Some 12,000 Muslims are expected to attend a weekend of lectures by prominent scholars and activists.

HARTFORD, Connecticut – The 31st annual convention of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) kicks off on Friday, June 30, with a strong focus on social awareness and responsibility among American Muslims.

"American Muslims must get more involved in society and social outreach work, such as helping the homeless, and disaster victims," Dr. Zahid Bukhari, a member of the Program Committee, told IslamOnline.net.

"More focus of the convention, its topics, and the speakers is on the US and America," he added.

Dr. Bukhari stressed that as well as providing an Islamic environment for American Muslims, the convention hopes to push Muslims to get organized and get involved in outreach programs in their communities.

Considered one of the largest Islamic events in the US, ICNA conviction is expected to draw Muslims from across the country.

Some 12,000 Muslims are expected to converge on Hartford, Connecticut, for a weekend of lectures by prominent scholars and activists, performances by international artists, and activities and workshops.

The three-day convention will also feature youth programs, an Islamic goods bazaar, girls and boys' basketball tournaments and an interfaith ceremony.

It is organized in tandem with the Muslim American Society (MAS), a charitable, religious, social, cultural, and educational, not-for-profit organization.

Living Islam

With sessions such as "Civil Rights and Media", the convention aims to raise the awareness of the Muslim communities with respect to all the challenges they are facing in the country.

Held on America’s Independence Day weekend, the convention’s theme this year is "Living Islam, Loving Humanity", with lectures focusing on issues such as the American Muslim identity, racial profiling and discrimination, and the incumbency of civic engagement.

The renowned American scholar, Imam Zaid Shakir, is expected to give a lecture titled "Why Is World Domination So Antithetical to Islamic Teachings?"

Along with Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, Imam Shakir founded the Zaytuna Institute, the first Islamic Seminary in the United States.

Internationally acclaimed performers such as the South African nasheed artist, Zain Bikha, and Washington-based hip-hop group, Native Deen, will be performing during the convention.

The convention will also feature the first US appearance of the Creation Museum by Harun Yahya, which displays scientific proofs of the creations of Allah.

ICNA is a leading grass roots organization which works for the establishment of Islam in all spheres of life.

It has many projects, programs, and activities which are designed to help in the process of molding the individual and reforming society at large.

While there is no scientific count of Muslims in the US, six to seven million is the most commonly cited figure.