Muslims convene this weekend

Muslims convene this weekend

The Muslim American Society (MAS) will sponsor its largest Annual Islamic convention in Chicago over the Labor Day weekend to celebrate the collective legacy of its 70 year growth since its transition from the Nation of Islam.

The organization and the convention spearheaded by Imam W. Deen Mohammed, son of Elijah Muhammad, will be held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Hotel.

"We come together to see the progress, development and our status while gathering advice for improving ourselves," said Amatullah Sharif, manager of WDM Ministry Publication.

The convention theme "We Can't Stop Now," is to preserve, advance and celebrate the best tradition of Muslim Americans.

The conference will assess the growing problems in the African American community and unveil the U.S. postal stamp of "Eid," which honors Muslim Americans and their annual religious celebrations.

"This is a proud moment for the Postal Service, the muslim community and Americans in general, as we issue a postage stamp to honor and commemorate two important Islamic celebrations," said Azzezaly S. Jaffer, V.P. of Public Affars and Communications for the Postal Service.

The stamp observes the two most important festivals, or Eids, in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

"The emphasis for this convention is building better community life and attention to family," Sharif said.

"We are developing businesses in the community to make jobs. And it's not just business for the Muslim but for everyone."

Sharif spoke of MAS's transition, after the passing of Elijah Muhammad to their new leader Mohammed.

"What we had under the leadership of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad was social reform where he would encourage African Americans to clean themselves up," she said, adding that the MAS closely follows the teaching of Elijah.

"Elijah told us to `uplift your mighty people, you can accomplish what you will,' and various encouragement for African Americans to come together and do for themselves."

Sharif further stated that as a result of these teachings, the Islamic community has received such "dignity, pride, milestones and accomplishments" since Mohammed has overseen the organization.

"He has been invited by Pope John Paul II to come to the Vatican to speak," she said.

"He has given the very first prayer invocation on the floor of the U.S. Senate, the only ever given by a Muslim"

Sharif said the convention will continue to press the importance of self-sufficieny for African Americans.

Self-sufficiency has always been practiced by Muslims and they want to continue to share their beliefs with others, regardless of their spiritual background.

"We have to get our share of this world," she said.

"We must have these things so that we can help our people improve themselves and have an impact on our community."

The organization has nearly 1.5 billion followers worldwide. Delegations from throughout the United States and the Caribbean are expected to attend the convention. The convention will culminate on Sunday with a major public address given by Mohammed.

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