We are MAS (Muslim American Society) and ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America), two of the largest national Muslim organizations in the United States.

MAS

Established in 1993 as a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, the Muslim American Society (MAS) is a dynamic charitable, religious, social, cultural, and educational organization. Over the past two decades, MAS has expanded to more than 50 chapters across the United States. MAS offers unique programs and services that seek to better the individual and in turn, the greater society by imparting Islamic knowledge, promoting community service, engaging in political activism, and much more. 
Focusing on personal development of individuals through a comprehensive Islamic educational curriculum, MAS promotes active involvement in communities across the U.S. by providing opportunities for service, interfaith initiatives, youth programs, and civic engagement.  By cooperating and collaborating with other organizations, MAS has expanded its reach into thousands of communities across the United States.

ICNA

Established in 1968, the Islamic Circle of North America was a response to the growing need for a supportive Muslim community in North America. The organization initially focused on educating its growing membership about Islam, the goal being to adhere to Islamic values in a religiously diverse community. More recently, ICNA has worked to establish connections between Islam and the public, collaborating with numerous Muslim organizations to reach this end. ICNA works closely with many national interfaith organizations for the betterment of society. By focusing on self-development, education, outreach and social services, ICNA has cemented its place as a leading grassroots organization in the American Muslim community.

Working Together

In a move towards unity and cooperation within the Muslim American community, MAS and ICNA have joined forces to put on 2 annual conferences. The ICNA-MAS Convention held in Hartford, Connecticut is entering its 37th year with 12,000 attendees from around the country in 2011. The MAS-ICNA Convention in Chicago is in its 10th year with 6,000 attendees in 2010. We pray that Allah continues to bless our efforts to bring unity to our Muslim community and to bring true Islam to our larger national community in the United States. Ameen.

We answer with one word: Tarbiya. Tarbiya is an Arabic term that refers to the process of educating, nurturing, and developing individuals, groups, and societies. Tarbiya is a continuous positive influence that leads to growth in all aspects—intellectual, spiritual, and physical—and the development of skills, talents, and abilities. Tarbiya is the hallmark of both the MAS and the ICNA model. It is our focus on Tarbiya that makes us truly unique.

The Annual MAS-ICNA Convention was developed with Tarbiya in mind. Each aspect of the convention focuses on developing the individual in order to create a more excellent society. In keeping with this one-of-a-kind philosophy, the MAS-ICNA Convention also has several unique aspects:

Real Diversity: Attendance at MAS-ICNA and ICNA-MAS Conventions represents a true cross-section of our Muslim American community. Muslims of all different ages, ethnicities, and opinions come together to share, to learn, and to grow with their fellow Muslim Americans.

An Enriching Event for the Whole Family: The MAS-ICNA Convention has a specifically-designed, meticulously-prepared program for every age group. This year the convention has a full Babysitting, School, Young Youth, Youth, and Main Program. From newborns to the elderly, every attendee will find a program tailored to their specific needs and interests.

Powerful Programming: Each MAS-ICNA Convention has a powerful line-up of world-renowned Muslim Scholars, Speakers, and Entertainers. Innovative programs and sessions allow attendees to gain the maximum benefit from our high-profile guests.

True Islamic Spirit and Environment: Our Convention organizers aim not only to put on a strong program but also to create a wholesome Islamic environment that gives attendees both a sense of peace and a renewed sense of purpose and Muslim pride.

Focused Message: Every year, MAS-ICNA chooses a timely, socially relevant theme

“Muhammad: Model of Faith, Justice and Liberty”

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّـهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:21)

This Ayah stands as a proof of Muhammad’s (S) position as humanity’s most excellent role model. The blessed life of Muhammad (S) and his noble character continue to challenge the minds of the deep thinkers, to move the hearts of the sincere worshippers, and to inspire the passions of the serious activists toward the betterment of society. This is because Muhammad (S) embodied God’s words of guidance in the Quran. It has been ordained that Muhammad’s (S) example will endure until the Day of Judgment. His example will never be obsolete or irrelevant.

It is because of this enduring relevance that we have chosen the theme, “Muhammad: Model of Faith, Justice and Liberty” for this year’s MAS-ICNA Convention. For the duration of the conference, attendees of all ages will have the opportunity to live with the Holy Prophet (S) through lectures, educational courses, discussions, and entertainment segments. Together we will explore the different aspects of Muhammad’s (S) life—from his far-reaching civil injunctions to his loving care for his wives and children. Together we will learn the power, the depth, and the sheer genius of his example. It is our hope that this journey will instill within us a renewed capacity to explore, to pursue, and to relish the excellence of Prophet Muhammad, our model of Faith, Justice and Liberty for all time.