Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed is scheduled to speak at the Islamic Society of North America’s (ISNA) annual convention over Labor Day weekend. The event’s speaker roster includes four Muslim religious leaders with histories of controversial remarks or associations, according to reports from multiple sources.
El-Sayed’s participation follows recent reporting on his campaign’s financial ties to a group with alleged terror links, though no direct connection to the convention speakers has been established. The convention, held annually in the U.S., is one of the largest gatherings of American Muslims, drawing thousands of attendees.
Speakers with Controversial Histories
Four scheduled speakers at the ISNA convention have drawn attention due to past statements or associations:
Cleric Baqir Berry delivered a sermon in June praying for "mujahideen" in Palestine and Lebanon, using a term often associated with Islamist fighters, and asking God to grant them "a mighty victory." Berry’s remarks were cited by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
Hassan Qazwini, head of the Islamic Institute of America, has previously prayed for victory for "our brothers in Iran," a country designated by the U.S. as a state sponsor of terrorism. Qazwini also faced criticism during the 2020 presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders after claiming ISIS was an "arm of the Zionists," a statement Sanders’ campaign called antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Texas imam Yasir Qadhi made remarks denying the Holocaust in the past, which he later repudiated. Qadhi has not responded to requests for comment on the convention.
Siraj Wahhaj, a New York imam, was named as a possible co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing but was never charged. Wahhaj is also scheduled to speak at the event.
El-Sayed’s Campaign and Financial Backing
El-Sayed’s campaign has received over $100,000 from dozens of members of a group with alleged terror ties, according to reporting. The group, whose name was not disclosed in the sources, has faced scrutiny over its connections to individuals or entities with extremist associations. El-Sayed has not directly addressed the financial ties in relation to the convention speakers.
The ISNA convention, which begins over Labor Day weekend, has historically featured a wide range of Muslim scholars, activists, and political figures. Past speakers have included leaders from diverse sects and ideological backgrounds within Islam.
Reactions and Responses
None of the four speakers—Berry, Qazwini, Qadhi, or Wahhaj—responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding their past remarks or the convention. El-Sayed’s campaign has not publicly addressed the inclusion of these speakers on the convention’s roster.
The convention is organized by ISNA, a nonprofit organization that describes itself as promoting peace, justice, and understanding within the Muslim community and broader society. ISNA has not issued a statement regarding the controversy surrounding its speakers.
Background on ISNA
Founded in 1982, ISNA describes its mission as fostering Islamic values in North America and engaging in interfaith dialogue. The organization has faced periodic scrutiny over the years regarding the backgrounds of some of its members or speakers, though it has also been praised for its community outreach and advocacy work.
The convention is expected to draw thousands of attendees, including Muslim Americans from across the U.S. and Canada. Past conventions have featured discussions on social justice, immigration, and political engagement within the Muslim community.