The Motto of the group

CAIRO, May 22 (IslamOnline.net) - The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is to begin its annual convention in Toronto, Canada, Saturday, May 22, with means for Muslims to "delve deeply in the west" figuring high on the agenda.

Entitled "Islam In The West: From Vision To Reality", the convention devoted a combination of sessions to individual spiritual development with those related to practicalities of leading a Muslim life in the West, the group said on its website.

The convention is to have participants from across Canada and the United States. The organizers said they expect Muslim scholars from overseas, prominently including Egyptian Mufti Ali Jomaa and historian Gamal Badawi.

The image of Muslims in the media will be tackled, as "responsibility for the representation of Islam also falls on our shoulders," said the website.

"We will,… ask whether or not the media is an anti-Muslim propaganda machine, or a tool Muslims can use to promote a positive image of Islam," it added.

The sessions will push Muslims to know their rights and duties in the West, in accordance with "the Canadian Charter of Rights", for example.

Marriage Program

New this year in the convention is a Marriage Assistance Program, designed to aid those in their search for a suitable marriage partner.

Matrimonial workshops will be held as an opportunity for those "seeking a spouse in Muslim environment".

"With the children of the immigrant generation reaching the age of maturity, marrying and starting families of their own, Islam has become established in the West," said the website.

"No longer a transient community, Muslims in the West are here to stay. Their energies are focused on maintaining a successful and viable community," it added.

Older Generations

Another new project conceived and developed by the Muslim community for Muslim elders will be described, as the demographics of the Muslim community have changed considerably since the mass immigration of Muslims to Canada in the early seventies.

"The community is greying, and we need to develop projects that will provide care and comfort to our elders with dignity and compassion," according to the ISNA website.

The speakers will "find out how the youth perceive their identity as Muslims in the West and what they need from their parents to help them navigate Canadian life as well".

A children’s program, childcare and a bazaar are also regular features for ISNA goers.

"All in all an amazing weekend of learning, sharing and solidarity".

ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations.