ISNA 2001 Baraka Bus Trip

ISNA 2000 - Baraka Bus

38th Annual ISNA Convention: Strength through Diversity
by Tessa Sharaf

Alhumdudilah, the MSA organized a wonderful trip to Chicago. Forty-five Knoxvillians rode the Baraka bus and about fifteen others individually attended the conference. Approximately 50,000 people attended the conference. There was not a time where you did not run into a fellow Knoxvillian amongst all of these people. We wearily arrived in Chicago at about 11:30 Friday, but there were too many lectures that could not be missed. There were many parallel lectures going on at the same time, so we all did not attend the same lectures. However, the basic theme was strengthening our Muslim communities of America. If we as Muslims want Islam to succeed in America, we have to begin from within our own communities. The Masjids of America are made up of a very diverse group of people. We must learn to tolerate the differences that each of us has. To do this we must prioritize our issues. Don’t focus on the small things. Secondly, we must work to educate ourselves. Knowledge is a powerful weapon. Finally, we must clear our hearts. Once we learn to tolerate one another, we can work in unison to improve our community. After we have created a peaceful environment, we can then work towards the society we live in. In America, there are many organizations that we can become involved in to make our presence known. Some of these include Interfaith organizations, politics, and schools. We are already members of the local Knoxville Interfaith Network. Sister Hanan has made her presence known for four years now. It is very important that we work with these groups so we will be better understood and taken seriously. Finally, we have to work on our over all appearance in the eyes of the American people. We are walking examples of Islam. Every time that we are outside our homes, people are watching us and how we behave. We must strive to give Islam a good name in America. We must treat others how we expect to be treated in return. Approximately 57 Americans convert to Islam each day. This number could be much higher. It is our duty as Muslims in America to tell these people what Islam is. How can this society change for the better if we are not out there informing them of the good things Islam has to offer? Insha’ Allah, more people can attend this conference next year. There is much knowledge to be had here. Personally, I encourage everyone to try to attend the lectures that the MSA gives during the semester. We must enrich ourselves in the knowledge that others have to offer.

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