IANA Successfully Holds Its 2026 Annual Convention

By the grace of Allah, IANA held a highly successful annual convention on September 6, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The convention brought together families, community leaders, scholars, professionals, youth, service providers, and vendors for a meaningful day of learning, connection, and collective growth.

The convention focused on three major areas:

1. Family Strength, Unity, and Well-Being

The family is the foundation of a healthy and thriving community. The convention featured discussions on strengthening marriages, preserving family unity, promoting healthy relationships, and supporting the overall well-being of families.

Programs addressing marriage preparation and premarital education were particularly important, especially at a time when divorce rates and family challenges are rising at an alarming level. Strengthening families remains essential to building a stable, healthy, and successful community.

2.       Youth and Children

Our youth and children are deeply shaped by their families and the broader society in which they live. Family instability and disintegration can contribute to behavioral difficulties, delinquency, emotional distress, and other serious challenges.

Conversely, children raised in stable, supportive, and healthy families are more likely to flourish academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The convention therefore emphasized the shared responsibility of parents, educators, religious leaders, and community institutions in nurturing and protecting the next generation.

3.       Civic Engagement and Community Rights

The convention also emphasized the importance of civic engagement, community advocacy, and protecting the rights and interests of our community.

Participants were educated about important public issues, current developments, and the need for greater civic participation—particularly during a time when anti-Muslim and anti-Somali rhetoric and hostility have reached deeply concerning levels.

Our community must remain informed, organized, engaged, and prepared to advocate effectively for its rights and future.

Additional Programs and Activities

In addition to these central themes, the convention included several other valuable programs and activities. Among them was the Qur’an competition, which celebrated the dedication and accomplishments of our young reciters.

The convention also created invaluable opportunities for networking, relationship-building, and collaboration among community members, organizations, professionals, and leaders. Vendors and service providers were able to showcase their products, programs, and services while connecting directly with the broader community.

A Successful Community Gathering

The convention was a tremendous success and a significant achievement for IANA, its member organizations, partners, allies, and the community at large. Its success was made possible by the grace of Allah and then through the dedication of our speakers, scholars, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, participants, and everyone who contributed in any capacity.

We praise and thank Allah Almighty for enabling us to hold such a beneficial and inspiring gathering. We ask Him to accept our efforts, place barakah in them, and grant us many more beneficial gatherings in the years ahead.

جزاكم الله خيرًا، وبارك الله فيكم جميعًا.