ICNA - Islamic Circle of North America

This past Memorial Day weekend, I went to the ICNA Convention in CT.

Established in 1968, the Islamic Circle of North America was a response to the growing need for a supportive Muslim community in North America. The organization initially focused on educating its growing membership about Islam, the goal being to adhere to Islamic values amongst a religiously diverse community. In the early 70s, ICNA members, the majority of whom were of South Asian descent, focused their efforts on education and personal/spiritual development.

In November of 1977, nearly a decade after its formation, ICNA members met and discussed the need for Islamic work based in North America. After drafting and adopting a new detailed constitution, the organization formally became known as the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). With a new name and new direction, members of ICNA were determined to become an inclusive, diverse organization, and adopted English as their official language. ICNA’s work towards establishing a place for Islam in America began.

With the 80s came several key expansion projects—ICNA Sisters’ Wing was formed in 1980, ICNA’s main headquarters established in Jamaica, Queens in 1984 and the annual convention celebrated its 10th year in 1985. With a central location from which to base its efforts, ICNA was able to launch numerous projects, many of which still thrive today. ICNA Relief, 877-Why Islam, Young Muslims, the National Shura Council, the Message International, Muslim Alert Network, Muslim Savings and Investments (MSI) and more branches were formed throughout the following years to cater to the needs of the American Muslim community. Along with the national convention, clusters of ICNA chapters across North America hosted annual regional conferences; Neighbor Nets were formed for members of local chapters to meet on a consistent basis. 1993 marked a milestone in ICNA’s history, as it’s Charter and By-Laws were approved and adopted.

In the past decade, ICNA has expanded its reach across the US while maintaining an active presence in local communities. Muslim Family Day, first hosted at Six Flags in the year 2000, now attracts nearly 50,000 a year. The ICNA Council for Social Justice, a branch of ICNA dedicated to representing the Muslim voice on matters of social justice was formed in 2009. ICNA has worked to establish connections between Islam and the public, collaborating with numerous Muslim organizations to reach this end. ICNA also works closely with many national interfaith organizations for the betterment of society. By focusing on self-development, education, outreach and social services, ICNA has cemented its place as a leading grassroots organization in the American Muslim community.

That's the description off of  their website. I, for one had a blast. The experience was definitely different. Going as a group with people I didn't know was different as well. But after spending three days with Islam and a group of 40 people I had never met before was amazing. I loved every part of it and the biggest thing I realized was that these men and women are extremely friendly and welcoming. I never felt like a outside the whole time. Thank you everyone for making this even more memorable that I expected it to be.

I learned so much more about Islam during this event and I fell even more in love with my religion. There were so many inspirational speakers. They all spoke in a way that you couldn't be distracted.


The one battle that you never win but always fight, is your sincerity (towards religion) - Yasir Qadhi


Obedience, courage, and trust. This are the three factors Prophet Musa needed... - Nouman Ali Khan


Never lose hope in Allahs mercy or be pessimistic about his mercy. - Yasir Qadhi #icna2011


Its not how you are born or live but how you die! - Imam Siraj Wahaj


Even the devil believes in god so what does that make you? - Boonaa Muhammed


You can hide everything from your parents, the girl or boy, the pot, the drinking and partying. But how do you plan on hiding all of this from the one you cant see but he can see 
your every action and know more about you than you know about you? - Imam Siraj Wahaj


Not to mention there were a lot of artists too, Imam Faraz Khan had amazing work to display.

Family First: Five Essentials of a Happy Family
By Faraz Khan

Check out more of his work at the Liberal Arts Forum.


They all had so much to give and taught me so much about life. I will have more up soon but alhumdulillah this trip was truly amazing and exactly what I needed. 


-T