ISNA Overview

Yes, I’ve been back for over a week and am just getting to it now. Anyways, we had a good time. We got to hear former Iranian President Khatami, new ISNA President Ingrid Mattson, and other speakers such as Robert Fisk, Hamza Yusuf, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah, Ameena Jandali, Sherman Jackson, Zaid Shakir, Suhaib Webb, and Mokhtar Maghraoui. Lots of stuff in the bazaar too, but I didn’t shop much this year. I wish I had taken my trusty IRiver with me to more lectures. Soon we can check out ISNA TV for the main hall sessions, but I wish I had recorded the sessions I went to that were not in the main hall; they were very good and I know I have probably forgotten 80% of the information I got. Read below for some “props” and promotions:

CHOCOLATE!! (got your attention, didn’t I?): Chef Uzma Sharif, owner of Love in Disguise, is the granddaughter of a prominent pastry chef in Pakistan. She has studied at Colorado Mountain Culinary Institute and the French Pastry School in Chicago. She is now a chocolatier and makes delicious chocolates and TRUFFLES! She was selling some of her truffles in the bazaar, and my favorites were fresh mint and dark chocolate. When I got home and checked out her website, I found out that she also makes several exotic truffles that she hadn’t brought with her, such as Sweet Basil, two-layer Pistachio and Cardamon, Spanish Saffron, Earl Grey, Tasmanian Honey, and White Chocolate Cardamom. Sounds good and can't wait to try all of them! If you like to order chocolate online, I highly encourage you to support this chef and give her truffles a try next time you buy. And remember, MANY PEOPLE LIKE TO RECEIVE CHOCOLATE AS A GIFT! ;-) Ramadan and Eid are also coming up, so remember to stock up for when you receive invitations to peoples’ homes.

Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah’s new book, A Muslim in Victorian America: The Life of Alexander Russell Webb. From what I’ve heard so far, it is an interesting read about one of the first Muslim converts in the Americas. It’s next in line for me to read. And as usual, i have to promote this CD set too, which Chai got me a couple years ago!

Magazines: Islamica, Emel, and Azizah. Islamica Magazine is fairly new, and its articles focus on the issues faced by Muslims all over the world. I’ve read the last couple issues, and it’s very good, informative, and entertaining. Islamica is now available in many Barnes and Noble bookstores; if it is not available in your local store, ask for it! And then buy it when it comes in so B&N knows you meant it. Emel is published in England, and focuses on the lifestyles of modern Muslims, mostly Western Muslims. Along with current events, it includes features on fashion, food, family, and sports. We bought a few issues, which I haven’t read yet, but I enjoyed the Emel issues I have read before. Islamic Horizons you’re probably all familiar with; it is published by ISNA and focuses mainly on current events, although it does contain some human interest stories as well. You receive it for free if you become a member of ISNA. Azizah magazine shouldn’t really be on here since it wasn’t at ISNA, but I am mentioning it because it’s one of my favorites! It is a magazine for Muslim women, and it is very contemporary and “hip,” and discusses issues relevant to Muslim women and the community. Check it out!

Nema Halal Meat and Cheese: Their sausage is tasty! I’m not sure if the animals they get are organic, but they feed them only natural grains once they acquire them, and they hand-slaughter them and drain the blood. They do the slaughtering and the packaging themselves. I’ll probably write to them to see if the animals they get are organic. Try the Sudjouk, a ring bologna available in mild or spicy.

Got to see Izzy Mo and her artwork in person! Check it out on her site. Looks like she's also got a link to an ISNA slideshow on there. I just found out from reading her post that Morgan Spurlock was there! I didn't see him, but that's really cool.

Sharah Clothing: Their collection is not up on their site yet; it says it will be up for Ramadan. Their clothing is made of natural fibers and it looks and feels very nice. Keep an eye out for when it is available online.