Anaheim, California (March 19, 2012) – As heavy rain and wind pounded the Orange County area on Saturday morning, over 750 eager Muslims flocked to the Anaheim Crowne Plaza for Chain of Hearts, the first annual Young Muslims Southern California youth conference.

Nouman Ali Khan, founder and CEO of Bayyinah Institute, spoke on the impact of youth in today’s society.
Organized with ICNA Southern California, the youth conference featured speakers such as Nouman Ali Khan, founder and CEO of Bayyinah Institute, Sh. Omar Suleiman, member of ICNA’s Shariah Council and ICNA’s Institute of Learning Foundation (ILF), and Yasmin Mogahed, writer for various publications including the Huffington Post and SuhaibWebb.com. Wisam Sharieff of Bayyinah Institute and Salam Al-Marayati, President of MPAC, rounded out the speakers at the event.

MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati, Sh. Omar Sulaiman and Hafidh Wisam Sharieff in a panel discussion on youth.
The sold out crowd was also treated to entertainment by comedian Baba Ali as well as a skit by Young Muslims of the Islamic Center of South Bay and spoken word by local artists.

Volunteers handled the crowd in a professional manner, and the event passed smoothly despite challenges due to space and a late change of venue.
“The YM Youth Conference was an uplifting, memorable, and fantastic event that gave the opportunity to join the hearts of youth, parents, and elders of the Southern California Muslim community” said Anees Rehman, YM Coordinator of Southern California Unit.

Sh. Omar Suleiman speaking on the topic 'It all starts at home'
Californians can be sure to count on similar events from Young Muslims and ICNA in the future. With the first Southern California youth conference under their belts, the organizations plan to expand their efforts next year and promise there is much more to come.
Sold Out! Recap of the 1st Annual YM & ICNA Southern California Youth Conference http://t.co/4p0Fm0QO