Muslims Hold 50th Annual Convention in DC

WASHINGTON, DC - The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is holding is 50th annual convention this Labor Day Weekend. The event is the largest gathering of Muslims in the United States.

As the group celebrates its golden jubilee, they're focusing on highlighting the pressing social, religious and political issues in American Muslim life today.

ISNA President, Imam Mohamed Magid says the message is that American Muslims are part of the American social fabric.

He says, "Now there's partnership in every community between Muslim and Jewish and the Christian community working for the common good."

For participants, the attending the convention is a chance to strengthen their faith, and promote interfaith dialogue, cooperation and community service.

Mehmood Kazmi, a participant from Great Falls, Virginia says, "We really want to reach out to other communities, reach out to the country at large, but you're not gonna reach them through this event, but you’re gonna teach your own people how to reach out."

Some say the convention has come to be the defining event for the American Muslim community.

Products geared towards the community are often launched. Important scholars are featured, as are musicians like Naeem Muhammad and Adbul-Malik Ahmad.

They are Muslim hip hop artists in the group Native Deen.

Muhammad says, "We were born and raised Muslim in the United States, so our music is very American. It is about our life growing up here, but with Islam as our faith."

Ahmad adds, "Whatever it takes to build the nation better, that's what we're trying to do, and I think that's the meaning of this conference and why we're here."

They are showing what they say is the real face of Islam which is diverse, proud and all American.

Imam Magid says, "We would like our community to go back to their local community more energized to do more, to find that partnership with their fellow American."

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray spoke at the event today and decreed it Islamic Society of North America day.

The convention runs through Monday, September 1 at the D.C. Convention Center.