Faith Without Action is Futile
By Rasheed Rabbi
July/Aug 2024
The Lone Star State is summoning Muslims far and wide to grace the Anatole Hilton, a sprawling forty-five-acre oasis north of downtown Dallas that offers a blend of fine dining, a seven-acre park, and an array of enticing shops.
Numerous nearby halal steakhouses are competing to spotlight the evolving palette of Muslim culinary delights. Rather than donning high-crowned hats, a multitude of native cowboys are proudly wearing kufis and extending a warm welcome to Muslims from all corners of North America.
Dallas, a city steeped in conservative history and a bastion of tradition, will host Muslim Americans, inviting them to partake in ISNA’s 61st Annual convention. In this city where cultural roots run deep, where the spirit of immigrants and the indigenous has thrived for centuries, the ISNA Convention stands as a beacon of inclusivity, a testament to the diversity that enriches both Texas and the entire nation.
This is no ordinary gathering; it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the rich tapestry of distinct cultures that define Muslim life in America. It is a mosaic of voices, a symphony of stories, woven together by the threads of faith and action. For ISNA, this is not merely a convention; it is a movement of discovery, of connection, of empowerment.
Along with convening its usual vibrant panel discussions, interactive workshops, captivating demonstrations, engaging exhibitions and bustling vendor booths — all carefully curated to attract the largest Muslim audience, foster connections, ignite passions and celebrate the rich tapestry of Muslim life in the U.S. — ISNA prioritizes effectiveness and outcomes, and therefore rejects excessive formality.
As the number of Muslim attendees continues to swell, so do the expectations. This year, the overarching goal is to orchestrate a comprehensive program that nurtures our fundamental growth while harnessing religious fervor and promoting civil engagement with our non-Muslim counterparts. And to achieve this, the Convention Program Committee (CPC) has coined a theme called “The Muslim American: Forging Faith and Action.”
This year’s theme isn’t mere rhetoric; rather, it’s the crux of every session. Each session is designed to inspire action. And it’s not just about talk; it’s about tangible steps towards progress, guided by the teachings of Islam and a commitment to justice, compassion, and unity.
A dozen main sessions are designed to emphasize the dynamic relationship between faith and action. This approach encourages moderators and speakers to embody Islam’s very essence.
Session-1: Embracing Faith Holistically
To mark the height of His blessings, God has perfected our religion (5:3). Beyond its key rituals, Islam touches every aspect of life and gives each moment purpose and meaning. Embracing it holistically results in enabling us to transcend our mundane routines and enrich our lives with divine wisdom and guidance. This session focuses on transcending daily life despite being surrounded by a complex social milieu.
Session 2: Standing in Solidarity with Palestine
The ongoing situation in Palestine, especially Gaza, remains dire. It calls for solidarity more than sympathy, urging us to take concrete steps toward resolving this long standing dystopian reality. This requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing political advocacy, humanitarian aid and grassroots activism.
Session 3: Faith Must Follow Action
Faith without action is futile, for life is merely the testimony of deeds (67:2) — and we will be rewarded by our deeds (16:97). Therefore, true faith necessitates that we extend our service to everyone who needs it, to try to have a lasting impact on the world. That awareness can be reflected in every action. This session seeks to deepen our understanding of the Quranic perspective, which strikes a balance between faith and action so that we may live a life of purpose, integrity and spiritual fulfillment.
Session 4: Fortifying Our Family: Cultivating Respect and Resilience
The seeds of resilience, cohesion and societal growth are sown within the sturdy foundation of family bonds. For Muslims, family constitutes the most profound yet subtle test, although we often take it for granted and instinctively seek solace and support within it. The Quran explains how to cultivate strong, tightly knit family units in which every member communicates and acts with a harmonious blend of empathy, even amidst disagreements (42:41-43). Translating these teachings into actionable goals for our time will foster an environment conducive to the greater good of all and move us toward a more united and thriving community.
Session 5: Threads of Unity: Strengthening Our Divine Bond within the Muslim Community
We must hold firmly to the rope of God all together (3:103). Effective communication, compassion and empathy can create an environment in which family members support one another, from local concerns to international causes. By nurturing such a unit, we can strive for a connected community to harness the growth and unity globally. Together, we can build stronger relationships, address challenges and create a harmonious environment that reflects the values of Islam.
Session 6: Inclusive Vision: Fostering Collective Empowerment for Gender and Youth
Session 9: Self-Care: Prioritizing Health and Mental Well-being
Our vision for empowerment must embrace everyone, including women and youth in addition to the men, for only this approach can ensure a comprehensive approach to progress. Including women fosters harmony, and youth engagement infuses vibrancy into the community. Inclusivity paves the way for unity, compassion, peace and a balanced worldview. This session seeks to share Quranic insights and actionable strategies as guiding principles to cultivate a shared culture of empathy and global progress.
Session 7: Dismantling Systematic Injustice and Social Prejudice
“You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.” These words by Malcolm X resonate deeply with Islam’s teachings, which call upon us to stand firm and bear witness for justice, as well as to be impartial and unwavering in our commitment, regardless of the circumstances (5:8). Yet in today’s world, we confront Islamophobia, which disproportionately affects this country’s many diverse communities. As we navigate through a critical election year, the urgency for active and strategic engagement to shape leadership and policies becomes even more evident.
Session 8: Theme Session: The Muslim American: Forging Faith and Action
Forging, defined as the act of shaping something, involves moving from the undesirable to the desirable, the imperfect to the perfect and the unfinished to the finished. It describes our individual faith, which ebbs and flows and is in continuous need of being perfected. Similarly, our actions to initiate or change any situation always need improvement and go through various phases to achieve the desired results. Both faith and action need forging.
Through convention themes, we speak to all Americans. They wonder if we can approach American issues only from the lens of their own faith and offer solutions that satisfy only their own perceptions of good and bad.
We need to grapple with American issues from an all-American perspective and seek solutions that address all Americans, while continuing to advance our understanding of our faith and enhance those solutions so that they please God, the All-Merciful.
“Faith and Action” comes from a hadith that states, “Every just pact from the time of ignorance is not increased by Islam but in strength and affirmation” in reference to the Hilf al-Fudul [a pre-Islamic pact to help the oppressed in Makkah] (“Musnad Ahmad,” 2909).
In the face of adversity, Islam bestows strategies for building inner strength and coping mechanisms to empower us to navigate challenges with grace and fortitude. Drawing upon practical tips and spiritual insights, we find solace and hope in difficult times. This session provides perspectives and actionable guidance on promoting holistic wellbeing within our communities, integrating faith-based principles with contemporary approaches to health and wellness. Through education, dialogue and support, we can work together to cultivate healthier lifestyles and stronger communities guided by Islam’s wisdom and compassion.
Session 10: Muslim American Empowerment via Education
The first divine decree was to read and educate ourselves in the name of God (96:1), because education is the key to enlightened minds, fostering courage to harmonize religion and nation without conflict. It shapes our minds and hearts to embrace differences while collectively pursuing shared resolutions. Muslim Americans carry a proud legacy of Islamic institutions, seminaries and educational platforms for decades on American soil. It’s imperative to engage with and expand upon this legacy further to ensure our timely contribution to society.
Session 11: Political and Civic Engagement
While religion often begins as a personal journey, its impact extends into the public sphere, where Islam effectively engages us in political dialogue and the pursuit of a just and equitable society. The Prophet’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) life serves as a model for political activism, empowering us to be agents of change and advocates for justice and a sustainable planet. From wearing masks to challenging gender stereotypes, from addressing domestic mass shootings to confronting international genocides, and from combating global warming to embracing electric cars, all issues have become inherently political, further dividing our nation. Therefore, political awareness isn’t merely an option for Muslim Americans in the U.S. – it’s an obligation.
Session 12: A Message to Take Home
Amid the bustling energy of the many speakers, sessions and a sea of enthusiastic attendees, it’s easy for the convention’s core message to become diluted. Therefore, a concluding session will ensure that ISNA’s key ideas and goals resonate deeply with everyone present. This session aims to weave together the threads of momentum that faithful Muslims need to sustain their collective movement in America. As attendees depart, they will carry with them not just cherished memories, but a renewed commitment to the values and aspirations that define and strengthen their community.
So come, be a part of something bigger than yourself. Join us as we forge faith and action, shape our communities and build a better future for all. Together, we can make a difference.
Rasheed Rabbi, a member of the Islamic Horizons board of editors, is an IT professional who earned an MA in religious studies from Hartford Seminary, is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University. He is also the founder of eDawah (www.edawah.net); secretary of the Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers & Technology Professionals; serves as a khateeb and Friday prayer leader at the ADAMS Center; and is a certified Muslim chaplain at iNova Fairfax, iNova Loudoun and Virginia’s Alexandria and Loudoun Adult Detention Centers.
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