April 4, 2020 – Eashat Bhai and I (DMV residents) had a conversation about the Annual ICNA 
Conference coming up in Baltimore on April 10, 2020. We were concerned about holding this conference, as was announced. The right-wing media would have picked on it, as it is happening with the Tablighi Jamaat in India. Of course, the right-wing media will ignore all the bigger conventions by others in the United States but will do the damage.
The Tablighi Jamat followed the guidelines in India, whereas, two Chief Ministers violated after the lockdown was announced. I am saddened some of my Hindu friends here in Washington DC are still harping on the Jamaat as the source of the virus. I am doing my best for them to see the facts. More about it at https://worldmuslimcongress.org/markaz-nizamuddin-controversy/
Then Eashat bhai called ICNA last night, this morning they corrected it to AN ONLINE SYMPOSIUM. That was the right action on the part of ICNA and Eashat Bhai. Both deserve congratulations.
We need to continue to monitor ourselves and correct the course.
Now, I am looking at the speaker’s panel, sorry for the expression, and it appears like the Dog is chasing its own tail—same speakers year after year and the same rut. ISNA does the same. They need to get new speakers, young speakers, Authors on Islam to widen the restrictive Islam they have been presenting. Islam is the same Islam inherently grounded in wisdom. We cannot use the same medicine used 1000 years ago; we have to use the current medications and tools to do the same job: cure ailments.
Islam is accused of violence, not because it is, but because we allowed misinterpretations of the Quran and fake Hadiths. As an example, the Word Jihad carries the same wisdom in the Quran, but the traditional scholars had interpreted as warfare against infidels. Still today, many men believe they can beat their wives with “Miswak (traditional neem toothbrush stick)” after admonishing them, how disgusting it is, and goes against the spirit of Islam of treating women with dignity. The Seerah by Ibn Hisham inspired Al-Baghdadi to abuse the Yazidi, Christian, and Shia women as goods of pleasure won in the battle. Why don’t we label these books as “Do not entirely reflect the character of the Prophet and Allah’s disposition.”
Every field of knowledge has Mandatory continuing education; sadly, our Imams and preachers do not have the MCE – it is time we start the MCE course at ICNA and ISNA conventions. Many of our Imams are not current with the “accepted” changes in the items mentioned above.
We need a new light on why we do what we do. I hope ISNA and ICNA leadership takes bold steps to present different points of view instead of chasing the tail. Islam is the umbrella of the Aalameen (Universe) and accepts full diversity within its shade, indeed accepts infinite (73) number of tribes and all humanity. All are vying to do good and must be appreciated.
As an Atheist turned Muslim (since 1998), Islam is not a belief drilled into me, but the wisdom to create peaceful, cohesive societies where every human feels secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity, and culture. If you want to learn about Islam, listen to criticism of Allah, Muhammad, Islam, and the Quran, and find common sense answers right in the Quran. You will learn to find wisdom in the Quran, instead of reacting as it may offend your belief. The more criticism you hear, the more knowledgeable you become with confidence. Indeed, Islam is common sense. Let me assert, If it is not common sense, then it is not Islam.
Dr. Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, author, business consultant, community organizer, news-maker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is deeply committed to Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, Societies, and the workplace. He is dedicated to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and civic, religious and political leaders.