MASCON 2025 Draws Thousands To Chicago
A packed room of college students and young professionals listen intently to a presentation on "Prophetic Patience in Times of Trial," held Friday, December 26, 2025 during the MAS-ICNA (Muslim American Society- Islamic Circle of North America) Convention at McCormick Place, Chicago. The presenter, Suleiman Hani, is Dean of Academic Affairs at Al Maghrib Institute. The Muslim American Society, a dynamic religious and education organization, imparts Islamic knowledge and promotes community service. A family oriented event, every year the MAS Convention chooses a theme that fulfills the needs of the Muslim American family. This year's them is "Faith Under Fire: Standing Strong In Chaotic Times." Audience members were challenged to speak up in uncomfortable situations, whether in the classroom or on the job, when an injustice may be taking place. Suleiman Hani urged Muslims to strive to influence policies that reflect morality. For more information, go to masconvention.org. Photo by Naimah Latif, ON AIR Daily News
Muslims Discuss Faith Under Fire: Standing Strong In Chaotic Times
By Naimah Latif
International Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
"In a time when the world is engulfed in injustice, oppression, and uncertainty, the strength and clarity of true faith become more vital than ever. The ongoing massacres in Gaza lay bare the brutal reality of global inaction and complicity. Despite the immense suffering of Palestinians, many world powers—including those who claim to uphold human rights—remain passive, complicit, or even actively supportive of the violence through political and military means. The silence and failure of international institutions reflect a dangerous double standard, where political interests are prioritized over moral responsibility."
So states the opening paragraph on the masconvention.org website inviting participants to attend the Muslim American Society -Islamic Circle of North America (MAS-ICNA) Convention, the largest and most diverse Islamic convention in North America.
"This is the 25th annual year of the Convention," stated MAS-ICNA Convention Coordinator Nidal Naser. "Women have played a major role in this convention, in fact, the majority of the organizers have been women."
The convention takes place in Chicago, Illinois every year during the winter holiday season. This year's convention is being held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 26, 27 and 28 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Chicago, Illinois.
"Oppression Thrives When People of Goodness Remain Silent." Suleiman Hani
"In the United States, You Have A Right To Petition Your Government." Aseel Elborno
"In the United States, You Have A Right To Petition Your Government." Aseel Elborno
"Oppression thrives when good people stay silent," asserted Suleiman Hani, Dean of Academic Affairs at Al Maghrib Institute in his address on "Prophetic Patience in Times of Trial," during the 2025 MAS-ICNA Convention at McCormick Place, Chicago.
"In the United States, You Have A Right To Petition Your Government." Aseel Elborno
"In the United States, You Have A Right To Petition Your Government." Aseel Elborno
"In the United States, You Have A Right To Petition Your Government." Aseel Elborno
Muslims give more in charity than any religious group in America, noted Aseel Elborno, Advocacy Manager with Islamic Relief USA during her presentation "Humanitarian Advocacy: The Power of Your Voice " at the MAS-ICNA Convention, McCormick Place, Chicago.
Bishop Leonard Kayiwa Introduces a Spiritual Solution
Bishop Leads Fasting and Prayer Vigil Before Book Launch
Bishop Leonard Kayiwa of Uganda is on fire, and wants to ignite a fire to energize the spiritual community to use the power of prayer to heal the society of its ills. His new book Speaking In Tongues, Help From Good To A Believer was launched after a thirty day vigil of prayer and fasting with hundreds of worshippers who believe that the answer to the world's problems will come by calling on God, the "Higher Power"
"Good has graced me to write a number of books. This will be my sixteenth book, " he noted. His book launch held on the July 26 and 27 at the Marriott O'Hare Chicago Hotel gave him an opportunity to educate many on the speaking of a "Heavenly Language."
His prayer vigil especially included prayers for countries in distress, such as the Congo, which is suffering under trementous debt, and Ukraine which continues to experience war, was also a part of the program. Bishop Kayiwa especially called on those from African countries who are now residing in Chicago to join in the prayer services.
Local election results announced
Local election results announced
"America sent a lot of missionaries around the world, and is being blessed because of that," he said.Bishop Kayiwa, born in Kampala, East Africa, where Swahili is spoken, is a prolofic writer who is continuously inspired to expound on the power of the Hoy Spirit.
Bishop Kayiwa is an active member of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light) headquartered in South Korea and led by Chairman Man Hee Lee. He is also a supporter of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. bishop Kayiwa's books are available on Amazon. For more information, visit his website at
Pastor Corey Brooks Calls Men in the H.O.O.D. To A Mission
By Naimah Latif
Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church at 6620 S. King Drive in Chicago, sprang into action in response to the devastating poverty that leads to urban crime and violence by calling a meeting of 500 men to create a safe environment in the streets of Chicago.
Pastor Brooks, Founder of Project H.O.O.D., demonstrates how the Faith community can actively create solutions to the problems of crime and violence in the inner city, and can replace poverty and hopelessness with innovative entrepreneurship. Supplying the unemployed with viable skills creates enthusiasm and motivation in young men who had previously turned to drugs and crime.
Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) was born out of a deep commitment to transform lives and uplift communities in the heart of Chicago. Our journey began with the unwavering vision of our founder, Pastor Corey Brooks, who believed in the power of education, mentorship, and community development to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future.
In 2012, Pastor Corey Brooks took the first step toward realizing this vision by establishing Project H.O.O.D. in one of Chicago's most underserved neighborhoods. Fueled by a passion for social justice and a determination to make a lasting impact, Pastor Corey Brooks started with a small group of dedicated individuals who shared the same dream.
Over the years, Project H.O.O.D. has evolved and grown, reaching more lives and expanding its programs to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.
Pastor Brooks stated, “We've been on a remarkable journey, and it's a journey marked by resilience, dedication, and countless stories of transformation.”
Through the support of the community, generous donors, and tireless volunteers, Project H.O.O.D. has been able to:
- Provide educational resources and tutoring to thousands of students, helping them achieve academic success.
- Offer mentorship programs that guide individuals of all ages toward their goals and aspirations.
- Engage in community development initiatives, including affordable housing projects and job training programs, to create sustainable change.
- Forge partnerships with like-minded organizations, amplifying our impact and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.
The violence that exploded across the country during the July 4th weekend was indicative of the frustration experienced by those who are feeling the effects of poverty and neglect.
Pastor Corey Brooks gathered with 500+ men on Sunday July 7, 2024, in the midst of a weekend of gun violence, and challenged them to take action by creating positive programs that trained and prepared youth. Photo by Naimah Latif
Project H.O.O.D. helps young people envision their dreams and work toward creating a new reality. A number of community activists, organization leaders, business owners and even law enforcement officers joined Pastor Brooks in reassuring youth that they had a broad, united base of support among a diverse group of men, who would provide encouragement and guidance.
Political Consultant Wallace Gator Bradley, host of the TV talk show The Bradley Report and head of the organization United In Peace, admonished the young men to reach out for help rather than engage in behaviors that cause hurt and distress.
“Today, as we reflect on our history, we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping others obtain their destinies,” Pastor Brooks said.
”Our story is a testament to the belief that, together, we can create positive change, break down barriers, and build a brighter future for Chicago's underserved communities.Join us on this incredible journey of hope, empowerment, and transformation. Together, we can shape a destiny filled with promise and opportunity.”