It is reported from Umar (r) that Prophet Muhammad(s) said: “Do not exaggerate in praising me so much as the Christians did in extolling Jesus (pbuh) that they made him Allah’ son. I am only Allah’s slave. So call me Allah’s slave and His apostle.”... view more
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"When Allaah granted Prophet Yusuf physical beauty it caused him to be locked up in the prison. But when Allaah granted him knowledge (when he interpreted the dream of the king) it not only took him out of prison but elevated his rank in society. Clearly showing us the virtue of knowledge, and that physical beauty does not mean a thing" ... view more >
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Urgent Action Alert: Support ICNA Relief’s Okla. efforts
JAMAICA, New York (May 20, 2013) – A powerful tornado blasted an area outside of Oklahoma City, leveling homes and killing at least 51 people. At least seven of the dead are children from Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City. According to initial reports, relief workers have difficulty in reaching to the survivors.
ICNA Relief has activated its disaster response team which is set for immediate deployment in the area.
The President of ICNA, Naeem Baig said, “We are saddened at the loss of so many lives including many children caused by this tornado. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in Oklahoma today.”
He also appealed to the American Muslim community to donate to ICNA Relief, whose Disaster Relief Team is already on its way to Oklahoma.
Depending on the needs in the affected area and of availability of resources, plans are underway to provide the following services:
Information and referrals to services needed to recover
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
—END—
ICNA Expresses Outrage at Boston Bomb Attacks
JAMAICA, New York (April 15, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) expresses its outrage at the bomb attacks today on the Boston Marathon. The senseless attack left at least three people dead and many more injured including several who have lost their limbs.
ICNA joins fellow Americans in prayer for the victims and their families during this horrific incident. ICNA also appeals all Americans to help the Law Enforcement to bring the perpetrators of this crime to speedy justice.
ICNA President Naeem Baig said “all Americans including American Muslims condemn this heinous attack on civilians and pray for the quick recovery of the injured.”
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
Working Together for Better Tomorrow
On April 7th in New Jersey women from different backgrounds came together to discuss the various problems that our society is facing these days, especially Mental diseases that are the plague of our time. The event “Working Together for Better Tomorrow” was organized by ICNA sisters NJ. The purpose of this event was to invite women from all walk of life to reflect upon the role of women in society and how they can work together for the betterment of the society especially those who need them the most, people with special needs and children. Focus was also on Autism as it was also Autism Awareness day.
The event brought together women from different ethnic and community backgrounds, from across the tri-state area, including women organization from different religious background, women whose families were affected by autism and other mental conditions, women who were interested in converting to Islam, and those who just wanted to learn more about the religion.
Nathaly Valasquez, 25, a single mother of five, traveled from Jersey City to attend the event. ICNA Sisters Wing, she says, helped her with emotional and Physical support when she needed it most.
Valasquez’s daughter was born legally blind. “It’s good to see that children with disabilities are being recognized,” she says.
Community members with hearing and speaking impairments were also at the event. The entire event was also being interpreted in sign language. Very emotional moment came when one of the sisters who were deaf and mute took Shahada in sign language.
ICNA Congratulates New Pope
JAMAICA, New York (March 13, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) issued a press release today congratulating Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio on his election as the pope and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.
Defining Our role as Muslim Women In Today’s world
Now a day’s all around the world there is a constant discussion regarding dignity of women, though everyone recognize that Women are worthy of respect, still we find a rise in confusing discussions about respect/disrespect/appreciation of women.
Women who do not understand about their value always are puzzled about this notion. The question that always come to our minds is “ Why women need to be appreciated, Is there a gender bias issue? Is she neglected or she needs to be reminded that she is not forgotten.”
“To be, or not to be, that is the question” All around the world a popular sentiment among large number of women is that they are not given due importance, that they are forgotten by men. Does she has to behave in a certain way, what is expected of her? What is she supposed to do? The answers to all these questions are easily understood if she knows who she is, if she believes in herself.
Our beliefs define us; they are the pens we sketch the blue print of our lives with, the brush with which we paint our destiny. In today’s world the question about the equality and sameness between genders has risen. Because of the impact of the foreign cultures and alien influences in the lives of the Muslim women, she has started to believe that she is inferior. The status of woman in Islam constitutes no problem. Islam sees a woman, single or married, as an individual in her own right Woman is as vital to life as man himself, and that she is not inferior to him nor is she one of the lower species.
"The believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin the good (that which Allah commands) and forbid people form evil (that which Allah prohibits); they perform salat, and give the zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy on them. Surely Allah is All mighty, All wise" [ Taubah: 71]
Islam has always appreciated the femininity of the woman and regarded her as playing a role integral to that of the man, and similarly regarded the man as playing a role integral to that of the woman. Neither is a foe, adversary or a competitor to the other. Rather, each is a help to the other in attaining the relative perfection of his or her person. Islam liberates women and considers her as an independent human being. Secular society’s makes women into thinking that man is a standard so women want to become like him. In Islam Allah has given woman value in relation to Himself and not man. When we allow anybody else other then Allah to define us we become slaves. Our identity as Muslims in America is under pressure in a society where gender competition seems to be more important than cooperation between genders. In Islam, they both are equal but have different roles…they have equality but not equity.
Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu Alaihi Wasallam elevated the women’ status to the dignity of being equal servants of Allah with men. Yet their status in society was not conditioned upon entering man's world.
According to Islam women are worthy of self respect and are free from all/any sort of physical, and mental slavery. A final verdict regarding independence of women was given around fifteen hundred years ago. As oppose to the modern world in which we live today it’s been less than a century that the world has started recognizing Women’s Day.
The first International Women’s Day was observed in March, 8th, 1909 in USA. A day to celebrate, respect, love and appreciate women’s economic, political and social achievements, a day for men to express their respect for women. While the first International Men's Day is an annual international event celebrated on 19th November, was inaugurated in 1999 .Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Director of Women and Culture of Peace Ingeborg Breines, "This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance."
Muslim women must feel good about themselves, they have to act and behave in a way that suits the status that Allah (SWT) has given them. They must realize that though Islam is perfect but being humans we all have imperfection. Instead of just relying on the perfection of Islam and demanding respect from the world it’s much better that we accept our weaknesses, recognize our imperfections and become humble. Keep in touch with the reality, make contact with other people and be part of a group. To feel good about ourselves, we often need to talk to others, live and work with others and share part of our lives. As the world recognizes “International women’s day” on March 8th, we as Muslimahs should engage ourselves on an individual and collective level throughout the month of March and become thankful to Allah (SWT) for the status He has given to us as a woman. Here are some ideas we can benefit from:
ØIn neighbor nets discuss the role of a Muslim woman, how to balance as a mother,daughter, sister, wife and a community member. Also how to play their role in the society at different levels, or any other topics related to women.
ØRegarding relief aspect you can fund-raise in your neighbor nets or on individual level for ICNA women shelters established in NY, Chicago, Houston, and California and donate it at www.icnarelief.org. Sisters residing in these cities can help in these shelters physically, for this contact your unit/region relief coordinator.
ICNA Sisters'Media Dept
ICNA Sisters' Outreach Dept
Muslim doctor opens Shifa Free Clinic for women
By Jennifer Berry Hawes, Feb. 24th, 2013
“And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down.” — Quran, 2:143
Dr. Reshma Khan grew up in a Muslim family. But as a young doctor and
mother, she studied her faith more deeply — and realized its strong call
to charitable work.
On the one hand, selfless giving provides for society’s needs. Yet, giving in God’s name also purifies the giver’s heart.
“This is the cornerstone of the Islamic society and a constant theme
in the Quranic teachings,” says Khan, an ob-gyn. “Faith should be put
into action.”
So she examined her own life. How could she use her medical talents
to give back beyond her paid position at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical
Center?
“My purpose is to serve the creator, and the best way to serve the
creator is through the creation,” Khan adds. “If God has given me this
(talent), I need to use it for more than myself.”
She had long dreamed of opening a free gynecology clinic for women.
In 2008, she began actively pursuing it and eventually took her proposal
to the Islamic Circle of North America Relief USA,
which provides social services, women’s shelters, programs for the
hungry and other nationwide services. It also funds free clinics in
other cities and agreed to help Khan.
At last, a year ago, her dream became the Shifa Free Clinic, a
nonprofit in Mount Pleasant that provides a full-range of gynecology
services to the uninsured and underinsured — regardless of faith.
At 42, Khan donates her time to provide the center’s medical care.
Her husband, Dr. Ahsan Khan, a nuclear medicine specialist, serves on
its board.
Dr.
Reshma Khan (Right) talks with Angela Pearson at the beginning of her
Ob/gyn visit on Thursday, February 14, 2013. Khan established a free
gynecological health center with funding from the Islamic Circle of North America Relief USA. (Brad Nettles/postandcourier.com) 2/14/13
The clinic has provided nearly 300 patient visits already. Two women who
otherwise might not have received medical care were diagnosed with
invasive breast cancer. Both now are cancer-free, Khan says.
About half the patients there are unemployed. The remaining 46
percent are employed but either lack health insurance or cannot afford
what their insurance plans don’t cover.
In a brilliant indigo dress, black pants, a blue hijab head scarf and
running shoes, Khan greets her patients with an easy, friendly smile
and warm brown eyes. Most patients come here for Pap tests, bleeding
issues, pelvic pain and contraception — in other words, important and
highly personal health care.
Khan has not heard of another local free clinic that offers full
gynecology services including breast exams; screening mammograms;
endometrial, vulvar and vaginal biopsies; pregnancy tests;
contraception; and pelvic and abdominal ultrasounds.
Khan clinic runs the clinic with about 20 volunteers and companies that donate medical services.
“I have met so many beautiful people with beautiful hearts of all
different faiths and ethnicities,” Khan says. “I feel so humbled to be
part of this bouquet of people.”
Along with ICNA Relief funding, a $20,833 Blue Cross
and Blue Shield foundation grant given to the state’s free clinics
funded a large chunk of the clinic’s first year. Donations paid much of
the rest.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control donates
vaccines. Merck donates vaccines as well. MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center
donates mammography and other services. Lab Corp’s donated laboratory
services alone were valued at $239,439 last year.
Dr.
Reshma Khan checks Angela Pearson’s lungs at the beginning of her
ob-gyn visit on Feb. 14. Khan established a free gynecological health
center with funding from the Islamic Circle of North America Relief USA.
One recent day, four typical patients awaited care. Three of the four were uninsured.
Ilian Moreno has four young children and couldn’t afford a $600 fee
for a gynecological test she needed. At the Shifa Clinic, she will get
it for free.
Angela Pearson recently was laid off. She had health insurance
through her husband’s job, but they couldn’t afford the $150 fee not
covered for a procedure.
“It would mean not paying the mortgage or not buying food,” Pearson says.
Michele McFadden works at a local hospital but doesn’t have health
insurance because she is a per diem employee. Like 90 percent of
patients here, she’s not Muslim — and it doesn’t matter to her that Khan
is.
“Health care is pretty universal,” McFadden says. “It doesn’t matter what religion you are.”
Khan soon will be joined by Dr. Betsy Rainey, an ob-gyn who just
moved to Charleston after serving with Doctors Without Borders overseas.
“These are patients who might otherwise not get treated,” Rainey says.
Embarking on the clinic’s second year, what does Khan have planned?
She’d like to increase services by 20 percent and provide free or low-cost osteoporosis screenings and colonoscopies.
Oh, and expand the clinic’s Feed the Hungry program and its back-to-school program funded by the Central Mosque of Charleston.
She grins widely. Lofty goals, she knows.
But her faith and belief in serving others made the center a reality
in the first place, and she’s certain it will carry her from here.
Clinic’s upcoming hours.
Call 352-4580 for an appointment.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 7: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 16: noon to 4 p.m.
March 21: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 26: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Naeem Baig Elected as New ICNA President
JAMAICA, New York (January 22, 2013) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) National Election Committee announced that Mr. Naeem Baig has been elected as president of ICNA for the 2013-2014 term.
Mr. Baig succeeds Dr. Zahid Bukhari, who served as President for two terms from 2009-2012.
The President of ICNA is elected through secret ballot from among members of the ICNA General Assembly (MGAs) and can hold the office for a maximum of two consecutive terms. The president is entrusted with the responsibility of guiding ICNA and making decisions with input from the Majlis Ash-Shura (Central Consultative Council) and members of the General Assembly.
Mr. Baig previously served as Secretary General of ICNA for three terms and on the Majlis Ash-Shura from 2010-2012. He is currently the ICNA Vice President for Public Affairs and the Executive Director of the ICNA Council for Social Justice. He is also the Chairman of the National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms (NCPCF) and the American Muslim Taskforce (AMT), an umbrella body of 10 national American Muslim organizations.
He currently serves on the board of Interfaith Workers Justice and co-chairs the National Muslim-Christian Initiative. He is also a member of the Taskforce on Global Initiative on Faith, Health and Development. He additionally worked as a consultant on the “Study on Christian-Muslim Relations,” sponsored by the Department of Interfaith Relations of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
A graduate of Veterinary Sciences, Mr.Baig lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, son and three daughters. He will be officially sworn-in during the annual General Assembly in New York on Saturday, January 26th, Insha’Allah.
Dr. Zahid Bukhari expressed confidence in Mr. Baig and prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant him steadfastness in leading ICNA and the American Muslim community. Ameen.
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Latina Immigrants: The New Ambassadors of Islam
New America Media/The Muslim Link, News Report, Wendy Diaz, Jan 18, 2013
SOMERSET, N.J. — Tucked away in a quiet rural neighborhood in Somerset, New Jersey is an old brownstone that houses the New Jersey Chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America’s (ICNA) WhyIslam Project. Within its confines, in a second floor office decorated with rose-colored walls, sits the administrative assistant and only female employee of the department, Nahela Morales.
In a long black garment and gray headscarf, Morales sits in front of a computer entering notes and taking phone calls from the program’s hotline, 1-877-WhyIslam, a resource for individuals hoping to learn more about the religion. A Mexican immigrant and recent convert, Morales is the national Spanish-language outreach coordinator for the program, part of ICNA’s mission to disseminate information about Islam nationwide.
Nahela Morales taking calls at the WhyIslam office. Morales became Muslim after immigrating to the United States from Mexico and is now doing da’wa to Spanish speaking immigrants in the United States. Photo by Wendy Diaz.
But Morales’ efforts go beyond U.S. borders: the 37-year-old recently led a trip to bring Islamic literature, food and clothing to her native Mexico.
Morales, who was born in Mexico City but later moved to California and then New York, is part of a growing population of immigrant Muslim converts from Latin America – many of them women — now helping to bring the religion back to their home countries.
Immigrant Latinas Find a Place in Islam
“Many immigrants are here by themselves,” says Morales, noting that Latina immigrant women are drawn to Islam because of the sense of “belonging” they find within the Muslim community. “When they come into the mosque and see smiling faces, they feel welcome.”
According to WhyIslam’s 2012 annual report, 19 percent of the some 3,000 converts it assisted in 2011 were Latinos, and more than half of those (55 percent) were women. The 2011 U.S. Mosque Survey, which interviewed leaders at 524 mosques across the country, found the number of new female converts to Islam had increased 8 percent since 2000, and that Latinos accounted for 12 percent of all new converts in the United States in 2011.
Experts attribute the phenomenon to recent migration trends.
Muslim and Latino immigrants are increasingly living side by side in urban neighborhoods across the country, from California, Texas and Florida to New York and Illinois, states that according to data from the Migration Policy Institute constitute 72.5 percent of the total foreign-born population from Latin America in the United States. At the same time, these five states are also home to the highest number of mosques, The American Mosque 2011 Report shows, reflecting a growing Muslim presence as well.
Wilfredo Ruiz, a native of Puerto Rico who converted to Islam in 2003, is an attorney and political analyst specializing on the Islamic world. In addition to working with various non-profit organizations, including the American Muslim Association of North America (AMANA), he also serves as the imam at his local mosque in South Florida.
“More women than men convert, both in AMANA offices and in the mosques in Southern Florida,” Ruiz says. Latina immigrants, he explains, often feel exploited both in Latin America and the United States. The higher status afforded women in Islam and their modest dress, he believes, offers a sensible alternative.
“I have heard from Latina women that they seek protection, and they find [that] protection and respect in Islam,” he adds.
Juan Galvan, executive director of the Latino-American Dawah Association and author of Latino Muslims: Our Journeys to Islam, believes that Islam may also hold another, distinctly religious appeal to Latino immigrants because it reveals to them what he calls a more profound understanding of monotheism.
“Most Latino Muslim converts have had personal experiences with Muslims that first drew them closer to Islam,” he explains. “These Muslims may be their friends, acquaintances, classmates, coworkers, bosses, marriage partners, or others. By interacting with Muslims, a non-Muslim learns about Islamic monotheism for the first time.”
Because Islam emphasizes God’s, or Allah’s, oneness, Galvan says, it presents Latinos with a unique alternative to traditional Christian theologies that accept the existence of holy deities – Jesus, the Holy Spirit, saints and miracle workers — which are connected to, yet distinct, from God.
“While Protestantism may have fewer intermediaries than Catholicism, Latinos come to Islam because they believe in a concept of God that acknowledges Him as the Most Powerful and therefore, needs no son,” says Galvan, who is himself a Mexican-American convert to Islam.
Liliana Anaya (lower left) teaching a class in the Othman Ibn Affan mosque in Colombia. Anaya immigrated to the United States to study and took her shahadah while at college. She decided to return to her home country to teach Islam. “I felt that Muslims in [America] are already part of the fabric of the society, but here [in Colombia], we are in the baby steps. If I want something, I have to create it,” she said. Photo courtesy of Muhammad Isa Garcia.
Prayers Answered
Morales found her own place in Islam after a turbulent past.
In 1979, Morales’ mother risked crossing the border into the United States illegally and alone, leaving her infant daughter behind in Mexico under her grandmother’s care. When Morales was 5 years old, she was finally reunited with her mother, who by that time had settled in Los Angeles. Mother and daughter gained amnesty under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. However, even as a U.S. citizen, Morales recalls feeling out of place.
“It was a very difficult adjustment since I did not speak English,” says Morales. “I remember entering the school system and not being able to communicate with my teachers or peers. I wanted to go back home [to Mexico].”
Adding to her difficulties, Morales was the victim of years of neglect and abuse at home, and as a pre-teen she was removed from her mother’s custody and placed in foster care and group homes, until ultimately she was able to settle on her own and finish college.
She moved to New York in 2001. Shortly after her relocation, the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks occurred at the World Trade Center. When news reports blamed Muslim extremists, Morales began to research Islam.
“I was watching the news and they were always showing [Muslim] people shouting ‘Allahu-akbar,’ God is great, so I thought, if your God is so great, why is he allowing you to kill people? If Muslims say Islam [is about] peace, then this doesn’t make sense.” She decided to find the answers herself and purchased a copy of the Quran, Islam’s holy book. Morales also began befriending Muslim women on MySpace.
“They were so nice, and I became more curious. One of the Muslim women I met happened to be Puerto Rican, and she got in touch with someone in California that could send me an information package about Islam with books, a Quran, a prayer rug, and a hijab [headscarf].”
Morales continued to make contact with Muslims through the Internet and searched online for the closest mosque to her new home in North Bergen, New Jersey. She began visiting the mosque and eventually converted in 2003, and continues to be an active member of the North Hudson Islamic Educational Center, or NHIEC.
Situated in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, 30 percent of NHIEC’s congregants are Latinos. The Latino influence is so great that the mosque offers simultaneous Spanish translation of its Friday sermons and Islamic studies classes, and even hosts an annual “Hispanic Muslim Day.”
During one of her visits to the NHIEC mosque in 2009, a WhyIslam worker overheard Morales speaking Spanish and asked if she would be interested in a bilingual position with the company.
“I asked [God] to please send me a job where I would be able to worship and wear my veil. I knew right then my prayer was being answered,” recalls Morales.
She has now been working with NHIEC for more than three years, and recently led a campaign to deliver Islamic literature and audio, clothing, and toiletries to a needy Muslim community in Mexico City.
During that trip Morales met with her own family members in Mexico, who are mostly Catholic. She says that initially they were not accepting of her decision to practice Islam or of her modest style of dress. They accused her of turning her back on her culture. But on her most recent trip to her hometown of Cuernavaca, she took the opportunity to talk to them more about her religion.
“It is obvious that Islam is still very strange in Mexico,” admits Morales, who says that since her last visit her own family has become more receptive. “But it is also very clear that people want to learn about it.”
Latina Muslims, At Home and Abroad
Isabela Duarte has been in the United States since the age of seven. A Muslim convert living in Chicago, the 30-year-old left Mexico with her family in 1990, crossing the border illegally and moving to the Windy City, where she attended school while her parents worked. After high school, she says, she had no other choice but to follow in her parents’ footsteps.
“I figured that there was no possibility of furthering my education because I’d lack assistance due to my status,” she explains. She eventually landed an administrative position in a social services agency, but thanks to the recession she soon lost her job.
“That’s when my real struggles began. I searched for jobs everywhere. Immigration laws became tougher … most places of employment denied me any type of opportunity regardless of the experience I had.” She ultimately settled for babysitting jobs that paid under the table.
In the winter of 2008, while her parents faced foreclosure, unemployment, and a divorce, Duarte had an emotional breakdown. Seeking help, she came upon a YouTube video of Quran recitations. Her best friend, who was Puerto Rican, had already become a Muslim, and Duarte soon followed in her footsteps.
But while she has found solace and community, participating regularly in events held by the Latino Muslims of Chicago, an Islamic group that serves the needs of Latinos, she says her immigration status continues to be a struggle.
“This is my home,” she says. “Chicago has been my home and I don’t recall any other.”
Part of a growing Hispanic population in the United States, Duarte is also among a Muslim community that, according to the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life, is expected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years, thanks largely to immigration from South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
In North and South America, the estimated Muslim population in 2010 was 5,256,000. This number is expected to more than double by the year 2030.
Thirty-four-year-old Liliana Anaya, a Muslim convert from Colombia and a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., is familiar with the trend. The mosque in her hometown, Barranquilla, Colombia, reports an average of four conversions a month.
Anaya, who converted to Islam in June 2002, is a graduate of Rollins University in Orlando, Florida, where she majored in political science and international relations. She later attended American University to complete a Master’s Degree in international peace and conflict resolution.
After graduating, she got a job at a non-profit organization offering mediation for criminal, district, and county court systems in northern Virginia. During this time, she met her husband, a Muslim convert from Argentina, and together they applied for U.S. citizenship.
While Anaya was expecting their first child, she decided to travel back to her country to give birth. After their arrival, she and her husband discovered the Othman bin Affan Mosque in Barranquilla, a small Muslim community that lacked adequate resources. Because Anaya’s husband had earned a degree in Islamic Propagation from Umm Al Qura University in Saudi Arabia, they became involved in the mosque, organizing and teaching classes.
“I felt that Muslims in the states are already part of the fabric of the society,” Anaya explains. “But here [in Colombia], we are in the baby steps. If I want something, I have to create it. If I want Islamic classes for my children, I have to create them.”
Anaya and her husband are now in the process of establishing an Islamic school for the Muslims of Barranquilla. Both say that given their commitment to the work, return to the United States is unlikely.
“The Muslim community here needs us,” says Anaya, “so we can’t move.”
This story was made possible by a grant from Atlantic Philanthropies, and was produced as part of New America Media’s Women Immigrants Fellowship Program.
Newtown Massacre: ICNA grieves with fellow Americans
JAMAICA, New York (December 17, 2012) – Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) joins with our fellow Americans in grieving for those who died in the senseless tragedy and praying for them and their families. We ask God to grant special status to those who passed away and grant their families endurance in these very difficult moments. “You are not alone in your grief. Our world has also been torn apart”. In these moments of sorrow and grief, we would like to assure the families who lost a loved one that we have wept with them on this tragedy. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost a loved one in this massacre.
In the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, God says, “Give glad tidings to those who endure with patience; who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘We belong to God and to Him we shall return.’ Such are the people on whom there are blessings and Mercy from God.” (2:155-157)
Watch Video: Interfaith Service with President Obama at Newtown, CT: Muslim Community Statement
It is time, we as a nation, must engage in a productive dialogue to come up with practical solutions to end this culture of violence. We call on our leaders and citizens of this great country to come to agreement on a lasting solution so that we would never see another Tucson, Aurora, Oak Creek, Columbine or Newtown.
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
—END—
Press Contact: Naeem Baig Executive Director Islamic Circle of North America
ICNA Concerned Over Hate Incident at it’s Center
HOUSTON, Texas (December 7, 2012) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Houston Chapter expressed grave concerns over the incident at Islamic Outreach Center (IOC) in Cypress, TX.
On the night of Tuesday, December 4, one of the worshipers came to pray the nightly Isha prayer at IOC and found a small dead pig with gruesome injuries, lying dead at the entrance of the mosque. It was further discovered that parts of the deceased animal’s intestine were found at the main gate of IOC.
An officer from the Harris County Sheriff Department came by to record the incident; another official from the Sheriff’s Department later took an official report, filed by the only eyewitness as a hate crime. The eyewitness expressed particular concern over the fact that the animal corpse was found missing the next morning after it has been placed in a dumpster the night before, as per the Sheriff Department’s orders.
ICNA has appealed to law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of this incident, so as to avoid similar incidents against communities of faith. ICNA also promises to further increase its ongoing community outreach activities in the area.
“Muslims do not detest any animal; however, Muslims are not allowed to eat the meat of a pig,” said Ilyas Hasan Choudry, a spokesperson for ICNA Houston. “Because of this dietary restriction, the pig is sometimes symbolically used against Muslims. Similar incidents have occurred across the country; in the recent past, pig races were held in Katy, TX beside a Muslim place of worship.
Commenting on a concern that some neighbors have complained about noise and traffic due to IOC, Ilyas informed media that all prayer services are held inside the trailer building and were held outside only on Eidul Adha as there was a lack of space inside the building. “Yes, sometimes on weekends the children play soccer, but this is a normal activity for the youth in our area. If there are concerns, we are open to suggestions & interaction as to how to mitigate the issues.”
In the Media
Muslims discover dead pig at entrance to mosque by ICNA Houston – ABC News
“There was a thought process behind this incident that compelled someone to act in a hateful way,” said Fahad Tasleem, Resident Imam of IOC. “We must use this as a time to learn about each other and teach others about Islam. Our doors are open. We want our neighbors and all else to come ask questions about Islam & Muslims. This dialogue must happen, and ICNA & IOC will as usual continue to make efforts to reach out.”
ICNA Houston is organizing an Open House on Sunday, December 16th, 2012, from 2 PM- 6 PM at IOC, which is located at 19025 Wilks Drive, Cypress, TX 77433. An occasion of interaction, people of all the faiths are invited to attend with their families and friends. For more information one can call 1-713-261-4512.
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
When a Religious Home is Defiled, We Stand Together
December 6, 2012 | Houston Chronicle
There is a reason we refer to our churches, temples, mosques, chapels
as sacred space. They are earthly containers of the holy, homes for the
deep bonds of human community, centers for setting aside the demands of
modern life and settling into prayer or praise or petition. Beauty, awe,
wonder, joy and sorrow all reside here. It is to these sacred spaces we
bring our children to be blessed, it is in these spaces we celebrate
milestones of a human lifetime, it is in these spaces that we mourn our
dead.
This time of year, many
people will enter their sacred spaces for festivals and holidays. They
will go to celebrate miracles, to seek the light, to mark the birth of a
Prince of Peace.
A Prince of Peace.
There is one community
among our many diverse communities that has had their peace disrupted,
their sacred space profaned, their otherwise peaceful community
desecrated. There is one community among us who enters this season of
light and joy and peace under the shadow of what I can only think of as
an act of violence.
On Tuesday evening, when the community of the
Islamic Outreach Center in Cypress arrived for worship, they were
greeted by a slaughtered pig-a clear symbol for a Muslim of intolerance
and prejudice.
Prince of Peace, indeed.
My faith (and
indeed, my civics class) teaches me that all are free to seek God in his
or her own way, or not at all. My faith (and indeed, my government)
recognizes Islam as a long and noble tradition that contains a great
deal of wisdom, beauty and hope for many people all over the world. My
faith (and indeed, my Bible), entreats me to speak out when injustice is
done, and to stand with my neighbor in love. To that end, I and dozens
of others offer the following in support of the community of the Islamic
Outreach Center, and to let the city of Houston know in no uncertain
terms that intolerance and prejudice will not win:
To the members of the Islamic Outreach Center in Cypress, and to the Greater Houston Area:
We, the undersigned religious leaders of the Houston area wish to
express to you our sorrow at the recent gesture of bigotry inflicted
upon your community. We can only imagine how your hearts must feel when
you arrive to worship peacefully, and instead find a blatant symbol of
prejudice, unwelcome and intolerance on your very doorstep.
As
people of many faiths, we believe that this kind of hatred and
intolerance of any faith has no place in our city. A community of faith
is a sacred community, deserving of the respect of all people no matter
what their values or beliefs may be. In particular, we are dismayed that
still, our Muslim sisters and brothers are unfair targets of prejudice
born of misplaced fear, ignorance and narrow mindedness.
Know
that you do not stand against such intolerance alone. We stand with you
in solidarity and in defiance of hatred and intolerance. We stand with
you in your right to worship peacefully without persecution. We stand
with you as brothers and sisters who seek to live lives of peace,
connectedness, service and love, recognizing that this city is not
diminished by our diverse faith communities, but is strengthened by it.
In
this season of holidays and light, of gifts and merry-making, of
traditions which speak of miracles and a Prince of Peace, may this
shadow of violence be lifted from your doorstep so that you may once
again gather together peacefully before Allah, without doubt or fear. In
whatever ways we may be of support, please know we will be. In the
words of 16th Century Unitarian minister Francis David: We need not
think alike to love alike.
Freedom of Expression & Sacredness of Religious Icons
In the last few weeks the world has witnessed the
response to an evil, insulting and abhorrent movie that maligned the
noble character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Such insult to a religious
icon has brought about overwhelming condemnation, and we believe that
the vast majority of Americans disapprove of such attempts to sow seeds
of hatred amongst people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. We
would like to help our fellow citizens understand the complicated yet
extremely sensitive nature of the whole situation. This in no way should
be seen as condoning any violence in the name of our religion.There are
approximately 1.6 billion Muslims in the world today, representing
different ethnicities and speaking different languages. In the United
States of America it is estimated that the American Muslim population
comprises almost every ethnicity of the world. What unites them is their
faith in God, Almighty and their belief in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as
the last Prophet of God.
Muslims all over the world love the Prophet (PBUH). This love for
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) takes precedence over the love of their own
families and even love for themselves. They regard him as a man who,
through amazing moral strength and absolute commitment to the Message of
God, brought about a revolution in the deserts of Arabia. A revolution
that spanned the entire world in less than 100 years, liberating
humanity from the tyranny of the few and liberating man from the
servitude of the creation to the servitude of the Creator.
God Almighty declared Muhammad a “Mercy to the Worlds” (Quran: Chapter
21 verse 107). He was known as “The trustworthy” and “The one who
always speaks the truth,” even amongst his enemies. He was the man who
gave the honor of making the very first call to prayer to a former black
Abyssinian slave while the rich and the aristocrats of Arabia stood
watching by. His noble character is described in the Quran as, one with
“exalted standard of Character” (Quran: Chapter 68, verse 4).
Muslims believe that the message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the same
as the message brought by previous prophets like Abraham, Moses and
Jesus (PBUT). They also love and respect these other prophets of God
(Quran: Chapter 2 verse 285, Chapter 42 verse 13) and insult to any of
these religious icons is an insult to their belief system itself (Quran:
Chapter 6 verse 108).
When someone insults a messenger of God, it hurts
all Muslims. The Muslim community has always welcomed intellectual and
scholarly discourse on Islam, and history is witness to the fact that
Muslim scholars debated in a civil manner with scholars from other
faiths. But there is a difference between an intellectual and scholarly
criticism and distasteful, cheap and offensive talk.
As Americans we understand the importance of the right to free speech
and freedom of expression. American Muslims value this right on behalf
of every American citizen and would never shy away from ever defending
this right. We also feel that this right to free speech should be seen
as a great responsibility. Freedom of expression and willful provocation
will have different outcomes, and such is the case of free speech and
hate speech. The right to freedom of expression should not be an
opportunity to spread hate and pass insults on sacred religious icons.
American society is mature enough to recognize that hate speech is not
acceptable.
As mentioned in the Bible: There is one who speaks rashly like the
thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs
12:18, New American Standard Bible 1995). Let us all as Americans unite
in bringing about the healing that is desperately needed in our global
village today.
PBUH – Peace be upon him
PBUT- Peace be upon them
ICNA condemns attacks on U.S. missions in Egypt, Libya
JAMAICA, New York (September 12, 2012) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) issued a press release today condemning the attacks on U.S. missions in Egypt and Libya, which came after the preview for an anti-Islamic film by an American filmmaker surfaced online.
“ICNA strongly condemns the violent attacks on American embassies in Egypt and Libya. Nothing is worth the cost of a human life, and we firmly believe that there is no honor or faith in committing such violence.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the other three American personnel at this tragic time. Today we lost a diplomat and friend to the people of Libya; we commend him and U.S. envoys in Libya and elsewhere for their dedication to peace.
We are disturbed that the perpetrators of these attacks are claiming to defend the Prophet Muhammad’s honor. The Prophet was a man of peace and mercy; to engage in such violence and senseless killing is to truly defile his legacy. We implore Muslims in the region and around the world to remember the Prophet’s teachings and honor his life by following his example of kindness and love in the face of hostility.
We appeal to Muslims in the Arab region and elsewhere to ignore cheap attempts for publicity by hateful bigots. By engaging in violence Muslims are not only harming innocent lives but also falling in the trap set up by bigots.
We also appeal to the larger American public to be wary of such attempts by individuals and groups, who, in most cases, have foreign ties and engage in such hateful projects that not only endanger Americans’ and others’ lives overseas, but incite hate attacks against minorities in America as well.”
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
—END—
Press Contact: Naeem Baig
Vice President for Public Affairs
Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail:
Office: (718) 658-1199 Extension: 102
Cell: (917) 202-2118
ICNA Condemns Syrian Regime’s Brutality
JAMAICA, New York (February 20, 2012) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America condemned the Syrian government for its use of brutality against its own people.
“We are sickened and outraged by the actions of the Assad regime. The brutality of Assad and his people is no less than that of Qaddafi, and yet the whole world is silently watching as blood is shed on a daily basis in the streets of Syria.”
“ICNA urges the UN Security Council to continue its efforts to bring Assad to justice for killing thousands of innocent people. We must take swift action and impose economic sanctions on the country. We urge the Obama administration to press for an end to the violence in Syria.”
“We are praying for the Syrian people and encourage the American and international Muslim community to keep our brothers and sisters in their prayers. We also urge the Syrian people to remain steadfast and remember that the prayer of the oppressed is never rejected.”
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
—END—
American Muslims Defend Religious Freedom
KANSAS CITY, Kansas (January 24, 2012) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Kansas City chapter issued a press release today announcing the launch of its billboard campaign as part of ICNA’s national “Defending Religious Freedom and Understanding Shariah” campaign. “In the past couple of years, a group of conservative pundits, analysts and bloggers have identified Shariah, or Islamic religious law, as a growing threat to the United States. These pundits and analysts argue that the steady adoption of Shariah’s tenets is a strategy extremists are using to transform the United States into an Islamic state.
The main purpose behind their agenda is to generate Islamophobia and the perception that Islam and Muslims should not be part of American Society. What is quite amazing, however, is that the vast majority of those who argue against Shariah know very little to nothing about its definition, its scope or even the processes of its implementation.
In Islam, Shariah is the religious teaching that the Creator (Allah) has prescribed for His creation, which includes the deeds, sayings and decisions of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Shariah governs the different spheres of the life of a Muslim such as worship (prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage) and dealing with others (being honest, fulfilling oaths, being loyal & trustworthy, and having good ties with one’s kindred). Shariah also includes the forbidding of murder, fornication or adultery, and all harmful acts against people or animals. Shariah also teaches people to stay away from all low and immoral acts and from all that could demean their honor as human beings.
To help our fellow American brothers and sisters understand Shariah, and to remove misconception and fear of Shariah, Islamic Circle of North America, Kansas City Chapter (ICNA-KC), has launched an educational campaign in Kansas City. During this campaign, which will run from Jan 23rd until Feb 19th 2012, ICNA-KC will air messages on Shariah through KMBZ 980 AM radio and post a billboard on Shariah at I-70 and 38th street.
The campaign messages are expected to reach over 200,000 people per week. The messages will invite the public to call the 1-855-SHARIAH hotline or visit our website to learn and ask questions about Shariah and Islam. Visitors to the website and callers to the hotline can request a free copy of the English translation of the Quran and other free literature on Islam and Shariah.
We ask God to bless anyone and everyone involved in spreading the word, and we hope that through these efforts we can become united as one nation to fight against injustice and strive for peace.”
The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is one of the largest, non-profit, independent, and grassroots organization of American Muslims with several chapters and affiliates across the nation. ICNA is dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values, and, since 1968, has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
—END—
Press Contact: Riyaz M. Lareef Outreach and Public Relations Islamic Circle of North America- Kansas City P.O. Box: 3621 Olathe, KS 66063 E-mail: riyaz.m.lareef@icnakc.org Office: (913) 732-3875 Website: http://www.icnakc.org
ICNA Joins Coalition to End Islamophobia & Bigotry
JAMAICA, New York (January 7, 2012) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) issued a press release today welcoming the invitation to join the Coalition to End Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Bigotry.
“The negative reaction to TLC’s All American Muslim is a prime example of the rise of bigotry and anti-Muslim sentiment across the nation,” said Dr. Zahid Bukhari, President of ICNA. “ICNA has long recognized this threat to the values of American society and launched the ‘Defending Religious Freedom, Understanding Shariah’ campaign in May 2011 to educate the public on Shariah in specific and Islam in general.”
“We are truly honored to join the Coalition to End Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Bigotry as part of our ongoing efforts to fight prejudice against American Muslims. These organizations and individuals are taking a stand by uniting in the face of racism and bigotry towards American Muslims and other minority faith groups in our society. We look forward to working with our brothers and sisters of various faiths, races, orientations and political leanings to battle Islamophobia and hatred in all forms.”
KEY MISSION OF THE COALITION TO END ISLAMOPHOBIA & ANTI-MUSLIM BIGOTRY:
Who we are: We are a united coalition of religious and political leaders, the interfaith community, communities of color, civil rights and LGBT groups, and social justice activists – everyday Americans of all walks of life – standing up for religious freedom and tolerance for all Americans.
Core Idea: There is a rapidly growing groundswell of Americans—including people of faith and moral commitment—standing up for religious freedom, standing against attacks on people simply because they are different, and speaking out against companies and corporations that allow fringe hate groups to affect their hiring, management and advertising practices.** This group of Americans recognizes that the most powerful means to ending to these attacks on religious freedom in America is by banding together and forming a unified front to combat these issues.
** Included in this group of companies is Lowe’s and Kayak’s decision to pull advertisements from TLC’s reality TV series “All American Muslim.”
Supporting Idea 1: The United States of America was founded on the principle of freedom of religion. Today, America is the most religiously diverse country in the world. Our country’s strength comes precisely from its diversity. Fringe groups that promote Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry are undermining the very foundation of America, and they are threatening the values of upon which our country was built.
Supporting Idea 2: By censoring and preventing honest portrayals of everyday American Muslim life from entering the public view via mainstream media, anti-Muslim groups further perpetuate stereotypes that inspire fear, hatred, and violence directed toward Muslims across the nation.
The good news and call to action: Hundreds of thousands of Americans have spoken up in support of TLC for its courageous decision to produce and broadcast the groundbreaking series “All-American Muslim,” at a time when the public perception of Islam and Muslims is at an all-time low, and ignorance about the religion and its followers is widespread. We are rallying our congregations, communities, elected officials, our friends and our families to let American companies know that caving into groups that seek to divide our nation by stigmatizing and harming our fellow Americans is wrong. It is time that put an end to Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry.
Our Three Unifying Goals: 1. To denounce the smear campaign launched by what has come to be known as the “Islamophobia industry,” which has most recently waged a boycott campaign against “All-American Muslim” and TLC’s advertisers, and that continues to seek new ways to marginalize Islam and Muslims in the public eye. In this specific instance, the campaign attacking “All-American Muslim” was initiated by the FFA, but has been joined by both well-known members of the Islamophobia industry as well as more marginal members. The primary promoters of this campaign have been Robert Spencer and “Jihad Watch,” Pamela Geller and “Atlas Shrugs,” Geller and Spencer’s AFDI/SIOA, Brigitte Gabriel and ACT! for America, as well as many relatively marginal groups like the FFA and the American Decency Project. These organizations have been condemned by the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a slew of other civil rights and human rights organizations for their malicious campaign to instill fear and hatred against Muslims in America.**
**The ADL has stated that Brigitte Gabriel’s ACT! for America, Pamela Geller & Robert Spencer’s Stop the Islamization of America (SIOA) are “groups that promote an extreme anti-Muslim agenda,” and The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated AFDI/SIOA as a hate group.
2. We ask corporate America to take a stand against Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry, just as they would against any other form of bigotry or racism. The hate groups mentioned above claim to have convinced a large number of companies to bend to their fear campaigns. Although some of these corporations have publicly repudiated the claims, many have yet to state their position either in support of or against their affiliation with said fringe groups. These companies’ customers, as well as all American consumers, deserve to know where these corporations stand and whether or not they have indeed been swayed by the bullying tactics of fringe hate groups. We want these companies to take an official pledge that:
» They will not yield to coercion by fringe and/or hate groups of any kind.
» Racism and bigotry will play no part in their advertising decisions.
» Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry will be recognized as equal to all other forms of
bigotry, including racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, and homophobia.
3. We, as a united coalition of hundreds of thousands of Americans, say Enough is Enough, and we declare that Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bigotry are on par with all other forms of bigotry, including racism, sexism, Anti-Semitism, and homophobia. An assault on any one of us is an assault against all of us, and will be treated as such.
List of people who have been supporting this campaign and who have been invited to join the Coalition:
Politicians: Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT) Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-MN) NJ State Majority Leader, Barbara Buono (D) Mayor Cory Booker (D) Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer Gary Peters John Dingell Hansen Clarke (D MI-13) Barbara Lee (D CA-9) Bennie G. Thomson (D MS-2) Dennis J. Kucinich (D OH-10) Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D NJ-8) Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D- IL-2) Adam B. Schiff (D CA-29) Raul M. Grijalva (D AZ-7) James P. Morgan (D VA-8) John D. Dingell (D MI-15) Michael M. Honda (D CA-15) Donna F. Edwards (D MD-4) Chellie Pingree (D ME-1) Gwen Moore (D WI-4) Loretta Sanchez (D CA-47) David E. Price (D NC-4) Jay Inslee (D WA-1) John C. Carney, Jr. (D DE-AL) John W. Olver (D MA-1) Judy Chu (D CA-32) Zoe Lofgren (D CA-16) Rosa L. Delauro (D CT-3) Fortney “Pete” Stark (D CA-13) Alcee L. Hastings (D FL-23) John B. Larson (D CT-1) André Carson (D IN-7) Gary C. Peters (D MI-9) James A. Himes (D CT-4) Janice D. Schakowsky (D IL-9) Tammy Baldwin (D WI-2)
Celebrities: Russell Simmons Kimora Lee Simmons Aasif Mandvi Deepak Chopra Mia Farrow Kal Penn Reagan Gomez Maz Jobrani Rima Fakih Ryan Babel Perez Hilton Dl Hughley QuestLove Iqbal Theba Loni Love Morgan Spurlock Brother Ali Mo Ryan Roland S. Martin DI Hughley Meghan McCain Susan Sarandon Heather Graham Ashton Kutcher Baba Ali
Religious Leaders: Jim Wallis Rev. Chuck Curie Rabbi Marc Schneier Rev. Ed Bacon Shaykh Suhaib Webb Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi Rev. Charles E. Williams II Rev. J. Carl Gregg Rev. Peter Laarman
Activists: Amanda Kloer Sami ElMansoury Linda Sarsour Sheila Musaji (The American Muslim) Robert Greenwald, Brave New Films
Organizations: MoveOn.org Change.org Patheos Pluralism Project Foundation for Ethnic Understanding Russell Simmons Group PrepareNY Coalition Groundswell (social action initiative of Auburn Seminary) Shoulder to Shoulder Commonweal & Young Progressive Catholics The Soujourners The National Councils of Churches All Saints Episcopal ADC MPAC CAIR National ICNA AAI ASMA AAF ING Involver Jumpstart Colorado Muslim Speakers Bureau African American Ministers Leadership Council Historic King Solomon Baptist Church of Detroit Michigan National Council for Community Empowerment Human Rights Coalition (HRC)
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
ICNA: Take Action Against Bigotry & Hate
JAMAICA, New York (December 9, 2011) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) issued a press release today criticizing Lowe’s for pulling advertising fromAll-American Muslim, and urging the American Muslim community to contact the company and express its disappointment with this decision.
“We find it incredibly disturbing that Lowe’s has caved to the calls of Islamophobes and pulled advertising from All-American Muslim, an American reality show on TLC that is working to dispel stereotypes and counter hatred against the American Muslim community,” said ICNA Vice President for Public Affairs Naeem Baig.
All-American Muslimprovides insight into the struggles of a minority religious community as it works to establish its American identity while adhering to its faith. If Lowe’s claims to be a retailer for all Americans it should support such programs, but by withdrawing its advertising Lowe’s has shown that it is not welcoming of all Americans or of minority faith groups.
We urge the American Muslim community and our friends, family, neighbors and all people of conscience to call Lowe’s CEO Robert Niblock at(704) 758-2084or Executive Support Mr. Andrew Kilby at (866) 900-4650 and respectfully complain about this decision.
Here are the talking points:
“I am calling to complain regarding Lowe’s decision to pull advertising from TLC’s All-American Muslim. The defamatory remarks made regarding this show are false and hateful towards our community. By caving to Islamophobes, Lowe’s is essentially supporting and disseminating negative stereotypes about American Muslims.
This show is neither ‘propaganda’ nor a ‘clear and present danger to the liberties and traditional values’ of Americans. As Americans we value tolerance, understanding and coexistence, all of which are cultivated through All-American Muslim. What portion of Lowe’s advertising guidelines is adverse to these ideals?
I will not support a corporation that panders to bigotry and the demands of hate groups. I strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and reinstate advertising for All-American Muslim.”
If Lowe’s stands by its decision, we urge all Americans who stand for justice to boycott Lowe’s by canceling their memberships and taking their business elsewhere. We firmly believe that a corporation that does not care for the support of the American Muslim community should not be given the privilege of receiving it.
We also ask that you counter the hateful calls of Islamophobes and show your support for All-American Muslim by tuning in to TLC on Sundays at 10/9 Central.
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
—END—
Press Contact: Naeem Baig Vice President for Public Affairs Islamic Circle of North America E-mail: Office:(718) 658-1199Extension: 102 Cell:(917) 202-2118
Nur-ul-Quran Course
ICNA SISTERS - East Region has introduced a multi-dimensional course in which they will focus on different aspects of the Holy Quran.
Great oppertunity... so join them and increase your knowledge. For more information refer the attached flyer.
Surah Al ‘Asr (Time Through The Ages)[103:001] By Al-’Asr (the time).[103:002] Verily, man is in loss,
[103:003] Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma'rûf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd).
There is a Bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.It carries over no balance from day to day.very evening deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do?
Draw out ALL of it, of course!!!!
Each of us has such a Bank.Its name is TIME.Every morning,it credits you with 86,400 seconds.Every night it writes off, as lost,whatever of this you have failed
to invest to good purpose.It carries over no balance.It allows no overdraft.
Each day it opens a new account for you.Each night it burns the remains of the day.If you fail to use the day’s deposits,
the loss is yours.
There is no going back.
There is no drawing against the “tomorrow.
”You must live in the present on today’s deposits.
Invest it carefully with wisdom and knowledge.
Use your Time to pray sincerely and do good and charity;To faithfully practice the Five Pillars and perfect your Deen.
To remember to thank Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala for everything;To adhere to the commandments of the Holy Qur’aan
and the teachings of the Sunnah of theProphet Sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam
.In order that you may benefit the utmost inblessings and guidance in your life living withstrength of eemaan and taqwaa Seeking only the Pleasure of Allaah Ta’aala
for the sake of your Hereafter.
The clock is running.Make the most of each day.
Start working on your‘Time’
We should not neglect our Time or use it haphazardly; on the contrary we should bring ourselves to account, structure our litanies and other practices during each day and night, and assign to each period a fixed and specific function for self-development in our Deen and maximise its potential. The better route towards self-development is, of course, to integrate all our efforts into a structured daily life.
Ibn Abbas narrated that Prophet Mohammad (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said:
“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” (Bukhari 8/421)
The Heart and The Quran..
The more important part of your 'person' is your inner self. This inner self the Quran calls the qalb or the 'heart'. The heart of the Prophet was the first recipient of the Quranic message:
Truly it has been sent down by the Lord of all the worlds, the Trustworthy Spirit has alighted with it upon your heart [O Prophet], that you may be one of the Warner ... Quran 26:192-194.
You will therefore reap the full joys and blessings of reading the Qur'an when you are able to involve your heart fully in your task.
The 'heart', in Quranic vocabulary, is not just a piece of flesh in your body, but it is the centre of all your feelings, emotions, motives, drives, aspirations, remembrance and attention. It is the heart which softens Quran 39:23, or hardens. Quran 2:74 It is the heart that goes blind and refuses to recognize the truth Quran 22:46 and it is the heart that inspires the function to reason and understand. Quran 7:179; 22:46; 50:37 In the heart, lies the root of all outward diseases Quran 5:52; it is the seat of all inner ills Quran 2:10. The heart is the abode of faith Quran 5:41 and hypocrisy. Quran 9:77 It is the heart, which is the centre of all that is good and bad, whether it be contentment and peace Quran 13:28, the strength to face afflictions Quran 64:11, mercy Quran 57:27, brotherly love Quran 8:63, God-Consciousness Quran 49:3; 22:32; or, doubt and hesitation Quran 9:45, regrets Quran3:156, and anger Quran 9:15. Finally it is, in reality, the way of the heart for which we shall be accountable, and only the one who brings before his God a sound and sincere heart will deserve to be saved.
God will not take you to task for a slip, but He will take you to task for what your hearts have earned. Quran 2:225
The Day when neither wealth nor children shall profit, [and when] only he [will be saved] who comes before God with a sound heart [free of evil]. Quran 26:88-89
You must therefore ensure that so long as you are with the Quran, your heart remains with you. The heart not being that piece of flesh but what the Quran calls qalb.
God has sent down the best discourse as a Book, fully consistent within itself, oft-repeated, whereat shiver the skins of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and hearts soften to the remembrance of God. Quran 39:23
Excerpted and adapted from the book "Way to the Quran" by Khurram Murad
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Glorious Quran
And (remember) when Allâh took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying: "Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the Laws of Allâh), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe ... view more
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Islamic Quiz
Before Prophet Muhammad(s) became Allah’s Prophet, he participated in a covenant among the tribal leaders of Makkah in which they agreed that they would standup for anyone who had suffered injustice, regardless of his tribal affiliations. What was the name of this covenant?
Answer for the previous question:
More than 60 million.
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What do Muslim think about Jesus(PBUH)
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honor. The Prophet 
