Troubled City of Baltimore to Host Large Muslim Convention during Memorial Day Weekend

Baltimore, 5/15/2015 – The city of Baltimore, recently in the media spotlight due to racially motivated police violence, will host the annual ICNA-MAS convention this Memorial Day weekend for the second year in a row.

In these challenging times, this year’s conference offers the attendees a unique opportunity to learn of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and its immediate relevance to their own lives in this country, said Imam Khalid Griggs, the chairman of the Islamic Circle of North America’s Council for Social Justice.

“The Prophet provides the perfect model for us to emulate, as an exemplar of justice, truth, compassion, and love,” said Griggs “Islamophobes malign and vilify him to spread hate. We want to counter that by spreading knowledge and peace.”

Organizers hope the convention provides a stimulating and engaging experience for attendees, addressing pressing societal challenges in light of the divinely established blueprint – the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.

Preregistration is reported to be 50 percent ahead of numbers from last year, which is promising considering over 20,000 people attended the previous year’s convention

This Memorial Day weekend, ICNA is bringing together nearly 100 scholars, speakers, and activists, to serve as a means of inspiration and knowledge for the community. The convention will also host the immensely popular Young Muslims’ Youth Conference which always attracts large crowds. Additionally, ICNA Sisters’ Wing plans to organize numerous special programs for their members.

As a grassroots organization, ICNA holds the convention for the sake of the Muslim community and to encourage them to engage with their larger social communities.

Consequently, in addition to addressing the issues of race and social justice throughout the convention, a special town hall meeting will be held to specifically address the events in Baltimore and the Muslim community’s response, said Griggs.

“We must strive for justice and freedom as conscientious citizens who aim to follow the divine model of the Prophet,” said Griggs. “We ask God to guide our steps and grant us success.”