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About Us

Established on September 1st, 1968

The Islamic Circle of North America was a response to the growing need for a supportive Muslim community in North America. The organization initially focused on educating its growing membership about Islam, the goal being to adhere to Islamic values amongst a religiously diverse community.

In the early 70s, ICNA members, the majority of whom were of South Asian descent, focused their efforts on education and personal/spiritual development.

In November of 1977, nearly a decade after its formation, ICNA members met and discussed the need for Islamic work based in North America. After drafting and adopting a new detailed constitution, the organization formally became known as the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). With a new name and new direction, members of ICNA were determined to become an inclusive, diverse organization, and adopted English as their official language. ICNA’s work towards establishing a place for Islam in America began.

With the 80s came several key expansion projects—ICNA Sisters’ was formed in 1980, ICNA’s main headquarters established in Jamaica, Queens in 1984 and the annual convention celebrated its 10th year in 1985. With a central location from which to base its efforts, ICNA was able to launch numerous projects, many of which still thrive today. ICNA Relief, 877-Why Islam, Young Muslims, the National Shura Council, the Message International, Muslim Alert Network, Muslim Savings and Investments (MSI) and more branches were formed throughout the following years to cater to the needs of the American Muslim community. Along with the national convention, clusters of ICNA chapters across North America hosted annual regional conferences; Neighbor Nets were formed for members of local chapters to meet on a consistent basis. 1993 marked a milestone in ICNA’s history, as it’s Charter and By-Laws were approved and adopted.

In the past decade, ICNA has expanded its reach across the US while maintaining an active presence in local communities. Muslim Family Day, first hosted at Six Flags New Jersey in the year 2000, now attracts nearly 50,000 a year at several parks nationwide.

The ICNA Council for Social Justice, a branch of ICNA dedicated to representing the Muslim voice on matters of social justice was formed in 2009. ICNA has worked to establish connections between Islam and the public, collaborating with numerous Muslim organizations to reach this end. ICNA also works closely with many national interfaith organizations for the betterment of society. By focusing on self-development, education, outreach and social services, ICNA has cemented its place as a leading grassroots organization in the American Muslim community.

ICNA’s 50 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

1968

FOUNDATION

Founded as Halqa-e-Ahbab-e-Islami (HAI)

1970

1ST MEMBERS

Meeting of HAI held at the MSA conference

1971

ICNA INCORPORATED

In the state of Florida

1972

1ST EC CONFERENCE

1st East Coast
Conference

1974

SYED MAUDUDI

Spoke at the 1st public meeting of HAI at Colombia University

1975

TAHREEK

1st publication Tahreek in Urdu with English section. (Predecessor of Message International)

1976

FORMAL

1st formal annual HAI convention in Chicago

1977

HAI TRANSFORMED

HAI transformed into ICNA at the General Assembly during 2nd Convention, NJ

1978

ICNA SISTERS

ICNA Sisters established

1984

HEADQUARTERS

Headquarters established in Jamaica, NY

1986

MSI

Muslim Saving and Investment (MSI) was established

1987

MAN

Muslim Alert Network (MAN) started

1988

SOUND VISION

ICNA leads campaign against satanic verses
Young Muslims for faith & action predecessors of Young Muslim established

1989

MESSAGE MEG

The 1st Monthly issue of Message International Magazine published

1992

ICNA RELIEF

ICNA Relief established

1993

BOSNIA RALLY

Bosnia Rally organized by Bosnia Task Force which was initiated by ICNA

1994

CHAPTERS & BYLAWS

Chapters and Bylaws were revised and adopted

1995

YOUNG MUSLIM & ICNA.ORG

Young Muslim (YM) established

ICNA.org website established

1998

MFS

Muslim Family Services established

1998

CATHOLIC DIALOGUE

National Muslim Catholic Dialogue begin

icna entities

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