Islamic Convention will confront fears and concerns after shootings, amid Trump

The true spirit of Islam will be the focus of an annual Islamic Convention in Chino on Saturday that’s expected to draw at least 1,500 people, including local officials and law enforcement representatives.

The 30th annual Jalsa Salana Convention is hosted by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. On Saturday afternoon, attendees will hear from Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona), state Sen. Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) and San Bernardino police Chief Jarrod Burguan.

“We educate our members about true Islam throughout the year, and this will culminate with a strong and unified message at this annual convention,” said Hamidur Rehman, national vice president for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. “The world is in a state of turmoil, crying for a solution. We are here to offer that solution and pave a path to its implementation.”

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The convention comes less than a month after a mass shooting in nearby San Bernardino left 14 people dead and many others injured. Law enforcement agents have focused on the radicalization of the shooters, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik.

“In the wake of the San Bernardino attack...this convention will confront the fear many have of Islam and delineate between True Islam and extremism,” according to a statement released by convention organizers.

They noted that the event at the Baitul Hameed Mosque also follows anti-Muslim rhetoric from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Trump has suggested barring Muslims from entering the United States.

Other topics to be addressed at the three-day conference include governance in Islam, the role of women and domestic harmony.

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