As-salamu ʿalaykum wa Rahmatu Allah,
As we navigate these challenging times, the importance of community, dialogue, and education becomes increasingly significant. We invite you to participate in the BIS’s “Religious Leadership Track” at the upcoming MAS-ICNA Convention in Chicago, IL.
Our “Religious Leadership Track” sessions, all held on Saturday, December 30, at Level 1 – S105A, include:
1) Unlocking the Power of Quranic Knowledge for Religious Leaders
Faculty member: Dr. Basyouny Nehela, President
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Emphasizing the importance of Quranic teachings for religious leaders, this session explores the foundational role of the Quran in guiding communities effectively.
2) Fiqh for Today: Balancing Tradition with Maqasid al-Sharia
Faculty member: Dr. Suheil Laher, Lead Faculty & Assistant Professor
Time: 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Discussing the relevance of Maqasid al-Sharia in modern times, this session explores the balance between traditional Islamic teachings and contemporary societal needs.
3) Ibn al-Qayyim Today: Lessons for Leaders
Faculty member: Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, Adjunct Instructor
Time: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Focusing on Ibn al-Qayyim’s teachings, this lecture highlights the importance of patience and gratitude, especially for Muslim leaders today.
4) Empowerment and Resilience for the Modern Muslim
Faculty member: Dr. Mohamed AbuTaleb, Dean of Administration
Time: 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Addressing the challenges faced by Muslims today, this session aims to inspire and empower, discussing how to turn trials into triumphs through resilience and faith.
In addition, our faculty will be conducting the following sessions for the general convention:
1) “Quwwatī ilá faḍlika”: ummat al-jasad al-wāḥid yashuddu baʿḍuhu baʿḍan [Arabic]
Faculty member: Dr. Basyouny Nehela
Date & Time: Thursday, December 28, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: Level 1 – Grand Ballroom S100C
This Arabic-language session focuses on the importance of building unity and supportiveness for one another in the Muslim community.
2) Learn the Sunnah of Love in Relationships
Faculty member: Ustadha Zaynab Ansari
Date & Time: Thursday, December 28, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: Level 1 – S106
Delve into the sunnah of love in various relationships, exploring love languages and nurturing healthy connections.
3) Divine Punishment or What?
Faculty member: Ustadha Zaynab Ansari
Date & Time: Thursday, December 28, 7:20 PM – 7:40 PM
Location: Level 3 Main Hall B
Explore and understand the difference between trials and punishments in Islam, and the wisdom behind each.
4) “Aʿūdhu bika min ʿajz al-thiqqa wa jalad al-fājir”: Naḥwa jālīyah muslimah fāʿilah wa muʾaththirah [Arabic]
Faculty member: Dr. Basyouny Nehela
Date & Time: Friday, December 29, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: Level 3 Main Hall B
This Arabic-language session discusses strength and morality, and how grounding ourselves in these characteristics can help us build an active and impactful Muslim community.
5) The Spirit of an Islamic Movement: 12 Elements for Success
Faculty member: Dr. Mohamed AbuTaleb
Date & Time: Saturday, December 30, 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Level 1 – S102D
This session shares key elements for uplifting your dawah and activism, focusing on sincerity, excellence, compassion, optimism, commitment, and more.
6) Facing Islamophobia Through Faith, Vision, & Resilience
Faculty member: Dr. Mohamed AbuTaleb
Date & Time: Saturday, December 30, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: Level 3 – Main Hall B
Explore how the Muslim community can confront Islamophobia through faith, resilience, and a clear vision.
These sessions, both from our dedicated track and the general convention, will offer strategies for nurturing strong, resilient, and well-informed leaders.
We look forward to your participation and the opportunity to engage together in these crucial dialogues.
For more information and to register for the convention, please visit masconvention.org.
With gratitude,
Boston Islamic Seminary