Muslim Ummah highlighted the contributions of early Muslims and Global spread of Islam

Chhabed Sathee, from Philadelphia (PA): The United States’ largest organization of expatriate Muslims, the Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), held a special discussion on “The Legacy of Light: Early Muslim Contributions to the Global Spread of Islam” on the second day of its three-day 8th Annual Convention. The discussion, which took place on Saturday (August 9) from noon until evening, featured prominent Islamic scholars who highlighted the extraordinary contributions of early Muslims. One of the keynote speakers was Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari, a renowned Islamic preacher both in Bangladesh and abroad, who joined virtually to deliver a Qur’an-based lecture and tafsir.

The convention began on Friday (August 8) at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia with the congregational Jumu’ah prayer, under the theme “Torchbearers of Islam in Global Religious Outreach.” Thousands of devout Muslims participated in the event. The conference will continue until midnight on Sunday (August 10). Organizers expect more than 20,000 practicing Muslims from diverse backgrounds to attend over the three days. Attendance on the opening day was significantly larger than in previous years.

In the “Legacy of Light” session, speakers emphasized the historical, cultural, and intellectual innovations that played a vital role in the global influence of Islam. Participants heard inspiring stories of progress, explored the shared heritage of humanity, and reflected on how these contributions continue to resonate in the modern world. Speakers included Sheikh Majed Mahmoud, Dr. Mohammad Abu Taleb, and Sheikh Mikaeel Smith, among others.

The speakers said that early Muslims spread Islam to various parts of the world not only through religious preaching but also through knowledge, science, justice, and humanity. They understood that the best way to reach people’s hearts was to improve their quality of life and kindle the light of knowledge.

In the coastal cities of Arabia, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Muslim merchants carried not only goods but also messages of justice, honesty, and compassion. Their fair business practices earned the trust of locals, increasing people’s interest in Islam.

Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, the University of Cordoba, and Cairo’s Al-Azhar became centers of knowledge not only for Muslims but for students from around the world. In mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and literature, Muslims made contributions that have endured for centuries.

Through architecture, art, music, clothing, and cuisine, early Muslims introduced a rich cultural heritage to different parts of the world. Architectural marvels such as the Alhambra Palace, the Umayyad Mosque, and the Qutub Minar in Delhi still stand as symbols of Islamic tradition.

In many regions, Muslim rulers established justice-based governance that ensured the security and freedom of the local population. Islamic law, or Sharia, introduced many to new concepts of justice, leaving a positive impact on their lives.

In short, the contributions of early Muslims were not limited to religious boundaries. They gave the world the light of knowledge, the teachings of morality, and an invaluable legacy of civilization, which is still considered one of the foundations of Islam’s global spread today.

In the evening, MUNA’s cultural team presented Islamic songs performed by child artists. Their new song “To Live, We Must Rise; To Avoid Hypocrisy, We Must Change” deeply moved the audience.

Today, Sunday (August 10), a session on “The Growing Influence of Islam in Various Societies” will feature Harunur Rashid, Hamid Hossain Azad, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad Bashar, Dr. Altaf Hossain, Imam Dalower Hossain, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Monzer Taleb, Dr. Asif Hirani, Sheikh Mohammed Elshinawy, and Sheikh Abdel Rahman Murphy.

It is noteworthy that MUNA operates in 48 U.S. states. This year’s convention drew between 20,000 and 25,000 Muslim men, women, and youth of all ages from across the United States. According to available information, devout Muslims from almost every state attended the gathering.