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ICNA CSJ Action today condemned the Trump administration’s launch of “Operation Epic Fury”

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/28/26) – ICNA CSJ Action today condemned the Trump administration’s launch of “Operation Epic Fury” — a large-scale, joint U.S.-Israeli military assault on the Islamic Republic of Iran — as an unconstitutional act of war carried out without congressional authorization and in direct violation of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. CSJ Action is calling on all Americans to immediately contact the White House and their members of Congress to demand an end to this illegal war of choice and to support the bipartisan Khanna-Massie War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res.38) in the House and Senator Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution (S.J.Res.59) in the Senate. Tell Congress: No unauthorized war with Iran.

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ICNA Council for Social Justice Condemns Attacks on Muslim Communities in Utah and Pennsylvania

The ICNA Council for Social Justice (CSJ) condemns two targeted acts of violence against Muslim communities during Ramadan and calls for immediate federal hate crime investigations. On February 23, Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center in West Jordan survived a premeditated shooting when a masked gunman fired eight shots at his vehicle outside his home as he left for evening prayers. He was unharmed. ICNA National President Saad Kazmi stated, “What happened to Imam Shuaib Din is an attack on every Muslim in America who prays, leads, and serves their community openly. We demand full federal accountability.” On February 22, multiple shots were fired into the Pike County Islamic Center in Westfall Township, Pennsylvania, hours after taraweeh prayers. Four bullets struck the six-month-old mosque. No injuries were reported. While local authorities are investigating, CSJ is urging the DOJ and FBI to pursue charges under federal hate crime statutes. CSJ Executive Director Dr. Arif Mannan stated, “We are calling on the DOJ and FBI to treat these attacks as federal hate crimes and bring the full force of federal law to bear on those who target houses of worship.”

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ICNA Council for Social Justice Observes World Day of Social Justice 2026

Washington D.C. – February 20, 2026 – The ICNA Council for Social Justice (ICNA CSJ) proudly joins the international community in marking World Day of Social Justice, under the theme “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice.” This observance calls for renewed efforts to eradicate poverty, advance equality, promote fair labor, and ensure inclusion for all—principles deeply aligned with ICNA CSJ’s mission to facilitate assertive Muslim involvement in advocating for the rights of the poor and oppressed in the United States. ICNA CSJ advances justice through key focus areas including civic engagement, criminal justice reform, homelessness prevention, Muslim prisoner support, and broader efforts against Islamophobia, bullying, and racial inequity. These initiatives empower communities, educate on rights, and drive measurable change, reaching over 1 million people nationwide through events, petitions, and volunteer action. The Quran instructs: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.” (Quran 4:135) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best jihad is a just word spoken to an unjust ruler.” (Sunan Abu Dawud) “We call upon Muslims and allies to renew our dedication to bridging divides, uplifting the marginalized, and embodying Islamic values of compassion, equity, and dignity for every human being,” said Imam Khalid Griggs, Chairman, ICNA CSJ. ICNA CSJ remains committed to building a just society through education, advocacy, and direct action. Join us at icnacsj.org to learn more, take action, or support ongoing campaigns.

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ICNA Statement on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) mourns the passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a towering figure in the struggle for civil rights, human dignity, and social justice in the United States and beyond. For decades, Rev. Jackson stood at the forefront of movements that challenged racism, poverty, war, and inequality, leaving a legacy that touched countless communities, including American Muslims. Imam Khalid Griggs, ICNA CSJ Communications Director said Rev. Jackson “‘I am somebody, I may be poor, I may be on welfare, but I am somebody. I may be uneducated, but I am somebody.’ This is the self-affirming mantra that Jesse used effectively at the conclusion of his speeches, especially to youthful audiences.” His unwavering defense of religious freedom, opposition to discrimination, and commitment to coalition-building fostered a climate in which Muslim communities could organize, worship, and participate more fully in American civic life. At times when Muslims faced suspicion, bias, or exclusion, he spoke with moral clarity in support of equal rights and mutual respect. Rev. Jackson also built enduring relationships with Muslim leaders and communities in the United States and around the world. He consistently emphasized solidarity among faith traditions and recognized the importance of Muslim voices in broader struggles for justice and peace. His outreach reflected a deep belief that lasting change requires unity across racial, religious, and cultural lines. We extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who were inspired by his life and service. We pray that his legacy of courage, compassion, and principled advocacy continues to guide those working toward a more just and inclusive society.

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Your Neighbors Are Waiting!

Your Neighbors Are Waiting! 🎁 Share a Ramadan Gift This Year Alhamdulillah, we’ve made it super easy for you! Simply attach our pre-printed Ramadan cards to a small gift — 🌿 a plant, đŸ« a box of chocolates, or any sealed/packaged Ramadan treat — and personally deliver it to your neighbors. ✹ Make it a family activity ✹ Add your name & contact info ✹ Include a dawah brochure if you’d like ✹ Do not forget to personalize cards ✹ And most importantly, make sincere du‘a that Allah ï·» blesses this humble effort. Ameen. This small gesture can open hearts, build bridges, and reflect the beauty of Islam in the most meaningful way. 📩 Order your FREE pre-printed cards here: Gift for Neighbors Let’s make this Ramadan a month of Quran, connection, kindness, and dawah đŸ€

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ICNA Reaffirms Commitment to Faith-Based Unity and Shared Humanity

*NEW YORK, NY (Feb. 1st, 2026) –* World Interfaith Harmony Week is an important opportunity to reaffirm our shared responsibility to promote peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among people of all faiths and beliefs. The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) proudly joins communities worldwide in advancing harmony as a foundation for a just and compassionate society. Islam calls upon humanity to embrace mutual understanding and respect. The Qur’an states: “ O mankind, indeed We created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you ” (Qur’an 49:13). Guided by this principle, ICNA has long made interfaith engagement a central part of its mission. Across North America, ICNA has worked with diverse faith communities through interfaith dialogues, open mosque events, and joint service initiatives addressing hunger, disaster relief, social injustice, and the defense of religious freedom. These partnerships reflect ICNA’s belief that genuine harmony is built not only through dialogue, but through meaningful collaboration in service to the common good. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.” Inspired by this teaching, ICNA remains committed to working with all people of goodwill to reject hatred, build understanding, and strengthen the bonds that unite our communities. As World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed around the globe, ICNA reaffirms its dedication to cooperation, peace, and the dignity of all people, and calls on communities everywhere to continue building bridges of trust and compassion.

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In Memory of Dr. Mazhar Kazi

On November 23, 2025, our elder Dr. Mazhar Kazi passed away. We pray that Our Lord, the Most Merciful, envelops our beloved brother in His mercy and opens to him the doors of paradise. A pioneer in the American Muslim community, Dr. Kazi was among the first foreign-born Muslims to settle in Houston, and helped lay the earliest foundations of the community in the area. Among other contributions, he founded the first mosque in the Houston area and also helped organize the earliest Eid prayers. Dr. Kazi was a devoted, sincere leader and friend. He was continually dedicated to serving people and helping those around him and thus he leaves behind many who forever remember his kindness and friendship. Those blessed by his presence would find their hearts lifted with light-hearted comments even as they gained access to his sincere, thoughtful advice. In Houston, his kindness and attentiveness to others’ needs meant that he became a refuge for those facing a variety of problems. Those who had the opportunity to work closely with him in ICNA Houston recall his leadership and organizational excellence. Dr. Kazi’s focus meant that meetings began on time, discussions remained focused and productive, and—as he often hosted gatherings himself—that people would leave having eaten well. When differing opinions arose, he ensured that a sense of mutual respect prevailed. Among his many efforts, Dr. Kazi was particularly dedicated to supporting new Muslims. From 1990 to 2010, his sincere efforts (direct and indirect) resulted in countless people accepting Islam in Houston. And he also applied his personal time, effort, and resources towards helping these new Muslims after they joined the community. The ICNA Houston New Muslim Center—and particularly its dedicated women’s section—was one of the results of his devoted efforts. He arranged shelter, training, marriages, and support for many new Muslim sisters. For nearly three decades, Dr. Mazhar Kazi devoted his full attention to Islamic work, whether this came in the form of speeches, writings, teaching, or community service. He dedicated his life to dawah, nurturing new Muslims, and serving the community with sincerity and loyalty. In addition to the many he helped as a leader and friend, he leaves behind the family he loved so dearly, including his wife, Alia Kazi, a respected presence in her own right in ICNA Houston and Dallas. May Allah grant them lasting comfort and protection. May Allah reward Dr. Mazhar Kazi for all his efforts, fill his grave with light, and enable us to follow his example in serving the community.

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ICNA Council for Social Justice Mourns Passing of Imam Jamil Al‑Amin and Reaffirms Call for Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ICNA Council for Social Justice Mourns Passing of Imam Jamil Al‑Amin and Reaffirms Call for Justice The ICNA Council for Social Justice (ICNA CSJ), together with the Muslim Alliance for Black Lives (MABL), mourns the passing of Imam Jamil Abdullah Al‑Amin (formerly H. Rap Brown), who returned to his Lord on November 23, 2025, after decades of wrongful incarceration. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, family, and Muslim community all who loved and were inspired by him. For more than six decades, Imam Jamil stood at the heart of the Black freedom struggle in America, from his early leadership in the Student Non‑Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and his role as Minister of Justice of the Black Panther Party, to his transformative work as an imam in Atlanta’s West End. He helped build masajid, reduce crime, and revive a community through daÊżwah, service, and principled organizing. ICNA CSJ has long affirmed that Imam Jamil was a political prisoner, targeted for his beliefs and community leadership rather than any crime. In August 1995, he was arrested in Atlanta on highly publicized shooting allegations; the alleged victim later stated he had been pressured to name Imam Jamil and admitted he never saw the shooter. Those charges were ultimately dropped. Years later, the same pattern of suspicion and overreach reappeared in the tragic events surrounding the shooting of two Fulton County deputies on March 16, 2000, for which Imam Jamil was convicted in 2002 and sentenced to life without parole. “We believe Imam Jamil’s conviction was a grave miscarriage of justice and part of a longer history of state repression against Black freedom fighters and Muslim leaders,” said Imam Khalid Griggs, ICNA CSJ. “His passing does not end our responsibility to seek truth, accountability, and restoration of his honor.” After his conviction, Imam Jamil was held for years in harsh federal facilities far from his family and community, including extended isolation and prolonged medical neglect. Even as his health deteriorated with serious illnesses, he remained a teacher, a source of strength, and a symbol of steadfastness for movements against racism, Islamophobia, and mass incarceration. ICNA CSJ and MABL honor Imam Jamil’s lifelong struggle for justice and renew our commitment to: -Support efforts to fully review and publicly disclose all evidence in his case; -Pursue posthumous measures to clear his name; -Stand with other political prisoners and victims of wrongful convictions, especially Black and Muslim prisoners. Inna lillāhi wa inna ilayhi rājiÊżĆ«n (From Allah we Belong and to Allah we shall return). May Allah grant Imam Jamil the highest ranks of Jannah, forgive his shortcomings, and reward his family for their immense patience and sacrifice. Media Contact: Imam Khalid Griggs ICNA Council for Social Justice

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A Call for True Peace

A Call for True Peace Statement from the Islamic Circle of North America The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) welcomes any genuine step toward bringing lasting peace to the people of Palestine. While the latest peace proposal offers a flicker of hope to those who have endured unimaginable suffering, the brutal killing of over 67,000 innocent civilians has laid bare the cruelty and moral bankruptcy of the ongoing oppression. We pray this effort paves a true path to justice, freedom, and dignity for every Palestinian. History, however, has taught us caution. Too many promises have been broken and truces shattered the moment the world’s attention shifts. A deep fear remains that once an initial phase is complete, Israeli leadership will revert to bombs and blockades. Should this fragile hope be betrayed, it would represent not merely a political failure, but a moral collapse in the eyes of the world. Therefore, we call on people of conscience everywhere: do not remain silent if this peace is violated. Stand with the oppressed. Speak for the voiceless. Demand that justice be honored, not delayed. True peace can only be achieved when the violence ends and mercy triumphs over might. A Call for True Peace Statement from the Islamic Circle of North America The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) welcomes any genuine step toward bringing lasting peace to the people of Palestine. While the latest peace proposal offers a flicker of hope to those who have endured unimaginable suffering, the brutal killing of over 67,000 innocent civilians has laid bare the cruelty and moral bankruptcy of the ongoing oppression. We pray this effort paves a true path to justice, freedom, and dignity for every Palestinian. History, however, has taught us caution. Too many promises have been broken and truces shattered the moment the world’s attention shifts. A deep fear remains that once an initial phase is complete, Israeli leadership will revert to bombs and blockades. Should this fragile hope be betrayed, it would represent not merely a political failure, but a moral collapse in the eyes of the world. Therefore, we call on people of conscience everywhere: do not remain silent if this peace is violated. Stand with the oppressed. Speak for the voiceless. Demand that justice be honored, not delayed. True peace can only be achieved when the violence ends and mercy triumphs over might.

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