Chaplaincy Sessions at the 2010 Annual ISNA Convention

At the 47th Annual ISNA Convention, Chaplaincy sessions were added to the Parallel Sessions.  There were two sessions during the Convention.  ISNA, along with the help of Chaplain (LTC) Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad, worked diligently to prepare sessions that would illuminate the attendees on what Chaplaincy is, the importance of their work and how it contributes to the health and welfare of our communities and those they serve in the hospitals, prisons, military, etc.

The 1st session, “How can Muslim Chaplains work more effectively with other faith groups within institutional settings” (Prisons, Hospitals, Military, Universities, and Law Enforcement) was presented by three Chaplains, Chaplain Refat Abdkheir (BOP), Chaplain (MAJ) Abuhena Saifulislam, (Navy) and Chaplain (LTC) Abdul-Rasheed Muhammad (US Army). Each chaplain gave a 15-20 minute presentation on their institutional setting, including what it was like as Muslim chaplains working with patients, clients, institutional staff that came from diverse religious backgrounds. The audience was very engaged and fully attentive during the entire 90-minute period.

The 2nd session, “Muslim Chaplains, Who we are, what we do, and why we do it?” was well received and attended by convention attendees. This session was conducted like a workshop with chairs set in a circle. Participants and speakers were placed on equal footing. This process enabled more active and effective communication to take place! As participants entered the room they were asked to get a chair and make it a part of the circle. Five chaplains participated in this workshop. They consisted of, 2 military, 1 university, 1 hospital, and 1 prison chaplain.

We’d like to thank everyone who participated and worked on these sessions, and especially the attendees for showing support and interest in such an important field.