In the early 1970s, members focused on education, personal growth, and spiritual development. By November 1977, representatives gathered to draft a comprehensive new constitution, formally taking the name Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA).
Determined to cultivate an inclusive, diverse organization across the continent, ICNA adopted English as its official language, laying the groundwork for dedicated outreach, education, and community support in North America.
With the 1980s came pivotal expansion efforts that established permanent community roots, deepened nationwide leadership, and created the physical and institutional foundations still thriving today across North America.
1980
Foundation Year
1984
National Anchor
1985
Gathering Milestone
ICNA Sisters Formed
Jamaica, Queens Headquarters
10th Annual Convention
Established to organize, educate, and empower Muslim women across the continent through dedicated local outreach, study circles, and charitable programs.
Establishing a permanent national headquarters in Jamaica, Queens provided the centralized administrative base required to coordinate relief, publishing, and national councils.
A landmark convention celebrating a full decade of bringing families, scholars, and grassroots organizers together under a unified vision of faith and collective service.
A Platform for Enduring Institutions
With a central location from which to base its national efforts, ICNA catalyzed numerous cornerstone initiatives that continue to serve communities today, including ICNA Relief, 877-Why Islam, Young Muslims, the National Shura Council, The Message International, Muslim Alert Network, and Muslim Savings and Investments (MSI).
Each branch emerged to address critical societal needs—from humanitarian aid and youth empowerment to financial stewardship and civic advocacy across North America.
In the past decade, ICNA expanded its reach nationwide while deepening its grassroots presence in local neighborhoods, establishing enduring connections between Islam and the wider American public.
Muslim Family Day
ICNA Council for Social Justice
50,000
Annual Attendees Nationwide
2009
Founded for Civic Advocacy
First hosted at Six Flags New Jersey in 2000, this landmark gathering now welcomes nearly 50,000 attendees each year across multiple theme parks nationwide, celebrating family life and community togetherness in major public venues.
Established in 2009, ICNA CSJ serves as an advocacy branch dedicated to representing the Muslim voice on pressing issues of social justice, civil liberties, and coalition-building with diverse public institutions. ICNA also works closely with many national interfaith organizations for the betterment of society.
Founded as Halqa-e-Ahbab-e-Islami (HAI)
Meeting of HAI held at the MSA conference
In the state of Florida
1st East Coast Conference
1974
SYED MAUDUDI
TAHREEK
FORMAL
HAI TRANSFORMED
Spoke at the 1st public meeting of HAI at Colombia University
1st publication Tahreek in Urdu with English section. (Predecessor of Message International)
1st formal annual HAI convention in Chicago
HAI transformed into ICN
1978
1984
1986
1987
ICNA Sisters established
Headquarters established in Jamaica, NY
Muslim Saving and Investment (MSI) was established
Muslim Alert Network (MAN) started
1988
1989
1992
1993
SOUND VISION
MESSAGE MEG
ICNA RELIEF
BOSNIA RALLY
ICNA leads campaign against satanic verses. Young Muslims for faith & action predecessors of Young Muslim established
1st publication Tahreek in Urdu with English section. (Predecessor of Message International)
ICNA Relief established
Bosnia Rally organized by Bosnia Task Force which was initiated by ICNA
1994
1995
1986
1987
Chapters and Bylaws were revised and adopted
Young Muslim (YM) established ICNA.org website established
Muslim Saving and Investment (MSI) was established
Muslim Alert Network (MAN) started
Expanding Branches of Community Service
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, key projects were launched from the national headquarters in Jamaica, Queens (1984) to address diverse community needs.
ICNA Sisters Wing
Relief & Outreach
Council for Social Justice
Formed in 1980 to empower women in Islamic education, leadership, and social development.
Launched ICNA Relief, 877-WhyIslam, Young Muslims, and NeighborNet local support circles.
Established ICNA CSJ to represent Muslim voices on critical civil rights and social justice matters.
From small gatherings in 1968 to national events like Muslim Family Day reaching 50,000 attendees annually, ICNA remains steadfast in self-development, education, outreach, and service.