CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab to Speak at ISNA Convention - July 1-4
The ISNA Convention is a meeting place of people and ideas, where American Muslims discuss their role in society, politics, media, activism, and education. The event will feature numerous world renowned scholars and Muslim leaders.
WHEN: Friday, July 1st – Monday, July 4th
WHERE: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
CAIR-Chicago's executive director, Ahmed Rehab, will be presenting on two panels over the weekend. On Saturday, Rehab will be presenting to youth groups on the importance of staying abreast of current events and contributing to society, and on Sunday he will discuss how social media is making a difference within the realm of activism, media outreach and pluralism.
Saturday, July 2nd
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Main Session 5 Room 21-23
Current Events 2.0: Making a Difference in an Interconnected World
Everyday there are natural disasters, crises and celebrations around the world and in our country, yet we are unaware. It is important to stay up to date in the current events of our day and age. The earthquakes in Japan, the revolutions in the Middle East, the Burqa ban in France, the attacks on the Islamic Center in Tennessee, the tornadoes in Alabama; all these incidents affect us environmentally and politically. Whether it is through social media, traditional news channels, or articles in newspapers and magazines, it is our duty, as Muslims, to be aware of the world around us. Come to this session to better understand the importance of being informed and involved in our country and the world around us.
Speakers: Ahmed Rehab, Sherman Jackson
Moderator: Amin Gharad
Sunday July 3rd
2:15 – 3:45 PM Session 14A Hall A
Blurring of Reality and Virtual: How to Maintain Your Faith with These Changes
In recent years, American Muslims have become more active on social media networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. They are providing valuable information about Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims across the globe. This panel will discuss how the virtual community is making a difference within the realm of activism, media outreach and pluralism. The internet has opened up a whole new world of opportunities and possibilities — it’s our job to tackle the grey areas and sort through what is right and what is wrong. Often times we are tempted to do a deed that may not necessarily fall within the scope of our moral values.
Speakers: Omar Mahmood, Nouman Ali Khan, Ahmed Rehab
Moderator: Kashif Siddiqi
CAIR-Chicago Outreach Coordinator, Gerald Hankerson will be conducting surveys at the convention as part of Wesleyan University Professor Dr. Rodriguez Mosquera’s ongoing research on the psychological impact of Islamophobia on American-Muslims. The study aims to gather information on how American-Muslims feel about the social image of the Muslim community in the US, and the way they feel they are perceived by society at large.