Discussion on Growing Influence of Islam in a Diverse Society’ at Muslim Ummah Grand Conference

Chhabed Sathee, from Philadelphia (PA): The largest organization of expatriate Muslims in the United States, Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), held a discussion on the third day of its three-day 8th Annual Convention on the topic “The Ripple Effect of Faith: The Expanding Influence of Islam in a Diverse Society.” The discussion took place on Sunday (August 10) from noon to afternoon local time, with distinguished Islamic scholars participating. They discussed the growing influence of Islam in diverse societies. This session marked the conclusion of MUNA’s three-day 8th Annual Convention.

Under the slogan “Torchbearers of Islam in Spreading the Faith Globally,” the conference began on Friday (August 8) at noon with Jumu’ah prayers at the Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thousands of devout Muslims attended the opening day, with organizers noting that the gathering was much larger than in recent years. The conference ran until midnight on Sunday (August 10), drawing more than 20,000 devout expatriate Muslims from various countries, according to organizers.

According to the participating Islamic thinkers, today’s world is increasingly becoming diverse, with modern society formed through the vibrant blend of races, cultures, languages, and religions. In this pluralistic environment, Islam is making a unique impact through its values and humanitarian teachings. They observed that Islam’s core teachings—justice, equality, compassion, and mutual respect—not only inspire the Muslim community but also create positive impressions among people of other faiths and cultures.

Speakers emphasized that mosques are not only places of prayer but also centers of humanitarian service. Initiatives such as food distribution, winter clothing drives, and disaster relief foster respect and gratitude for Islam among people of other religions. The younger generation is spreading the message of peace and brotherhood in Islam through social media, education, and cultural events.

Thus, small acts of kindness and cooperation are gradually creating waves of positive change. This influence goes beyond religious practice, playing a vital role in interfaith understanding, cultural bridge-building, and the strengthening of social unity.

Ultimately, the growing influence of Islam in diverse societies is a living example of how the light of true faith can cross boundaries, touch hearts, and strengthen the bonds of humanity.

The discussion on “The Ripple Effect of Faith: The Expanding Influence of Islam in a Diverse Society” featured the participation of MUNA’s former president Harun Ur Rashid, Hamid Hossain Azad, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad Bashar, Dr. Altaf Husain, Imam Dalower Hossain, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Monzer Taleb, Dr. Asif Hirani, Sheikh Mohammed Elshinawy, and Sheikh Abdel Rahman Murphy.