November 26, 2013- This past weekend ISNA held its Central Zone conference at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati in West Chester Ohio. The theme of the conference was
“Growing through life’s challenges: Lessons from the Quran and Sunnah”. Several hundred attendees consisting of adults and youth participated in this three-day conference.
Among the topics discussed were “Balancing Spirituality & Modernity”, “Cultural Influences on Religion”, “Generation Change”, “Marriage and Familial Rights in Islam”, “Intra-faith Communication”, “Interfaith Partnerships”, and other topics related to the development of the Muslim community in North America. ISNA and the local community had arranged a wide array of renowned scholars including Imam Mohamed Magid Ali, Shaykh Muhammad Ninowy, Imam Abdul Nasir Jangda, Shaykh Usama Canon, Habeeb Quadri, Salma Elkadi, Shaykh Abdalla Idris Ali, Dr. Iqbal Unus, Prof. Waleed Al-Ansari, Prof. Anas Malik, Rev. Steven Smith, Dr. Gary Zola, Shakila Ahmad, Christina Warner, Dr. Saba Ansari, Kiaresh Jahed, Riyad Shamma and other local speakers. Many sessions focused on the challenges faced by Muslim youth and families in practicing Islam in their daily lives. Scholars also talked about spiritual development and the role of prayer during the
Qiyamul Lail sessions.
Other features of the conference included the bazaar, entertainment program by Mohamed Hussein, ISNA History Gallery, ISNA booth, and the Saturday evening celebration banquet.
During the banquet ISNA Community Service Recognition Awards were presented to Dr. Mohammed Salikuddin and Dr. Baher Foad for their outstanding community service in the Cincinnati area.
