The Annual MAS-ICNA Convention is the largest and most diverse Islamic conventions in North America. The convention takes place in Chicago, Illinois every December during the winter holiday season. By the grace of God and the unique effort of over 300 volunteers, the number of attendees has successfully grown from 1,500 in 2001 to over 30,000 in 2022.
The Muslim American Society (MAS) and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) are dynamic, religious, and educational organizations that offer unique programs and services that seek to better the individual and in turn, the greater society by imparting Islamic knowledge, promoting community service, and much more. With similar goals and missions, both Islamic organizations teamed up to produce two successful conventions every year: the MAS Convention in Chicago, Illinois and the ICNA Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
As a family oriented event, every year MAS-ICNA Convention chooses a theme that fulfills the needs of the Muslim American family. The themes are often categorized in topics of spirituality, activism and knowledge. The MAS-ICNA Convention offers a wide variety of simultaneously run programs for different ages and interests. Lectures for young adults and youth not only teach the fundamentals of Islam but teach them how to implement the teachings of the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) in their daily lives and encounters. This year’s theme is “Islam & Modernity: Challenges & Opportunities” – This year the convention will be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
In addition to these lectures, the convention provides various programs including: intensive workshops which are provided to help enhance skills that are necessary for success; a diverse and unique 450 Booth-Bazaar and entertainment sessions which include a talent show, Qur’an competition, a kids carnival, and Islamic nasheeds (music). The MAS-ICNA Convention is concluded with the main inspiration night which features guest appearances by star performers!

MEET OUR TEAM
Ahmad Abdeljawad
Chair of the Bazaar Committee
Ahmad Abdeljawad
Chair of the Bazaar Committee
My name is Ahmad Abdeljawad and I am the Chair of the Bazaar Committee. I am an outdoor person who enjoys nature, love to travel, swim, hike, and build stuff in my free time. I love to socialize with people which is one of the reasons I like working in the Bazaar. I have been volunteering with MASCON now for 6 years.
Baraa Dalaq
Co-Chair of the Bazaar Committee
Baraa Dalaq
Co-Chair of the Bazaar Committee
My name is Baraa Dalaq and I am the Co-Chair of the Bazaar Committee at MASCON. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, eating good food, biking and wood working. I strive to be an active member of my community and have been volunteering with MASCON for over 15 years.
Nidal Naser
Operation Director of MAS-ICNA convention
Nidal Naser
Operation Director of MAS-ICNA convention
My name is Nidal Naser, I am the Operation Director of MAS-ICNA convention. I hold a master degree in computer science. I work as network and cloud engineer for a major telco company.
I enjoy working out, swimming, and outdoor activities.
I have been volunteering for MAS-ICNA for a very long time.
I am passionate about helping and supporting our community through our none for profit organizations.
Wafa Manasrah
MAS National Operations Manager
Wafa Manasrah
MAS National Operations Manager
Wafa Manasrah, MAS National Operations Manager serving as the liaison for MASCON, in my free time i like to volunteer with my local team in the Dallas chapter. i love to read and spend time with my kiddos and husband, i love cats - have 3 of them at home, and the beach is my favorite place to be. I have 6 siblings and am of Palestinian descent.
Sham Najjar
Co-Chair of of Guest Relations + Survey Committee
Sham Najjar
Co-Chair of of Guest Relations + Survey Committee
I born and raised—Graduated from UC Riverside with a BS in biology and ASU with an MS in Human Development & Genetics. Intake Coordinator at Providence Trinity Care.
Iman Elgohary
Co-Chair of Guest Relations + Survey Committee
Iman Elgohary
Co-Chair of Guest Relations + Survey Committee
From Southern California, BA in Public Health Policy from UC Irvine. Currently working as a Paralegal + Community Outreach Coordinator at Community Legal Aid SoCal. Love to spend any free time at the beach, ice skating, or exploring new coffee shops!
Dalia Hassaballa
Co-chair of Program Committee
Dalia Hassaballa
Co-chair of Program Committee
Dalia Hassaballa has been working with the program committee since 2009 with her start in the youth program. Now, co-chair of the main program, Dalia is passionate about bringing our attendees the best possible program. Dalia’s other passions include holistic health and youth work. She is a mother 3 girls and resides in the suburbs of Chicago.
Ahmad Rafati
Stage Committee Chair & Operation Manager.
Anaam J. Alrashadeh
Funville Committee Chairwoman
Rammie Ashkar
Co-chair for the Services committee
Rammie Ashkar
Co-chair for the Services committee
Asalamu Aleykum, my name is Rammie Ashkar. My role with MAS-ICNA is the co-chair for the Services committee. Outside of MAS-ICNA, I am a Travel ICU Nurse. Which I enjoy because of the opportunities of traveling. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at this years convention.
Zahra Antar
Chair/advisor for MAS/ICNA convention Young Youth committee
Zahra Antar
Chair/advisor for MAS/ICNA convention Young Youth committee
Zahra Antar is married and a mother of three children. She has -BA in Arts – visual communication from the Lebanese University.
BA degree in Nonprofit management emphasis on Community Leadership and Civic Engagement at Northern Illinois (NIU). Currently pursuing her Master in Public administration – MPA at NIU.
Zahra is a Chair/advisor for MAS/ICNA convention Young Youth committee since 2013
Prior professional expertise at Bank of America as Web Analyst. Mrs. Antar has been involved with multiple nonprofit organizations since 2007
Mrs. Antar is Board member of Islamic Center of Wheaton.
She is currently a Board of director at Madina community.
She has extensive experience working with ICNA Relief Chicago and is a member of their Board of Advisory.
Mrs. Antar has been in the Real estate business since 2010, She also manages multiple LLC.
Ahmad Alagha
Senior Consultant for Protiviti
Ahmad Alagha
Senior Consultant for Protiviti
My name is Ahmad Alagha. I have been a part of the Registration Team for the past 10 years. I have truly enjoyed my time working along side MAS during these years. Being surrounded by charismatic, inspiring, and motivated individuals inspires me every time I am working with this team. I graduated with my Masters in Accounting in 2018 from Kansas University, and I currently work as a senior consultant for Protiviti, were I specialize in IT Audit. During my free time, I enjoy working out, being with my family, and traveling.
Hoda Shubair
Young Youth Girls - Co Chair
Hoda Shubair
Young Youth Girls - Co Chair
Hoda Shubair graduated from the faculty of Journalism and Media and worked for different media platforms besides being an independent blogger. Along with raising her four children, Hoda has taught and mentored young Muslim youth for the past 10 years, through halaqas and Quran classes. She loves reading, and writing and enjoys being in nature.