A Look Into the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA): A Community Pillar

ISNA is the largest Muslim American organization in the United States. It has evolved remarkably since its founding in 1979. From representing Muslim immigrants to forming a unified platform that fosters community development, ISNA has evolved as a credible and trustworthy organization and is the leading voice for Muslims in North America.

ISNA’s main objectives are providing educational resources such as Muslim scholarships and religious guidance. We established Islamic centers, and with the support of the community, have developed mosques and Islamic educational institutes that offer academic programs.

Our programs include advocating for Muslim rights, fostering harmony with other faiths, and building mutual respect. ISNA unites Muslims and non-Muslims from different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions.

ISNA proactively addresses and fulfills the needs of Muslim Americans by offering various programs and services that support the well-being of those we serve.

ISNA unites Muslims and enables them to share their experiences and build a community. We provide a platform by organizing an annual convention, the largest Muslim gathering in North America, that fosters a the Muslim American Identity.

Over the years, the ISNA Islamic convention experienced significant growth. Initially, it was a small gathering organized on college campuses. The substantial increase in attendees necessitated a shift to larger venues such as convention centers and hotels.

The enthusiastic participation of Muslims speaks to the community’s trust in ISNA. They recognize its ability to provide valuable opportunities. Attending the annual convention helps them make connections and allows them to lead successful careers. Below are some of ISNA’s diverse programs and services that contribute to ISNA’s role in community development.

• Education and outreach: ISNA promotes various educational initiatives that support Muslim Americans. We publish the Islamic Horizons magazine which highlights the stories of Muslims in North America and discusses Islamic viewpoints on contemporary issues. We also organize workshops to present Islamic teachings and highlight their relevance and meaningfulness in the United States. These workshops enable Muslims to integrate Islamic teachings into everyday life and focus on pursuing education, finding jobs, and contributing to local communities.
• Zakat collection and distribution: ISNA offers secure Zakat collection methods such as online collection and fundraising events. We distribute funds among those in need with complete transparency.
• Leadership and development: The ISNA Leadership Development Center (ILDC) trains future Muslim American leaders. It partners with Indiana University to provide the Nonprofit Management and Governance fellowship program and teaches fellows how to lead and manage nonprofit organizations.
• Advocacy and political engagement: ISNA advocates for Muslim rights in North America by addressing critical issues such as Islamophobia, injustices, and civil rights.
• Interfaith and civic engagement: ISNA fosters understanding and cooperation between people of different faiths by promoting healthy interfaith dialogues and mutual respect. Collaboration with other civic organizations on broader issues makes our contribution more effective to community welfare and inspires individuals to play their role in solving social problems.
• Muslim matrimonial services: Following Islamic values and principles, ISNA provides an online platform for like-minded individuals to connect. We also offer premarital counseling and conduct workshops to help couples build strong Islamic marriages.
• Youth development: ISNA offers Muslim youth programs through which it provides young Muslims with development and growth opportunities, encouraging them to thrive, positively contribute to society, and lead exemplary lives through kindness, honesty, and responsibility.
• Community support: ISNA provides financial assistance and organizational resources to Muslim Americans. We distribute relief funds among families and individuals facing hardships and extend our support to local organizations by helping them receive tax-exempt statuses, simplifying the procedure and saving their time.
• Addressing the needs of diverse groups: The Muslim American community is incredibly diverse and includes people from different ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds. ISNA represents them all and ensures that all voices and perspectives are heard and considered.

Our programs and services empower the Muslim Americans and help them build strong and cohesive personalities. ISNA offers programs that meet the evolving needs and aspirations of today.

ISNA is a prominent Muslim American organization with a sophisticated governance structure. Its robust internal coordination facilitates effective management and helps the organization overcome various challenges.

ISNA’s organizational structure reflects traditional Islamic principles and American nonprofit practices. Below are the key roles and dynamics of ISNA’s leadership.

• Membership-Based Organization: ISNA is a membership-driven organization that adheres to democratic and pluralistic values. We respect and embrace diversity and ensure that everyone is treated fairly. Members have the opportunity to participate in leadership selection and decision-making.
• Majlis Ash-Shura: The board of directors of ISNA oversees policies, ensures financial integrity, and makes important decisions. It provides strategic direction to the organization while reflecting the diverse voices and perspectives within the Muslim American community.
• Executive Council: The ISNA Executive Council sets organizational priorities to meet organizational goals. The council includes presidents, vice presidents, past presidents, and appointed members. This entity is in place to ensure the organization’s direction aligns with its core values and principles.
• Secretary General/CEO: This position oversees daily operations such as managing staff and coordinating with various programs and ensures all departments are implementing the organization’s mission.
• Committees: Each organizational project is assigned a committee that works to improve functionality and achieve desired outcomes.
• Elections: ISNA conducts elections by following democratic principles to choose leaders. The organization encourages member participation while emphasizing its commitment.
• Fiduciary Responsibility: ISNA works to prevent mistakes such as unauthorized spending to ensure financial decisions are made responsibly and with transparency.
• Power Dynamics: The leadership structure of ISNA balances centralized decision-making with decentralized authority to drive organizational growth.
• Transparency: Efforts include audits and financial reports with full accountability.
• Values and Mission: Rooted in democracy, pluralism, and diversity, ISNA seeks to represent Muslim Americans and promote an understanding of Islam.

ISNA’s governance achieved significant representation and community impact but faces ongoing challenges in leadership clarity, financial oversight, and balancing power dynamics.

Despite facing various challenges, ISNA has always focused on achieving objectives and courageously addressed them. We have always shown resilience and commitment to our core values.

ISNA faced financial struggles in its early days because it relied on overseas funding. This created vulnerabilities such as currency fluctuations, uncertainty about funding, and restrictions on using funds. These challenges led to budget deficits that affected the organization’s financial stability.

ISNA showed commitment to its core values by opposing the Gulf War. The decision drastically impacted ISNA’s financial situation, but the organization stayed firm to show solidarity with the Muslim world. It was a risky decision, but it strengthened ISNA’s reputation in the Muslim American community.

To tackle financial challenges, the ISNA board took essential measures and diversified its funding sources. It established a broader support base within the U.S. that enabled the organization to set directions and priorities. To ensure future financial stability, ISNA makes prudent budgeting decisions to reduce deficits. Moreover, ISNA earns profits from publications that help manage organizational programs and operations.

ISNA has faced challenges in uniting diverse communities including immigrants and African-American Muslims. Different people have different opinions that cause disagreements. ISNA understands them all and respects everyone’s opinion. To settle on something suitable for everyone, ISNA organized inclusive programs and activities to bring everyone together. The beauty of healthy discussions is that we get familiar with different perspectives that help build stronger connections within the community.

One significant challenge for ISNA was creating an organizational structure. Some members did not favor giving too much power to one position, such as a CEO, because they had experienced the exploitation of such a system in their countries. Respecting their opinion, ISNA spread out power among many leaders and formed a large board (the Majlis Ash-Shura) and an executive council to represent different groups. It helped ISNA disperse the power structure and ensure a diversity of ideas.

ISNA faced many unforeseen challenges after the 9/11 catastrophe. There was a rise in Islamophobia and Muslims faced increased scrutiny with greater surveillance and suspicion. Some media outlets started falsely labeling ISNA as an extremist group. We worked to change people’s opinions and maintained our role as a representative of Muslim Americans.

During that time, ISNA challenged harmful stereotypes such as beliefs that Islam promotes violence or oppresses women. Our publications, public statements, and outreach efforts highlighted Muslims’ diversity and positive contributions to American society.

Moreover, ISNA supported American Muslims who faced backlash and offered advocacy to victims of hate crimes. ISNA always stayed true to its social justice and civil rights values even when facing political attacks.

As a result, the Muslim American community grew closer and everyone played their part in protecting the image of Islam. We also collaborated with other interfaith organizations to counter negative narratives about Islam.

Some members wanted ISNA to actively take steps for social and political issues, especially gender equality and social justice. However, leaders took steps with precautions, staying committed to ISNA’s core values. They wanted to participate in addressing these issues without upsetting the Muslim American community.

ISNA recognized the impact and importance of Muslim women and offered them more leadership roles. And while some members wanted ISNA to ISNA to focus on religion rather than politics, ISNA remained steadfast in its advocacy for social justice.

ISNA leadership has worked and maintained a balance between ideological differences. Their efforts successfully promote internal unity and encourage everyone to serve the Muslim American community.

The diversity of opinions raised doubts about ISNA’s ability to represent Muslim Americans. There were accusations about compromising Islamic values and financial transparency. Despite these challenges, ISNA worked tirelessly to resolve issues according to its core values.

ISNA remains a vital force for the Muslim American community. Its shared values were a unifying voice even in the most challenging times.

ISNA works with an ambitious vision for the future to actively contribute to community development. Our upcoming projects include training programs for imams and community leaders as well as programs aimed at increasing youth involvement. We also plan to strengthen our relationships with other faith groups and government agencies to promote harmony and peace.

ISNA is also working on a Mosque Forum, an initiative to improve mosques and create a more welcoming environment. The focus remains on better governance, financial transparency, and creating spaces for everyone, including women, youth, and people from different backgrounds. This initiative aims to promote the idea that mosques are not only places to offer prayers or worship but centers for community growth, hope, and unity.

ISNA is constantly refining its strategic approaches, including member engagement, to ensure that its goals align with community needs. In the future, ISNA wants to support more Muslim Americans and other underrepresented groups and balance local and national concerns.

We will address future challenges by strengthening unity within the Muslim American community, staying true to Islamic values and principles and helping Muslims grow. We aim to improve management while making leadership roles and financial decisions more transparent.

ISNA is committed to growth, unity, and leadership through different initiatives to position itself as a key driver of positive change within the Muslim American community.

ISNA will continue to promote a balanced, moderate understanding of Islam and help Muslims integrate their faith with American life. ISNA also seeks to be a strong voice against Islamophobia and work for social justice on issues like homelessness and access to health care.

ISNA will continue its contributions to community development. With your support, we courageously address challenges and focus on core values. Our success story inspires organizational growth and creates a significant positive impact.