USA seeks to alleviate human suffering by providing caring and compassionate service to victims of adversities and survivors of disasters. ICNA Relief USA strives to build healthy communities, strengthen families and create opportunities for those in despair while maintaining their dignity.
Volunteers from across the country help them accomplish their mission every day. They are a Muslim organization and feel it is their religious responsibility to support those in need in our country regardless of their race, religion or other identifying features.
*Click their logo to learn more!
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AIC's Mission is to be a fully accredited university that will serve the diverse American Muslim community and the nation as a whole in perpetuity; to offer rigorous and professionally sound programs that prepare students to take up educational, leadership, and policy-making roles in American society; to serve as a resource for American institutions and individuals seeking academically anchored and culturally competent knowledge about Islam and Muslims.
*Click their logo to learn more!
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The Lighthouse Schools is an innovative Islamic boarding school for boys that harmoniously merges the strengths of traditional and online learning for students in grades 6-12. Recognizing the uniqueness of each learner, their educational model leverages the flexibility of online education and combines it with the structure of traditional learning environments, using their unique 3M (Mentor, Motivate, Monitor) model. By partnering with Arizona State University, they utilize a world-renowned online curriculum, further supported by AI tools, while their dedicated faculty mentors guide students’ academic and personal development.
*Click their logo to learn more!
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School Pro provides dedicated support, secure communication, all in one system, and easy to manage software. Minimize your input and maximize your output with School Pro!
*Click their logo to learn more!
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ISF (Islamic Services Foundation) is a non-profit organization established in 1989 by a group of Muslim families in the Dallas area dedicated to establishing an educational institution conducive to an Islamic environment that would not only provide a great academic foundation for the children of the community, but also a strong Islamic foundation that would benefit the Ummah/community in years to come.
*Click their logo to learn more!
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IQRA International Educational Foundation's mission is to develop an Islamic curriculum for Islamic schools; support school administrators and teachers with workshops and assessment tools; and extend Islamic learning outside the classroom with programs for parents and students.
*Click their logo to learn more!
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Arabic Daily's Mission is to empower independent Arabic learners by providing comprehensive tools, including grammar, vocabulary, and review exercises. Their primary goal is to cultivate a passion for the language and eliminate the misconception that Arabic is an unapproachable language. Their approach centers on structured and empathetic lessons, where quizzes and assignments are not perceived as punishments but rather opportunities for valuable review.
*Click their logo to learn more!
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The May/June Issue of Islamic Horizons is here! | |
Crawfish and Couscous
Finding Blessing in the Balance: Guidance for Cross-Cultural Parenting
By Carissa Lamkahouan
If you’ve been blessed with children, you well understand the ups and downs of parenting. How you handle one issue or another can change depending on your mood, the particular child you’re engaging with, the problem at hand, what’s going on in your household or any number of other factors that impact your decision-making process...
Read Full Article Here
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Leveraging High School
Foundation for College Begins Before Freshman Year
By Naazish YarKhan
The road to college starts with what high school students accomplish from their freshman year onward, especially if they are considering elite universities and competitive programs. That said, there is room for some fails, fears, and false starts...
Read Full Article Here
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Feeling Welcome at the Mosque
Are More Younger Muslims Disconnecting?
By Kiran Ansari
On the first Friday of Ramadan, California-mom Shereen Masood was excited to take her children to the mosque. But instead of being motivated about making the most of this holy month, she was asked to move to the back because she had kids with her — even though her shy daughter didn’t make a sound...
Read Full Article Here
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Yearning to Learn Islam
Muslims Behind Bars Feel Abandoned
By Emily M. Duncan
“Not having access to scholars and Islamic materials is, to me, the most difficult thing,” said Dennis, who is incarcerated in Florida. “Many times I’ve needed to know what scholars have said about a particular thing, and I couldn’t find it in any of the books I had.”
Read Full Article Here
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MYNA Summer Camp 2024 is LIVE!
لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا “
Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.” (Quran, 33:21) Adab, rooted in Islamic tradition, embodies the refined behavior, etiquette, and virtues exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is the highest standard each and every Muslim aspires to live up to, and it is that same standard that hundreds of campers across the nation will aim to study and embody at one of MYNA’s summer camps this July.
In a deep dive into the theme, “Adab in Action,” campers will explore how the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) serves as a beacon of guidance and inspiration, illuminating the path towards embodying Adab in thought, speech, and action. In a world characterized by diversity and complexity, the timeless principles of Adab offer a universal framework for navigating interpersonal relationships, fostering empathy, and promoting social harmony. By embodying the virtues of Adab, campers will empower themselves to become agents of positive change within their communities, inspiring others through their exemplary conduct and ethical leadership, and leaving a lasting legacy of excellence for generations to come. Join us and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and moral refinement.
Register Here
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ISRAA All Girls Summer Camp 2024
As an extension to our summer camps, we will be having an all girls camp for the first time and we are so excited!!
Welcome to MYNA’s first-ever all girls camp, a unique and enriching experience designed to foster spiritual growth, personal development, and sisterhood in a supportive Islamic environment. At our camp, we provide a safe and nurturing space where Muslim girls can explore their faith, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships. Our camp offers a diverse range of activities and programs that cater to the holistic development of our campers. From Quranic studies and Islamic lectures to outdoor adventures and team-building exercises, there's something for every girl to engage in and enjoy.
Led by knowledgeable teachers, mentors and counselors who share a deep commitment to Islamic values, our programs are designed to inspire girls to connect with their faith, strengthen their character, and cultivate a sense of purpose and identity grounded in Islam. In addition to spiritual growth, our camp places a strong emphasis on personal development and leadership skills. Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities, campers learn essential life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, that empower them to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond with confidence and resilience. Topics like body image, women’s role in Islam, mental health, nutrition, and more will also be explored.
Perhaps most importantly, our all girls camp fosters a sense of sisterhood and community among campers. Through shared prayers, meaningful conversations, and collaborative projects, girls form bonds that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, creating a supportive network of friends who uplift and inspire one another. Whether it's learning about Islamic history, exploring the natural world, or simply sharing laughter and stories around the campfire, our all girls camp offers an empowering and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of our campers. Join us as we embark on a journey of faith, friendship, and self-discovery!
Register Here
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HIRA 2024
TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Youth, this is for you!
In a world where everything around you drains your Iman, how do you keep your Iman rock solid?
In these current times, the only way to be a strong Muslim is to be a knowledgeable Muslim. Hira Intensive is a knowledge seeking summer program for all of you passionate about diving deep into Islam! Hira Intensive brings world renowned scholars to teach 6 Islamic courses (Quran, Hadith, Aqeedah and more)! This 3-week program is filled with daily activities and competitions, field trips, and much more to help youth build their Muslim community. Make life-long friendships, unforgettable memories, all while learning more about what makes Islam beautiful!
July 6-27, 2024
Flint, Michigan
Youth 15-19
Early bird discount April 28!
Register Here
Are you 21+? Want to transform the lives of the next generation of the Muslim ummah and be a part of a sadaqa jariyah till the end of time? If you’re interested in being a youth mentor visit http://www.myna.org/hira-ra!
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MYNA City Edition Camp
For the city edition MYNA’s City Edition features a dynamic and immersive urban experience tailored for youth seeking adventure, learning, and community engagement in the heart of the city.
City Edition offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore urban environments, engage in service projects, and connect with peers in a vibrant metropolitan setting.
At MYNA's City Edition, participants embark on a journey of discovery as they explore the rich cultural, historical, and social fabric of the city. From guided tours of iconic landmarks and museums to interactive workshops on urban sustainability and social justice, our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.
In addition to exploration and education, MYNA's City Edition emphasizes the importance of community service and civic engagement. Through hands-on service projects and volunteer opportunities, participants have the chance to make a positive impact on their local communities, while also developing valuable leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility.
But it's not all work and no play at MYNA's City Edition! Participants also have plenty of opportunities to unwind, have fun, and connect with their peers through a variety of recreational activities and group outings. Whether it's sampling local cuisine or enjoying a night of laser tag or bowling, there's always something exciting happening at our City Edition.
Join us for an unforgettable urban adventure filled with exploration, service, and friendship at MYNA's City Edition. Whether you're a city dweller or a suburbanite looking to experience the pulse of urban life, our camp offers an enriching and empowering experience that will leave a lasting impact on your life.
Register Here
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61st Annual ISNA Convention |
Confirmed Speakers Announced!
Save the dates for August 30 - September 2 in Dallas, TX. Order your tickets today!
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Upcoming Matrimonial Events | |
ISNA Office for Interfaith & Community Alliance
ISNA IOICA
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INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) engages in numerous interfaith dialogue programs. The programs connect Muslims and people of other faiths with one another in order to build mutual respect and understanding. Some of these programs consist of small scholarly discussions and some engage larger groups from different faith communities.
National Baptist-Muslim Dialogue
In 2009 and 2012, the Islamic Society of North America partnered with Andover Newton Theological Seminary and a coalition of national Baptist organizations for the first-ever National Baptist-Muslim Dialogues. Each dialogue gathered together Baptist and Muslim clergy and lay leaders from across the country for presentations on one another’s beliefs and traditions, observations of worship services, and small-group discussions to share experiences.
Midwest Muslim-Catholic Dialogue
The Midwest Dialogue of Catholics and Muslims is an annual joint initiative of ISNA and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which began in 1996. Its mission is to engage Catholic and Muslim scholars and leaders in interreligious dialogue. The dialogue provides a forum for Muslim-Catholic discussion, critique, and exchange of information on theological concepts and their relation to U.S. American society.
National Muslim-Christian Initiative
In February 2008, ISNA and the National Coalition of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) launched the National Muslim-Christian Initiative to enhance mutual understanding, respect, appreciation and support for what is sacred for each other. NCC is the umbrella group for a wide spectrum of 37 Protestant denominations, which include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
International Interfaith Dialogue
ISNA helps facilitate interfaith dialogue at an international level, representing the voices of American Muslims. Much of this work takes place through the annual Doha International Conference for Interfaith Dialogue in Doha, Qatar and through ISNA’s membership in Religions for Peace, the largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s great religions working together to promote peace.
And More!
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ISNA Green Initiative thanks all those who have completed the Green Masjid
Award Form. Insha’Allah, soon the winners will be announced.
Let us all make every effort to adopt environmentally friendly practices at our Masajid/Islamic centers and at home as this our responsibility ordained to us by Allah (SWT).
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Convention Theme Winner
Dr. Mona Islam
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The winner of this year's convention theme prize Dr. Mona Islam is a MYNA alumni. She has authored several books including "Growing Up As An ISNA Kid". She was a youth speaker and moderator Saturday night session at the 55th ISNA Convention in Houston in 2018.
Dr. Mona Islam has been deeply engaged with the American Muslim community on various
levels for the past thirty years. She is an educator, published author, a youth worker and community builder. Her greatest passions and areas of contribution lie in developing Muslim
youth.
Her youth work experience starts back from the early 1990s when she started organizing
the first several Regional MYNA conferences which took place in Dallas, Texas from 1994-1998.
Her background with ISNA and MYNA gave way to several more decades of developing various
youth programs impacting hundreds of youth in Southeast Houston and beyond.
Mona is a passionate curriculum developer with extensive knowledge of the classical Islamic disciplines. She has written curriculum and facilitated community education through administering and teaching both academic and Islamic classes. She regularly organizes
various community programs and events and partakes in humanitarian aid efforts. She lives
with her family and five children in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Mona Islam currently serves as a visiting faculty and board member at The Islamic
Seminary of America where she teaches the course “Effective Youth Work”.
Fun fact: She wrote a book in 2018 entitled “Growing Up as An ISNA Kid” which captures some
of her childhood experiences traveling to ISNA with her parents.
We are proud of her achievements and commitment to the mission of ISNA.
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