Ellison Keynote Speaker at ISNA Conference
As we noted yesterday, several Republican lawmakers have called on the Justice Department not to participate in a conference held this weekend by the Islamic Society of North America—a Muslim Brotherhood front group named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation terror trial.
Despite those troubling connections, Muslim Congressman Keith Ellison will be a keynote speaker at the conference and will also participate in a panel discussion featuring Siraj Wahhaj—an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, who has openly expressed a desire to see the US government replaced by a caliphate.
From the ISNA program (available at their site) for Saturday, September 1, 2007:
12:15-2:30 p.m. Community Service Recognition Luncheon — Grand Ballroom-Hyatt Regency
The Mahboob Khan Community Service Award will be presented to a prominent community leader for his/her outstanding service to the Muslim community in North America. Check at the ISNA booth in the bazaar for tickets. (Tickets are $200, if seats are still available).
Keynote Speaker: U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison
…
8:15 – 10:30 p.m. Session 7A: Upholding Faith, Serving Humanity — Hall A
This session aims to address the main theme of the convention. Our duty as Muslims is to represent the true meaning of Islam while. By reaching out to the broader community we serve not only the underprivileged and underrepresented but also revitalize our souls through action. As tensions continue to increase throughout the world, we as North American Muslims have a unique opportunity rarely found elsewhere to serve our community with assurances of security and freedom. Using the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) as our shining example, this session aims –through diverse, informed, and unique speakers - to motivate, inspire, and move us beyond mere words and rhetoric, to truly living a way of life dedicated to serving God by serving humanity.
Speakers: Ingrid Mattson, Siraj Wahhaj, Zaid Shakir, Hamza Yusuf, Keith Ellison, Abdalla Idris Ali, Asma Mirza, Zaki Barzinji
Moderator: Altaf Husain