NAIF Conference 2026
"The Power of the Minbar"
- May 1–3, 2026
- The Westin O'Hare, Rosemont, IL
About the Conference
A Transformative Experience
The NAIF Conference brings together Imams and community leaders for an immersive 3-day journey of learning, networking, and inspiration. Through thought-provoking keynotes, interactive training sessions, and spiritual gatherings, participants will explore how Imams can renew their impact and empower their communities in an ever-changing world.
Keynote Addresses
Leading scholars and community voices
Networking
Workshops
Interactive leadership sessions
Recognition
Awards and fellowship opportunities
Explore Speakers, Sessions &
Sponsorship Opportunities
A Gathering of 300+ Imams
Meet Our Featured Speakers
Join renowned scholars and community leaders who will share their insights on
faith, leadership, and the power of the Minbar.
Pastor and interfaith leader advancing religious freedom and bridge-building.
Adjunct instructor at Boston Islamic Seminary, social justice advocate, and founder of Criterion Concepts LLC.
Assistant Lecturer and Arabic Department Chair at Universal High School, Al-Azhar graduate with a Master’s…
Founder of Qiam Institute and former Imam of The Mecca Center, Al-Azhar graduate with Sanad in Qur’an and Hadith.
Egyptian Islamic scholar in Islamic thought and advocacy, Al-Azhar graduate with a Ph.D. from Makkah Open University.
Senior member of AMJA’s Fatwa Committee, Vice President of Islamic University of Minnesota, and Imam of Dar-al-Farooq…
Imam and Director of The Prayer Center, Illinois Council of Imams chair, and U.S. representative for Lebanon’s Darul Fatwa.
Resident Imam at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and lead instructor at AlMaghrib Institute, Islamic University of Madinah graduate.
Scholar and Imam at Yaqeen Institute, focused on contemporary issues through an Islamic lens.
NAIF's Conference Daily Schedule
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
|
5:00 pm – 5:55 pm |
Registration |
|
|
5:55 pm – 6:10 pm |
Transportation to QIAM |
|
|
6:10 pm – 7:05 pm |
Reception |
|
|
7:05 pm – 8:00 pm |
General Lecture |
Dr. Muhammed Nur Abdullah & |
|
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm |
Dinner and Socializing |
|
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
|
6:00 am – 7:30 am |
Breakfast |
|
|
8:00 am – 8:55 am |
The Minbar as an Engine of Renewal |
Ustad Assad Koshul and |
|
9:00 am – 10:30 am |
BUILD Agency & Organize |
Training Labs Abdulahi & Team |
|
10:35 am – 11:30 am |
Guidance Sponsorship session |
Sponsors |
|
11:40 am – 12:30 am |
FRAMING The Public Square |
Pastor Roberts, Roy Jackson, |
|
12:30 am – 1:50 pm |
Lunch and Prayer |
Sponsors |
|
1:50 pm – 2:45 pm |
AMJA & Fiqh Zakat Fatwa |
Dr. Al-Sawy, Dr. Alqadhi, Dr. Al-Haj |
|
2:45 pm – 2:55 pm |
Break between sessions |
Sponsors |
|
2:55 pm – 3:45 pm |
FORM The Next Generation |
Mentoring Dr. Waleed Manasee |
|
3:45 pm – 3:50 pm |
Break between sessions |
|
|
3:50 pm – 5:20 pm |
BUILD Agency & Organize |
Training Labs Abdulahi & Team |
|
5:20 pm – 5:25 pm |
Break between sessions |
Sponsors |
|
5:25 pm – 5:55 pm |
Advocacy Partnership |
MPH + NAIF |
|
5:55 pm – 6:10 pm |
Break between sessions |
Sponsors |
|
6:10 pm – 7:05 pm |
UNITE NAIF – Local & National |
NAIF/Agency Sh. Waleed, Dr. Abdulhakim |
|
7:05 pm – 8:05 pm |
Prep for the GALA |
Sponsors |
|
8:05 pm – 10:05 pm |
GALA |
Dr. Abdulhakim, Sh. Waleed Basyouni |
|
10:05 pm – 10:30 pm |
Socializing |
|
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
|
6:00 am – 7:30 am |
Breakfast |
|
|
8:00 am – 8:55 am |
RECOGNIZE The Power of the Minbar |
Dr. Main Al-Qudah |
|
8:55 am – 9:10 am |
Break between sessions |
Sponsors |
|
9:10 am – 10:10 am |
BUILD Agency & Organize |
Training Labs Abdulahi & Team |
|
10:10 am – 10:25 am |
Break between sessions |
Sponsors |
|
10:25 am – 11:20 am |
The Minbar as an Engine of Renewal |
Sponsors |
|
11:20 am – 12:15 pm |
Conference Closing and Future Plans |
Abdulhakim Mohamed |
|
12:15 pm – 3:00 pm |
Lunch and Departure |
A Transformative Experience
Guidance through Patience and Certainty
Qur'an Reflection
وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا وَكَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ
Surah Al-Sajdah (32:24)
Hadith Reflection
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
As we gather for NAIF 2026, let us honor those who stand behind the Minbar — not just for their words, but for their endurance, their leadership, and their unwavering faith. May Allah strengthen the voices that guide our Ummah and fill their hearts with light, mercy, and wisdom.
Event Details
Conference Dates
May 1 – 3, 2026
Venue
The Westin O'Hare
6100 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
Special Group Rate
$159/night
Exclusive rate for NAIF attendees
Book By
April 10, 2026
Reserve early to secure your spot at the group rate
Looking Back
2025 Conference Recap
Last year’s inspiring event brought together leaders from across the continent for meaningful dialogue, growth, and collaboration
Imams & Scholars
Sessions
Countless
Connections
Gallery
Photo Gallery
Questions about registration?
Our team is here to help answer any questions you may have about the conference or registration process