September 1989, Page 22

Religion

Islam in America

By Uzra Zeya

Raising a Political Voice

Muslim political activism, contemporary national issues and the US decision-making process were on the agenda of the First Annual Muslim Political Awareness Conference, held in Washington, DC, from August 4 through 6. The Islamic Society of North America sponsored the event to "shape the Muslim agenda for the next decade."

Featured speakers included Sayyid M. Sayeed of the International Institute for Islamic Thought, Ahmad Zaki Hammad of the Islamic Society of North America, and Ambassador Andrew Killgore, president of the American Educational Trust.

Topics discussed in conference sessions included development of a Muslim approach to problems such as crime and drug abuse and an analysis of the role of lobbying and political action committees in national affairs. Special recognition was given to American political figures who have demonstrated active concern for America's Muslim community, including Rep. Jim Bates (D-CA), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Rep. Mervyn Dymally (D-CA), and Rep. Walter Fauntroy (D-DC).

Sixth Annual Muslim World Day

The Muslim Foundation of America has scheduled its 4th Annual World Day Parade for September 16, 1989. Representatives from at least 100 Islamic centers are expected to participate, creating a lasting symbol of Islamic unity. The parade is a follow-up to the Sixth Annual Muslim World Day Food Fair in New York City which was held August 19. That yearly event represents an opportunity for thousands of residents of the tri-state (NY, NJ, CT) area to experience both the unity and cultural diversity of America's Muslim community. Visitors can sample food delicacies from around the world, and enjoy entertainment and arts and crafts exhibitions.

Convention News

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) held its 14th Annual Convention at the University of Rhode Island at Kingston, from August 11 through 13. The official theme, "Linking Islam in America," reflected ICNA's commitment to enhancing both the practice and understanding of Islam in the United States.

Speakers invited from around the world included Hasan Turabi of Sudan, Ahmad Von Denffer of Germany, Khurram Murad of Pakistan, and Abdullah Hakeem of Canada. The Islamic Society of North America chose the theme, "Reaching Out With Islam," for its 26th annual convention at the Dayton Convention Center over the Labor Day weekend. The convention theme was selected to reflect an optimistic approach to the challenges faced by Muslims in North America.

In addition to scheduling discussion sessions and workshops, the conference sponsors contacted non-profit organizations and small businesses from all over the US to participate in the ISNA bazaar, a showcase of crafts, books, periodicals and other times of interest to visitors. (The American Educational Trust Book Club and the Washington Report on Middle East Affairsare among the bazaar participants.) For more information on the convention or the Bazaar, contact ISNA at PO Box 38, Plainfield IN, 46168, or call (317) 839-1836.

Uzra Zeya is a staff member of the American Educational Trust and a free-lance writer specializing in Islamic affairs.