The biggest problem politically nowadays (especially concerning Muslims and the general American public) is that people don't understand who Muslims are and what exactly they are like, especially in an American setting. To battle the ignorance, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) hosts a convention every year that aims to connect Muslims from all over southeast America with each other while also providing the American public with knowledge about Islam. That is, the real Islam and not the radicalized version of it that people see on T.V. all the time.

The ICNA convention this year took place in the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, from Dec. 23 to 25. Every year comes with a theme, and this year, the theme was lessons from Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. This theme coincides with the purpose of ICNA to educate everyone.

When you walk into the convention center, the first thing that you see is the registration table. They'll give you a badge and a program guide. This guide is the key to your ICNA experience. There are programs throughout the three-day convention, and all of them have something to do with the theme, and these programs are located all throughout the convention center. The most prominent programs of the convention are conducted by Young Muslim (YM), which is an organization that has its own hall for lectures on the ICNA convention floor.

For example, at one program entitled "Purifying Your Intentions," speaker Shaykh Abdool Rahman Khan said, "Our intentions can either make us or break us so it is important that we constantly renew [them]." There are many sessions like this, with each discussing a small part of the theme and each focusing on it in-depth.

These programs are an essential part of helping American Muslims. When describing the convention, YM Atlanta team member Faryal Nizami said that it was important to have the ICNA convention because it "provided a safe Islamic environment for the whole family, under one roof, for education, socialization and entertainment." This highlights a simple fact about this convention: it is all-encompassing and is aimed to be well-rounded. ICNA's message can influence thousands and thousands of people, including me. This conference is a refreshing end to each year, and it often reminds me of my own personal goals and relationships in my life.

Programs are not the only aspect of this convention, however. A key part of the convention is the bazaar that is located in the heart of the convention center. Gleaming jewelry, rich and diverse dresses, and more can be found, along with a few stands full of food.

But the main point that stands is that the ICNA convention is just like any other secular convention – there is no discernible aspect of it that can be considered a concern for any member of the American public. There is nothing about the fact that it is an "Islamic" convention that makes it different or strange. Rather, it is a wonderful place to learn more about Islam and Muslims as how they really are.

So, if you're ever around Atlanta next Christmas weekend and you want somewhere to go, try visiting the ICNA convention!