Thursday, September 08, 2005

History of MYNA - Part 12 1996-1998

1996-1997 (mostly 97) - (10) Khurram Siddiqui becomes MYNA president (probably in Aug. 1996). There are eight members of the MYNA Executive Committee. The MYNA Budget (income and expenses) listed in 1997 Annual Report, (released Aug. 1997) cites the 1996 budget at $5,500. Mehmood Kazmi is chairman of the advisory board.

1996 - The 1996 Annual West Zone Canada “Campference” is said to be scheduled in Calgary, Alberta on Canada Day weekend in the 1995 Annual Report.

Early 1996 -Islamic Horizons’ Jan./Feb. or March./April issue runs an ad for the upcoming July ISNA West Zone Annual Conference in Seattle and mentions the parallel MYNA and MSA programs.

July 5-7, 1996 - ISNA West Zone Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington features Hamza Yusuf, Muzammil Siddiqi, Hassan Hatout, Ahmad Sakr. Has joint MSA and MYNA programs. Saif Khan is conference chair and Rafik Beekun is on the con. board.

July/Aug. 1996 - Khurram Siddiqui publicizes MYNA events in Islamic Horizons July/Aug issue where an ISNA matters item reads “Schedule of Muslim Youth Activities Available; What are your children doing for the rest of the summer and fall? Why not enroll them in one of MYNA’s many Islamic activities. Perhaps they might be interested in a recreation camp, separate for brothers and sisters. If they are looking for something a little more educational, they might want to participate in one of MYNA’s many retreats and conferences all over the country. For a current listing of MYNA activities, call Br. Khurram Siddiqui at (517) 629-9303.”

Aug. 18-23, 1996 - The 3rd Annual Week Long MYNA Summer Camp at Camp Samoset in Casco, ME takes place.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 1996 - 33rd Annual ISNA Convention held in Columbus, Ohio features the 10th Annual MYNA Summer Conference. 13,000 total attendees and 800 Youth attend, making it the largest MYNA conference ever. [Not true, there were 900 in 1994]. Prominent speakers include Siraj Wahaj [ISNA VP for a time, maybe then], Abdul Malick, Amina Assilmi, Asad Siddiqui [now on the board], Anwar Khan [MYNA West Zone Advisor for a time], Monem Salam [now chair of the board], Noura Shamma [a MYNA Alumnus and then advisor], Ahmed El-Kadi [MYNA Advisory Board chairman for a time] and others. Topics for workshops and speeches in the program range from inspirational to dogmatic to organizational on how to improve MYNA groups and their function, as well as Zonal MYNA meetings. The MSA also holds a full-fledged program for the first time since 1982 at the convention.

-Marium Mohiuddin’s write-up explanation of the MYNA conference from the Nov./Dec.1996 Horizons reads: “Have you ever stopped and looked where you are going? Which path in life have we begun to walk upon? Do we see peace in front of us or unsteadiness and unrest? Over 800 youth gathered at the 10th Annual MYNA Summer Conference to explore the same questions.
“The goal of this year’s MYNA conference at ISNA was to make us stronger Muslims by identifying the aspects in our lives which are closed and not open to the light of Islam. The sessions when combined, portrayed what it means to be a true “Muslim Superstar.
“The program began with a bang on Friday, with Imam Siraj Wahaj. He reminded us that time was ‘Tic, Toc’ing’ away and that we should make each moment dear to us because time is a precious gift from Allah (swt). Closing the day was Imam Abdul Malick and Sr. Amina Assilmi who urged youth to educate themselves. The first word revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was “Iqra.” They explored the deeper meaning of this and what sort of role this plays in our lives.
“Saturday began with different workshops ranging from “How to Rock your Youth Group” to “Islamic Art and Architecture” [note probably given by Asad Siddiqui, a MYNA alumn and later new board member in 2003]. The workshops were aimed at channeling the energy of the youth so that, Insha’Allah, we would have youth who would be using their energy for the pleasure of Allah (swt). The rest of the day was packed with sessions and workshops. The topics were targeted at what we do blindly. Many of us give money to different causes but how many know what the cause is for? Br. Anwar Khan [with Islamic Relief in L.A., spent time as a MYNA West Zone advisor] related his experiences in Bosnia, and with other troubled Muslims. He urged the youth not to be seated while so many of our brothers and sisters, our “Ummah,” were being “Wounded.” Later that day. Br. Omar Nasim and Sr. Maha Nur-el-din explored Ibadah and “The Shahadah.” These are two things we do every day, but do we understand what we are doing and what impact it should have in our lives and the lives of everyone around us? The day closed with three amazing youth speakers - Sr. Noura Shamma [MYNA Alumnus], Br. Parvez Ahmed, and Br. Habib Quadri [another Chicago Quadri?] who asked us who are our “Muslim Superstars”? This is a question that all Muslim youth should ask themselves - “Who do I look up to?
“Sunday brought the conference to a close. Imam Siraj Wahaj [ISNA Vice President, maybe at the time] and Dr. Ahmed El-Kadi [MYNA Advisor, maybe at the time] had a joint session with MYNA and MSA where once again a question was asked… “Are you prepared to die?” This session brought the message that we should live our lives, from moment to moment, as good as possible since we never know when we will die and be accountable to Allah for our deeds. This session was followed by MYNA zonal meetings and workshops ranging from “How to Plan a Successful Activity,” to “MSA, the next step to success.” The last two sessions of the program were two of the most important sessions. Br. Monem Salam [Mohiuddin’s cousin, now on MYNA board] “Opened the Book of Guidance”and showed us the importance of having the Qur’an in our lives. Br. Fawaz Rasheed discussed the essence of the program “The Strongest of Muslims.” He wrapped up the whole program and tied all the session together to show us the path that we should be taking.
“When we are born a path is laid out before us. It becomes difficult to remain on the path to Allah (swt) because there are so many tempting things to experience. MYNA conferences will continue to remind youth about the right path and show them how to stay on it, Insha’Allah.”

-On MSA’s convention that year- “This year for the first time in fourteen years (since the 1982 convention), MSA finally held a conference with a full compliment of sessions devoted to issues and topics aimed at the e new generation of Muslim students, says Asad Ba-Yunus in a Horizons convention write-up in the Nov/Dec. 1996 issue. Although the first MSA conference of its kind was held in 1963, thirty four years ago, MSA has not held a full national conference of this magnitude since 1982, when it was integrated into the ISNA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. It has remained a part of the ISNA Convention program since then as a few parallel sessions.” He said. Of MYNA he says that “MYNA and MSA held a joint session with Imam Siraj Wahaj, Ahmed El Kadi and ISNA President Abdalla Idris Ali entitled “Are you ready to Die?” focusing on the importance of the akhira (hereafter) and our purpose in this life….The comprehensive ISNA-MYNA-MSA registration allowed for conference goers registered for ISNA, MSA and MYNA sessions, so attendance to sessions was enormous, Alhamdulillah…On three occasions, MSA main sessions had to be moved from the assigned room to the large prayer hall to accommodate the large audiences, including a joint session held with MYNA…All problems were quickly dealt with professionally and efficiently by the MSA conference staff, working together with the ISNA and MYNA staff, Alhamdulliah.”

Sept./Oct. 1996 - The Islamic Horizons Sept./Oct. features a quirky MYNA-related PSA ad sponsored by S.A. Rahman, M.D. Family Practice and Internal Medicine from Lawrenceburg Indiana urging young Muslim men and women in “ISNA, MYNA, MAYA and other Islamic organizations” to take good care of themselves with proper sleep because of the loss of some young Muslim workers in car accidents. (It doesn’t say who.)“It has been observed on several occasions that young men and women involved with ISNA, MYNA, MAYA and other Islamic organizations, because of a shortage of help, time and money, have been going under a great deal of suffering physical and mental stress. These young people have been overworking, not getting enough sleep and speeding on the highways to meet deadlines.
“We have lost several fine young Muslims and Muslimas as a result of accidents. Others have suffered serious injuries affecting their quality of life and many times totaling their cars.
“It is an established fact that a minimum of 6 hours sleep is essential. This should be discussed in all organizations and every effort should be made to make a policy that workers and participants should have a chance to catch up on six hours of sleep and make their schedules accordingly….Also, we all know that speeding is against the law and as Muslims we should obey the laws of the land.”

Nov. 8-10, 1996 - MYNA Executive Council meeting held at ISNA HQ. MYNA President Khurram Siddiqui calls for stronger ties between ISNA and MYNA. One immediate result is that ISNA agrees to host the MYNA Field Youth Leadership Training Program (which takes place some time over the next months, before the next Annual Convention in Aug. 1997). A Jan/Feb. 1997 Horizons write-up says of the meeting “The staff of the ISNA secretariat hosted the MYNA Executive Committee meeting during the weekend of Nov. 8-10, 1996. The eight members of the Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Khurram Siddiqui and their advisors discussed several issues ranging from strengthening membership in MYNA to upcoming events in the various zones across the US and Canada. With early morning starts on both Saturday and Sunday, the Committee met continuously until late into the evening. Alhamdulillah they have set tentative dates for major activities such as the regional summer camps and the well-known FYLTPs-Field Youth Leadership Training Programs. In a special meeting with ISNA management, the Committee raised several key issues for collaboration between MYNA and ISNA. In general there was agreement that more parental support was needed for MYNA activities and that ISNA would assist in locating such members of communities across North America who are committed to promoting youth activities. Any parents interested in being a part of the MYNA parents Network, please contact Altaf Husain at ISNA at 317-839-8157, ext. 804.”

Nov.-Dec., 1996 - The ISNA Convention Update issue of Islamic Horizons features an article on the MYNA Summer Conference with the ISNA 1996 Convention by Marium Mohiuddin [who much later writes the MYNA revival story in 2003]. The article is entitled “MYNA Summer Conference; the largest ever.” MSA programs by Asad Ba-Yunus, then MSA continental conference co-director, and other things. A very positive piece. The article features mention of joint MSA and MYNA sessions at the Aug. 1996 Convention. It’s titled “MSA Holds Continental Conference.” It talks bout MSA having a full-fledged program this year.

1997 - (10) Khurram Siddiqui, MYNA chairman from Illinois (or Michigan) (He has two terms, apparently). Donations for the “MYNA Scholarship fund” start to be solicited as part of the convention programs, continues till today. Contact person listed on the convention forms for the fund is Riyad Shamma. Farah Amin is East Zone Rep somewhere between 95, 96 and 97. The Minneapolis MN chapter of MYNA holds “Youth group meetings” every Sunday and the contact person for them is Sr. Asma BaYunus (612) 459-9568. MYNA’s ISNA Headquarters facilities are reduced to the MYNA Cabinet, organized by sister ISNA intern and MYNA member Anbreen Bhatti there, she worked as a summer intern in the MYNA-related intern program. A note on the cabinet explains the history (how MYNA went from an office in the HQ, to a cubicle, to this cabinet) and says “please do not remove anything from this cabinet. This is where MYNA Lives.”[The MYNA Cabinet is where MYNA Lives at ISNA HQ from this time until 2003, the present. Today Taneeza Islam has an office dedicated to youth work, and has started referring to the information in the cabinet. Her role is now in-between definitions of ISNA or MYNA staff-person. No actual MYNA office at ISNA HQ presently.]

ISNA intern and MYNA member Aug. 6, 1997 – Tasneem Crooker

Anbreen Bhatti



Marium Salman in 1996 – moved it to a cubicle

Jan. 8, 1997 - Tipu Ahmed, recently promoted Director of Conventions (meaning that former first MYNA president Sameer Bade has left the position) meets with the CIOGC. To set the stage for work on the convention. The Convention Steering Committee chair is CIOGC head Talal Sunbulli. [2003 - From that day till the present, Tipu Ahmed has become the key, main ISNA Convention organizer doing many of the dealings with various constituent groups and all the dealings with the hotels and negotiations. At the April 4th 2003 Majlis meeting, he defends his Department not having released the MYNA national funds raised by the convention due to a lack of knowledge and communication between himself and the MYNA Committee, and that they have recently dealt directly with Hanaa Unus and no advisors, such as Riyad Shamma for years, and that to his knowledge there were no advisors. Basically he admits to being solely focused on the running of the convention and not know anything about MYNA falling apart and continues to organize the conference blindly working with the remnants of the MYNA National Structure, which is solely the arm that organizes the Summer Continental Conference. Ahmed currently sees nothing wrong with his judgments or decisions with that regard. The later MYNA EZ Advisor, Naeem Muhammad, resents ISNA for having withheld the funds “to a dying organization.”]

Jan./Feb. 1997 - Article in the ISNA Matters section about the MYNA Executive Board meeting at ISNA HQ and the talks there entitled “MYNA Executives Meet at ISNA HQ.” There is also and ad for two paid positions for supervisors for the 1997 Summer Internship Program Sponsored by Dr. Maqbool Ahmed. Not sure if the interns are connected to the elsewhere mentioned MYNA-related summer intern program at ISNA HQ. Good chance.

Somewhere between Jan-Aug. 1997 - The MYNA Field Youth Leadership Training Program takes place at ISNA Headquarters. Says Islamic Horizons of the event: “For nearly three days, over 35 youth attend an intense training program conducted by veteran MYNA trainers such as “Uncle” Waheed Mustafa, Riyad “Abu Samia” Shamma, and Sara Al-Dahir. Among the highlights were a very memorable lecture on Islam and music by (now late) Adel Marzouk, a talk and a tajwid workshop by Imam ‘Ala eddin El Bakri, and a session in which the youth themselves practiced the art of public speaking. Ashfaq Lodhi, ISNA Director of Membership and Field Services, organized salatul Jumah at the Indianapolis International Airport and MYNA participants effectively inaugurated the interfaith prayer room. An added element was the involvement of several parents who not only helped transport some of the participants but also met with ISNA staff to present feedback on various ISNA activities and programs. Inshallah,” says the Horizons article, “more MYNA activities and programs will be hosted by ISNA in the future. MYNA has already received extensive cooperation and assistance from ISNA in the organization of the MYNA conference at the Annual Convention.”

Feb. 1997 - MYNA Central Zone Region 7 Training Seminar said to be planned to be held in Tulsa, OK with contact person Sr. Madiha Cheema (918) 229-5268. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

Feb. 8, 1997 - MYNA Toronto (or maybe “Central Zone Canada (Toronto),” as listed in the Horizons calendar, though that could be a typo, the same goes for all the rest of the 1997 “MYNA Toronto” events that follow) General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled at ISNA Islamic School at 10 am. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

Feb. 15, 1997 - MYNA Central Zone Region 8 Training Seminar held in Louisville, KY. Contact person is Sr. Nahid Ali (606) 578-0836.

Feb. 19, 1997 - ISNA Secretary General Sayyid Syeed and other staff members, and MSA and MYNA representatives attend a meeting with the CIOGC and Chicago community leaders. MSA and MYNA representatives are invited “since both hold their conferences in cooperation with ISNA.” They take suggestions for improving the upcoming Convention in Aug.

Feb. 22, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled at ISNA Islamic School at 10 am. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

March 8, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

March 10-16, 1997 - MYNA Toronto’s March Madness, including lectures on March 15, 16. Contact person is Br. Mateen Khaja (905) 828-4057.

March 12, 1997 - MYNA Toronto Brothers Paintball. Contact person Br. Suhaib Ibrahim (416) 724-1638. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

March 22, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

March, 28-30, 1997 - Michigan Youth Conference listed as a Central Zone (USA) activity. Contact person Sr. Somia Ahmed (810) 682-2959.

March, 28-30, 1997 - Texas Youth Retreat listed as a Central Zone (USA) activity. Contact person Sr. Nusheen Huq (713) 890-5607.

March, 1997 - MYNA Toronto Sisters Lazerquest. Specific date listed as “TBA.” Contact person is Sr. Sara Rangooni (905) 829-1378. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

March./April 1997 - Islamic Horizons reports in the ISNA Matters section that Zaynab Salman, a high school student from Toy, Michigan was the first youth to register for the 11th Annual MYNA Continental Conference which will be held in the same venue as the ISNA Convention later in the year.

-Also, Abdalla Idris Ali is said to have successfully completed his two allowed terms as President of ISNA. At this time ISNA also has a working affiliates program.

-A full “MYNA YOUTH ACTIVITIES CALENDAR” for MYNA’s Central Zones US and Canada [or it’s a typo and they mean Central Zone and Canada Zone] is published in Horizons in the as yet unseen “MYNA UPDATE” section. It says “MYNA is keeping Muslim youth busy through out the Continent this spring and summer! Call the listed contact individuals for more information on these events which are taking place in the Central Zone and Canada. If you live in other zones, contact MYNA via fax at (317-839-1840 to find out more information [that’s a headquarters number]. There are 8 events/activities listed for “CENTRAL ZONE (USA) and 16 events/activities listed for the “CENTAL ZONE CANADA (TORONTO).”

April, 1997 - MYNA Toronto Hospital Visit & Soup Kitchen. Date listed as “TBA.” Contact person is Sr. Aminah Hack (905) 276-1601. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

April, 1997 - MYNA Toronto Sisters Volleyball Tournament. Date listed as “TBA.” Contact person is Sr. Sara Rangooni (905) 829-1378. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

April 12, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

April 26, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

Victoria Day Weekend, May 1997 - ISNA Canada Conference with MYNA program. Contact person is Sr. Huma Choudhary, 905-332-8474. [She will eventually become the next MYN President and the one between Khurram Siddiqui and Hanaa Unus. Later till present, she and former MYNA Canada Advisor Faisal Baksh are now active with the Deen Intensive Programs of Ihya Productions, Hamza Yusuf, etc. Elsewhere spelled “Huma Chowdry.”]

May 10, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

May 24, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

Early June, 1997 - MYNA Central Zone Regions 8 & 5 Summer Camps. Specific date listed as “TBA.” Contact people are Sr. Syeeda Amin (614) 431-0365, or Sr. Nahid Ali (606) 578-0836.

June 11-17, 1997 - MYNA Texas Regional Summer Camp. Contact person is Sr. Nausheen Huq. (713) 890-5607.

June 14, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

June 28, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

June/July 1997 - Islamic Horizons June/July issue features a promotional ad encouraging people to join the United ISNA Fund which features a timeline of important events in ISNA history. MYNA is listed in timeline: “1985; American Muslim children are no longer children. ISNA invites 150 [notice the inflation in attendance number] dedicated young Muslims for a training program. Today, the Muslim Youth of North America develops its own youth groups, leadership programs, study circles, recreational camps, Eid festivals, plays, publications, homeless visits, social welfare projects and more.” It also mentions the founding of WAMY in 1975 but incorrectly said it was “ISNA” that did it when it was actually MSA-at the time, and NAIT in 1972 among other events. It also notes 1994 as the year that 15,000 people attend the 31st ISNA Convention in Chicago. The issue also features the “Youth Talk” section with an unrelated column about Muslim youth encouraging them to be nice to non-Muslims and interact with them more.

July 1997 - MYNA Toronto Family Picnic, date listed as “TBA.” Contact person is Sr. Aminah Hack. (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

July 1997 - MYNA Toronto Sisters Recreation, date listed as “TBA.” Contact person is Sr. Sara Rangooni. (905) 829-1378. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

July 1997 - MYNA Toronto Brothers Basketball Tournament. Date listed as “TBA.” Contact person is Br. Suhaib Ibrahim (416) 724-1638. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

July 6-12, 1997 - MYNA Central Zone Summer Camp takes place in St. Louis, MO. Contact person is Sr. Duaa Eldeib. (314) 445-5840.

July 12, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

July 26, 1997 - MYNA Toronto General Body Meeting & Halaqah scheduled. Br. Fiyyaz Jatt is the contact (905) 893-0294. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

Aug. 16-20, 1997 - Annual MYNA Toronto Summer Camp. Contact person is Sr. Fatima Issawi. (905) 855-1412. (from Horizons calendar, not known if it actually happened.)

Summer 1997 - The PBS TV-show “Religion and Ethics” features a MYNA summer camp.

Late Aug. 1997 - The 11th Annual MYNA Continental Conference takes place in Chicago. The 1997-1998 balance is listed in 1997 Annual report for 1997-98 is $13,850 up from $5,500 in 1996-97 (which is also listed in the report). It says there were over 50 camps conferences and seminars held across the US and Canada. The scholarship program was reintroduced to assist and reward those who have been active, it says. It says a waqf is being established in order to collect and properly handle those funds as well as other endowments for future projects.
Sept.-Oct 1997 - Islamic Horizons features its second to last article about a specific independent MYNA event with the small two column-one picture story “MYNA FYLTP at ISNA HQ.” It’s also part of a larger section with three MSA-related stories entitled “MUSLIM YOUTH TALK.” (A rare attempt at a youth section for old Omer Bin Adullah? No, it’s an existing semi-regular feature till then). The article mentions a number of prominent youth and advisors and ISNA staff.
Oct. 31, 1997 - MYNA at the Islamic Center of Bryan College Station has a bake sale fundraiser on the 2nd floor. The center is located near Texas A&M College in North Texas between Houston and Austin.
1998 - (11) Huma Chowdry, MYNA president, from Canada. Yasir Shinaishin is US East Zone Rep. Naeem Muhammad is “picking up people from the airport.” Mehmood Kazmi is East Zone Advisor. Start of Muzammil Siddiqi’s ISNA presidency. M. is East Zone rep 1998-1999, and Naeem Muhammad starts as East Zone Advisor in late 1998, taking over from Mehmood Kazmi.

Jan/Feb. 1998 - Islamic Horizons issue has an editorial entitled “Start Planning Now” where OBA talks about the Convention and how people should start preparing now six months in advance. He says it “offers a special challenge to the youth who must start taking steps to involve themselves more intently with the affairs of the ummah. The ISNA Convention must not be reduced to the level of chats into the late night with new found friends and former MYNA camp-mates.” He says. That’s the only mention of MYNA. He says in general people should attend workshops and become involved in organizing the event.

March/April 1998 - Islamic Horizons issue dealing with Islamic education (again) mentions the phenomenon of High School MSAs and their benefits in shaping positive Muslim youth identity.

Summer 1998 – MYNA Executive Committee/Riyad Shamma meet in Washington, DC and commission Waheed Mustafa, Aimen Mir, and Jawaad Abdul Rahman to do a study on the state of the youth group and how to repair it entitled “Reviving MYNA.” They outline a plan to reorganize MYNA, minus the youth structure.

Sept. 4-6, 1998 - The 35th ISNA Annual Convention happens with its usual MSA and MYNA programs alongside. The MYNA President Huma Chowdry attends the inaugural session alongside the other ISNA Affiliate group heads onstage. Abdalla Idris Ali listed as “the” popular speaker in the youth programs. “The youth programs included college and career counseling workshops, where the young Muslims were told to strive for mastering their subject. The senior industry professionals told the youth that today’s employers are looking for Muslims who they know will never come with hangover on Monday and will not be restless to go out and party on Friday evening , and that the Muslims are the ones who do their jobs diligent. On Sunday night, MYNA continued with its tradition of providing entertainment for the evening. This was also an occasion to auction the basketballs signed by Hakeem Olajuwan and Tariq Abdul Wahad, which secured several thousand dollars for youth activities.” The 1998-1999 Annual is also distributed with no mention of MYNA or MYNA Canada for the first time (excluding 1996, which I may have an incomplete copy of) and will continue to not be mentioned from here on out. The Annual ISNA convention No listing of Majlis members or MYNA rep in it, either.

-There is a meting of MYNA Executives/Advisors/Alumni to go over the “Reinventing MYNA proposal.” In it many suggest keeping the youth structure and so Mustafa and Mir (the primary authors, with Rahman advising and assisting with suggestions) go back and spend the next year revising the document and coming up with a new plan.

Nov. 26-29, 1998 - MYNA East Zone conference held during Thanksgiving weekend near Washington, DC. “Becoming Closer to Allah” is the theme, a product of a recently undertaken evaluation by MYNA East Zone. “The participants who were selected for their sincerity to learn, not only increased their iman but also learned techniques necessary for starting and maintaining Islamic activity,” said M. East Zone Rep, and East Zone Advisor Naeem Muhammad. A group of parents and college students served as counselors and chaperones. The Hagarstown, MD Islamic Society (HIS) provided active support during the event.

Nov./Dec. 1998 - ISNA Annual Convention report comes out in Islamic Horizons with a cursory mention of all the heads of ISNA affiliates at the opening session, these include the then MSA president, Mohammed Salem Omeish, and MYNA presidents Huma "Chowdri" and others, of course, on Friday of the convention, Sept. 4.

Late 1998 - End of the year, MYNA East Zone Region 7 does a fundraiser for the needy countries overseas. Each state rep was contacted and asked to inform his/her state contacts of the event. Each city was to choose a country to sponsor and compete in raising more money than any other city in the region. Many countries were sponsored including Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo. The deadline approached and Panama City raised the most amount of money at $2,000 for Kosovo.

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