Islamic Society of North America

Introduction

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is an influential organization that serves as an umbrella for a variety of Muslim professional entities in North America. Established in 1982, ISNA has been instrumental in fostering cooperation among Muslim communities, professionals, and institutions.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: الجمعية الإسلامية لأمريكا الشمالية
• Turkish: Kuzey Amerika İslam Topluluğu

History and Formation

ISNA was formed in 1982 from several Muslim professional organizations that had originated within the Muslim Students Association (MSA). Key groups include the Association of Muslim Social Scientists, the Association of Muslim Scientists and Engineers, and the Islamic Medical Association. These groups sought to create a cohesive body to represent and serve the diverse needs of the Muslim communities in North America.

Organizational Structure

Headquartered in Plainfield, Indiana, ISNA is composed of various units designed to support its mission. The major departments include:

• Islamic Teaching Center: Focuses on educating about Islamic principles and practices.
• Islamic Schools Department: Supports Islamic educational institutions.
• Membership and Field Services Department: Manages member relations and grassroots operations.
• Convention and Audiovisual Department: Organizes events and produces multimedia content.
• Publications Department: Publishes material relevant to the Muslim community.

Governance

ISNA’s policy-making bodies are the Consultative Council and the Executive Council. These councils comprise leadership drawn primarily from Muslim immigrant communities, though the number of native-born American Muslims in leadership roles is growing.

Demographics and Reach

The organization boasts a membership and support base of approximately four hundred thousand individuals. Various Muslim communities and mosques have affiliated themselves with ISNA, showcasing its extensive influence within the North American Islamic landscape.

Books for Further Studies

1. The Muslim Community in North America by Earle H. Waugh, Baha Abu-Laban, and Regula B. Qureshi.
2. American Islam: Growing Up Muslim in America by Richard Brent Turner.
3. Muslim Communities in North America by Yvonne Haddad and Jane I. Smith.

Takeaways

• ISNA serves as a pivotal umbrella organization for various Muslim professional groups in North America.
• It was established in 1982 and has since grown to represent a significant portion of the Muslim population in the region.
• ISNA’s constituent departments and governance bodies work collaboratively to address diverse needs of the community.
• The organization’s leadership is gradually becoming more representative of native-born American Muslims.

Conclusion

The Islamic Society of North America plays a crucial role in uniting and serving Muslim communities across North America. With its broad reach and comprehensive array of services, ISNA continues to be a cornerstone in the representation and empowerment of Muslims.

This dictionary entry provides a deep insight into the Islamic Society of North America, illuminating its origin, structure, reach, and importance within the context of North American Islam.