NYN Newsroom :
Faith leaders from across New York gathered in Queens for the New York Imams Conference, an afternoon of discussion dedicated to strengthening Muslim communities, supporting young people, and addressing challenges facing Muslims in today’s society.
The conference was held on July 24, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at ICNA Al-Markaz, located at 166-26 89th Avenue in Jamaica, New York. The meeting was conducted by Imam Ashraf Uzzaman Khan, former president of the National Association of Islamic Foundations (NAIF), and featured a series of presentations by respected scholars and community leaders.
The program opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran and an explanation of its meaning by Mufti Yusuf Choudhury of Darul Ulum New York. Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Mohammed Abdul Jabbar, Director of ICNA Al-Markaz, setting the stage for discussions focused on the responsibilities of religious leadership in contemporary society.
Among the featured presentations was “Responding to Islamophobia with Wisdom and Confidence,” delivered by Mufti Abdul Malik of the American Muslim Center (AMC). Additional sessions addressed the challenges facing Muslim communities, the importance of preserving Islamic identity among future generations, strengthening community cooperation, and encouraging imams to utilize available resources and facilities to better serve their communities.
Sheikh Abdullah Alebdy, Amir of Majlis Ash Shura New York, spoke about strengthening Muslim communities, while Sheikh Ahmadullah Kamal, Imam of the Iqra Cultural Center New York, discussed how imams can benefit from available government resources and facilities. Dr. Abdel Hakim Mohammed, Executive Director of NAIF, concluded the formal presentations with a discussion on unity among imams as a foundation for building stronger Muslim communities.
The gathering was attended by numerous imams, scholars, and community representatives, including Mohiuddin, Dr. Abur Hakim, Mohsin Zaman, Imam Ataur Rahman, Imam Hafez Rafiq, Ab. Hafiz Jamil, Dr. Akram Kassab, Imam Yasir Khalil, Jasir Kabir, Abdul Wahud, Hanan, Imam Abu Sayeed Amin, Dr. Shamsul Abedin, Khan Md. Saifullah, Mokhtar Ab. Razzak, Arif Hossain, and Maulana Ab. Razzak. Their participation reflected the conference’s broader goal of encouraging communication, cooperation, and collective action among Muslim religious leaders across New York.
The conference also included a Na’at presentation by Mohammed Abdur Razzak, followed by a question-and-answer session that allowed participants to exchange ideas and address community concerns. The program concluded with Salatul Asr and dinner, providing additional time for fellowship, networking, and collaboration among attendees.
By bringing together scholars, imams, and community leaders under one roof, the New York Imams Conference reinforced the importance of cooperation, thoughtful leadership, and shared responsibility in addressing the religious, educational, and social needs of Muslim communities across New York.
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