Voices of a Nation: Muslim Hill Day 2025

Faisal Ahmed:

Hundreds of Muslim advocates from across the United States converged on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on April 28–29, 2025, for the 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day, marking a decade of civic engagement and policy advocacy. Led by the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the two-day event mobilized more than 750 participants, including community leaders, youth, and first-time attendees, all driven by this year’s urgent theme: “Defending Rights, Shaping Policy.”

The atmosphere was both energized and purposeful as delegates held over 210 meetings with members of Congress and Senate offices, presenting a united voice on pressing domestic and international concerns. With a focus on issues like the ongoing genocide in Gaza, oppression of Uyghur Muslims in China, violence in Sudan and Burma, and the safeguarding of civil liberties in the U.S., participants demanded legislative action that prioritizes human rights and justice.

Prominent figures such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Rep. Lateefah Simon addressed the evening reception, affirming their commitment to civil rights, anti-racism, and ending global atrocities. “It starts with you and locally, then you’ll see the impact in Washington D.C.,” emphasized Nihad Awad, urging attendees to transform local engagement into national influence.

Among the highlights was the recognition of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) as the top participating organization, with nearly 325 registrants from 19 states, including 200 youth from Young Muslims (YM) and active involvement from ICNA Sisters led by Sr. Sumaira. The award was accepted by Br. Ammar Siddiqui, symbolizing the growing role of Muslim youth in national advocacy efforts. CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) also received accolades, placing second in overall signups, a milestone they hope to surpass next year.

Logistics were seamlessly executed by the ICNA Council for Social Justice (CSJ), who coordinated training webinars, accommodations, transport, and schedules for participants. A special session brought together six senior ICNA Ameers, including Br. Saad Kazmi, Dr. Talat Sultan, and Br. Zahid Hussain, to share strategy and reflections, fostering unity across generations.

This year’s legislative agenda called on Congress to protect nonprofit advocacy and free speech rights, particularly as Muslim and allied organizations face increased scrutiny and legislative targeting. Attendees also advocated for the NO BAN Act, opposing renewed visa restrictions on Muslim-majority countries, and pushed for bold U.S. action to address mass atrocities abroad.

The event reinforced several key takeaways: face time with legislators matters, community strength is vital, and no action—however small—is insignificant. Attendees were encouraged to lobby at the local level if unable to attend in person, with the understanding that real change often begins in one’s own district.

Since its inception in 2015, Muslim Advocacy Day has grown into a cornerstone of Muslim American civic participation, providing a platform to challenge injustice, build coalitions, and influence policy. With participation stronger than ever and momentum building, leaders like Br. Saad Kazmi called on attendees to return to their communities empowered and committed to sustained activism.

As advocates wrapped up two days of lobbying, reflection, and inspiration, the collective sentiment was clear: the fight for justice continues, rooted in faith, driven by unity, and powered by the unshakable resolve of American Muslims to shape a more equitable future.