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Passing of Pope Francis

All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists, and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household.   ICNA is deeply touched by the passing of Pope Francis, who departed this world following a brief illness. We extend our heartfelt condolences to our Catholic partners in interfaith dialogue (National Catholic-Muslim Dialogue), the global Catholic community, and all those around the world who are mourning his loss. Pope Francis was a symbol of humility, compassion, and bridge-building, and his absence will be deeply felt across faith traditions and communities committed to peace and justice. This was so evident from his simple life-style. His life exemplified humility and compassion, marked by an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity. Pope Francis dedicated himself to uplifting the marginalized, advocating for peace, and promoting justice across all borders. His deep yearning for a more peaceful world was powerfully reflected in his final public message, delivered just a day before his passing, in which he called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In his emotional appeal, he described the situation there as both “dramatic and deplorable,” underscoring his enduring concern for human suffering and his moral leadership until the very end. Pope Francis stood as a moral beacon in a world so divided, yet he consistently advocated for peace, justice, and compassion for the marginalized—even in the face of criticism and adversity. His steadfast dedication to building bridges between faiths and promoting dialogue rooted in mutual respect left a lasting impact that transcended religious boundaries. Through his words and actions, he inspired hope and understanding, not only within the Christian world but across the global interfaith community. As Muslims, we recognize the value of righteous leadership and the importance of standing together in times of both joy and sorrow. Pope Francis’s legacy of empathy, simplicity, and advocacy for the downtrodden resonates deeply with our own Islamic values. We pray that God, the Most Merciful, brings comfort to those mourning his loss and may his efforts toward unity and compassion continue to inspire generations to come.

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In Tribute to Professor Khurshid Ahmad

A Pioneer of Islamic Thought and Revivalist Vision “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah.” (Qur’an 33:23) It is with deep reverence that the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) mourns the passing of Professor Khurshid Ahmad (1932–2025), a distinguished scholar, visionary leader, and steadfast advocate for Islamic revival. His unwavering commitment to faith, intellect, and service has left an indelible mark on the global Muslim community. Born on March 23, 1932, in Delhi, Professor Ahmad migrated to Pakistan following the 1947 partition. He pursued his education with distinction, earning degrees in economics, law, and Islamic studies from Karachi University, and later completing a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Leicester, focusing on Islamic economic jurisprudence. A pioneering figure in Islamic economics, Professor Ahmad co-founded the International Institute of Islamic Economics (IIIE) and played a pivotal role in establishing Islamic banking and finance as credible alternatives to conventional economic models. His scholarship emphasized the integration of Islamic principles into economic systems, advocating for justice, equity, and the eradication of exploitative practices. Beyond academia, Professor Ahmad was instrumental in shaping public policy in Pakistan. He served as the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Statistics and as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, where he worked to align national policies with Islamic values. His tenure in the Senate of Pakistan was marked by principled leadership and a commitment to the collective good of the Ummah. Professor Ahmad’s influence extended to the Western world, where he recognized the importance of building ideologically grounded Muslim communities. He co-founded The Islamic Foundation in Leicester, UK, fostering Islamic scholarship and education in Europe. His guidance and support were instrumental in the formation of ICNA, encouraging Muslims in North America to actively contribute to society while upholding Islamic values. A devoted disciple of Maulana Maududi, Professor Ahmad internalized and propagated the mission of Iqamat-ud-Deen—establishing Islam as a comprehensive way of life. He believed in Islam’s transformative power to address human suffering through its spiritual teachings and principles of justice and equality. Professor Ahmad’s life exemplified the ideals of servant leadership, humility, and unwavering dedication to the cause of Islam. His legacy serves as a roadmap for Muslims striving to fulfill their duties to Allah and society. We ask Allah (SWT) to shower His mercy upon Professor Khurshid Ahmad, forgive his shortcomings, accept his services, and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus. “Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remain steadfast—on them the angels will descend, [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’” (Qur’an 41:30) Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) April 15, 2025

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Eid Mubarak 2025

As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum wa Rahmatullāhi wa Barakātuh, On behalf of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), I extend heartfelt Eid greetings to you and your loved ones. May this blessed day bring peace, joy, and renewed faith into your life. May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, fasting, charity, and every act of devotion we offered in His path. This Eid arrives during challenging times, as our hearts remain with the people of Gaza and others facing hardship around the world. Even as we celebrate, we remember them in our duas and remain committed to justice and compassion.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/56hou4hcQKc Eid is not just a celebration—it’s an expression of deep gratitude to Allah (SWT) for drawing us closer to Him. That gratitude is best shown through action: by spreading the message of Islam with compassion, helping those in need, standing up for the marginalized, and responding to injustice with goodness. ICNA is committed to building a better future for our communities and our children, inspired by the beautiful teachings of Islam. But we cannot do this alone—we need you. Whether it’s through Da’wah, Relief, Young Muslims (YM), or Social Justice initiatives, there is a meaningful role for everyone, regardless of age or background. The time to act is now! Visit icna.org, learn about our mission, sign up as a Friend of ICNA, and support this vital work with your time, talent, and money. Donate. May Allah (SWT) bless you and your family with peace, guidance, and His infinite mercy. Eid Mubarak! Saad Kazmi President Islamic Circle of North America – ICNA

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Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize the contributions and impact of Muslims within the Black community in the U.S. The intersection of African American history and Islamic history contains many key aspects. Historical points of contact: Early Muslim presence in America There are accounts of Muslims arriving in America long before the United States existed. Some scholars record that as early as 889, a Muslim from Spain traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. In the early 1300s, King Abu Bakari I of Mali led an expedition to the Western Hemisphere. Evidence of this includes corn from the Mali empire discovered in Central and South America, as well as cave drawings in Arizona depicting dark-skinned people with elephants. Arrival of enslaved Muslims Between 10% and 30% of the more than 10 million enslaved Africans brought to the Americas between 1530 were believed to be Muslims. Many maintained their Islamic faith throughout their enslavement. Some examples of enslaved Muslims include Ayyub ibn Sulaiman Jallon (Job Ben Soloman), who was the first known Hafiz in America. Bilali Muhammad, was a plantation manager who built the first known Masjid on Sapelo Island in 1824. Omar ibn Said, was an educated Muslim who was captured and enslaved. Yarrow Mamout, an enslaved African Muslim, bought his own freedom and became a wealthy businessman. Revolutionary War African Muslims also fought alongside colonists during the Revolutionary War. Post-Civil War The presence of Muslims existed in the Civil War. For example, Nicholas Said served in the 55th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQhHEfLlbzw 20th and 21st Century milestones: Recognition of Islam Thanks to WWII Veteran Abdullah Igram, Islam was recognized as an official religion in the U.S. military under President Eisenhower in 1952. Civil Rights Era During the Civil Rights Movement, many African Americans converted to Islam. Some notable figures include Malcolm X, who advocated for human rights. Also, Muhammad Ali, who refused induction into the U.S. Army citing religious reasons. Influence on Black Nationalism Duse Muhammad Ali and Marcus Garvey had a considerable impact upon Garvey’s movement. Under the leadership of Stokely Carmichael, SNCC was influenced more by the idea of Black Nationalism. Political Representation Charles Bilal became the first Muslim Mayor of a U.S. City. Keith Ellison was the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress. Andre Carson was the second Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress. Athletes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar converted to Islam. Hakeem Olajuwan founded the “Islamic Da’wah Center” in downtown Houston to help educate people about Islam. Ibtihaj Muhammed is a U.S.A. Bronze Medalist in the Team Saber event. Awards and Recognition Muhammed Ali became the 1st Muslim to receive the highest civilian award in 2005. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Mahershala Ali won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Moonlight” and “Greenbook”. Female Public Servants Some examples include Yaphett El-Amin, Jamilah Nasheed, Leticia Plummer, Deqa Dhalac.

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Imam William ICNA Statement

All Praise be to Allah in every situation! These were the last words of Br. Mercellus Williams is also known as Imaam Khalifah. His execution was carried out yesterday, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at a prison in Bonne Terre in Missouri, despite objections from the victim’s family and prosecutors who sought to have his conviction overturned.  ICNA reiterates that execution of an individual without fulfilling all the legal requirements and evidences is the ultimate miscarriage of justice. If there is a possibility of error, Islamic jurisprudence leans toward mercy and leniency. The emphasis is on protecting life rather than risking the potential for injustice. In Islam, the principle of avoiding the death penalty in the presence of doubt is rooted in the value of justice and mercy. This principle is well known in the Books of Fiqh “Avoid applying the hudud (prescribed punishments) in cases of doubt”; This emphasizes that if there is any uncertainty regarding the guilt of the accused, the death penalty should not be applied. In this case in question, there were several areas of doubt and uncertainty, including the most powerful evidence; the DNA that concluded that the evidence found did not match that of Imaam Khalifah. Yet there was this urge to carry out this execution. One wonders why! The problem is that here in the USA, we claim to be champions of human rights, especially when criticizing others, but fail to uphold those same principles in our own practices. This contradiction between words and actions weakens not only our moral authority but undermines public confidence in the judicial and legal systems. Words and actions do not match! ICNA offers condolences to the family, friends and community of Imaam Khalifa and call on the Muslim Community and people of conscience to ensure that such injustices do not happen again on our soil and for this, we have a lot of work to do.  May Allah SWT bless our dear Imaam and grant him Jannatul Firdous. All Praise be to Allah in every situation!

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USCMO Condemns Israeli Attacks on Civilians in Lebanon, Calls for U.S. to Force Gaza Ceasefire

(Washington, D.C., 9/24/2024) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) – the nation’s umbrella group of national, regional, and local Muslim associations – strongly condemns the Israeli government’s expansion of its genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank to an indiscriminate mass bombing campaign against civilians in Lebanon. USCMO also called on the Biden administration to stop the Israeli government’s attempts to drag the U.S. into an all-out war by forcing a ceasefire in Gaza. In a statement, USCMO Secretary-General Oussama Jammal said: “USCMO strongly condemns the Israeli government’s indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Lebanon and calls on the Biden administration to end American military and financial support until the out-of-control Netanyahu government accepts a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, completely withdraws from Gaza, and ceases its indiscriminate war on the people of Lebanon. We pray God protects the innocent peoples of the Middle East and saves the region from more death and destruction paid for with American taxpayer dollars.” The Israeli indiscriminate bombardment of Lebanon today – exclusively targeting heavily populated civilian centers – bears the monstrous hallmark of Israeli military doctrine of deliberately attacking civilians. Here are the horrors it wreaked (with its U.S.-made weaponry) on Lebanon’s population in just hours today: ➟ 35 Children Killed ➟ 39 Women Killed ➟ 492 Civilians Killed ➟ 2 Medics Killed ➟ 1,246 Seriously Wounded That means in less than a week, the Israeli military’s civilian-killing war machine has deliberately obliterated more than 500 innocent lives. This is Israeli military doctrine. Giora Eiland, former military head of the Israeli National Security Council and head of IDF Planning, recently articulated this publically, justifying his plan for the complete ethnic cleansing and total siege of northern Gaza: “The slogan that ‘only military pressure will bring victory’ has no basis whatsoever. The wars of the 21st century are based on something else. The most important parameter is [targeting] the population, and those who can control the population win the war,” he said. “You [have to] take away both [the population’s] land and dignity.” USCMO condemns Israeli aggression into Lebanon and its doctrine of targeting civilians. It calls on the Biden administration to publically make clear the U.S. will not support or engage in Israeli wars in the Middle East. USCMO calls for an immediate U.S. Israeli arms embargo and a cessation of all American military and financial support until the Israelis have accepted a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, completely withdrawn from Gaza, and ceased its aggression against Lebanon. We pray that God protects the innocent peoples of the Middle East and saves the region from war.

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Reflections on Muharram and Ashura

Reflections on Muharram and Ashura As we welcome the new Islamic year we should take time to reflect on ourselves and how we can make this year better than the last. Learning about the virtues of Muharram and Ashura can help us understand how we can start off strong and set ourselves up for a successful year ahead. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is said to be the most virtuous of the 4 sacred months. The word ‘Muharram’ itself means ‘the honored and sacred one.’ It is the only month attributed to the name of Allah as The Messenger of Allah saw said, “The best month for observing fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram, and the best salah after the prescribed salah is the salah at night.” (Muslim) The significant day of Ashura also lies in the month of Muharram which is one of the reasons that makes it the most virtuous of the sacred months. Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram and fasting on this day pre-dates back to pre-islamic era. When the Prophet Muhammad saw arrived at Madinah the Jews were observing the fast of Ashura and they said this is the day when Musa became victorious over Firaun. On that the Prophet (saw) said to his companions, “You have more right to celebrate Musa’s victory than they have, so observe the fast on this day.” (Bukhari) Fasting the day of Ashura was made obligatory in the first year of hijrah and voluntary in the second year after the revelation of the month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) encouraged fasting on the 10th of Muharram and intended to also fast on the 9th as a way to distinguish Muslims from the disbelievers. It is said, “The fasting of the day of Ashura will expiate the previous years’ sins.” (Ibn majah) Many events of the past related to the victory of God illustrate the significance of this day as well. This includes the parting of the Sea for Musa AS to escape the tyranny of Firaun, the landing of Nuh AS ship on mount Judi escaping the ridicule of his people. Later Husayn RA was martyred at Karbala on this day escaping the oppression of unjust governance. Ashura in essence highlights the importance of justice in Islam. This year Ashura might be more important and relevant than ever before as we have been witnessing the unbearable oppression of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We see Ashura in a new light as almost a celebration of resistance to oppression and anticipated victory of God. If we are blessed with the opportunity to observe the fast of ashura this year, let’s pray for forgiveness, justice and the victory that has been promised to the believers.

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Juneteenth: A Holiday of Remembrance

Juneteenth is a federal holiday, starting in 2021 when President Biden signed the holiday into federal law. Juneteenth celebrates the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth represents freedom, celebration, and also the racist history and present of the US. Juneteenth further shakes the normalized history that people hold – that all enslaved people were freed on the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.  In order for the Emancipation Proclamation to be enforced, Union troops marched around the country to read the order and free enslaved peoples. The National Museum of African American History and Culture says, “On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.” In Texas, enslaved people were not free until June 19, 1865, when around 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. The army announced that over 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree. Juneteenth is regarded as the nation’s second independence day, where the enforcement of the decree to free all enslaved peoples was enforced and ratified.  Not all states in the US celebrate Juneteenth or recognize the holiday. Widely regarded as a celebration to the end of slavery, around 24 states and DC legally recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday.  Connecticut state senator Rob Sampson, who voted no to making Juneteenth a state holiday, said, “Juneteenth is very important to me. Abraham Lincoln is the reason I became a Republican,” but went on to say that the extra holiday is a “reach for us.”  For non-Black people, Juneteenth should be a day of remembrance and reflection. Read about the history of slavery in the US, read about racism, read about emancipation, and the struggles that freed people faced after emancipation. Do not treat Juneteenth as “another day off,” but respectfully commemorate the day. Access the resource list found on the National Museum for African American History and Culture to learn more about Juneteenth, and find ways that you can respectfully observe this federal holiday.

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Eid Al Adha Mubarak

As-salāmu ʿAlaykum, All praises are due to Allah ﷻ alone. As the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah graces us once again, we extend our warmest greetings to you and your families. May the mercy, blessings, and guidance of Allah (SWT) be with you always. In this special edition of our newsletter, we would like to congratulate you on the auspicious occasion of the Day of Arafah and Eid-ul-Adha. These are moments of immense significance and reflection in the Islamic calendar, and we invite you to celebrate them with renewed devotion and gratitude. The Day of Arafah, which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is a day of unparalleled importance. It is a time when millions of pilgrims from around the world gather on the plains of Arafah, seeking forgiveness, supplicating to Allah (SWT), and engaging in acts of worship. Though many of us may not be physically present there, we can still reap the blessings of this day by engaging in sincere acts of worship, fasting, and heartfelt prayers. Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, follows the Day of Arafah and marks the conclusion of Hajj. It commemorates the unparalleled faith and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS). This joyous occasion reminds us of the importance of selflessness, obedience to Allah’s commandments, and caring for those in need. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on the values of sacrifice and compassion and extend our support and love to those less fortunate in our communities. ICNA is proud to be part of your journey as we collectively strive to strengthen our faith and foster unity within the Ummah. We encourage you to participate in our local events, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives, where you can engage with fellow Muslims and contribute to the greater good. During this blessed time, let us remember the importance of unity and brotherhood. Reach out to your neighbors, friends, and family members, irrespective of their backgrounds, and extend warm wishes of love and peace. Let us build bridges of understanding, compassion, and cooperation within our diverse society. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated volunteers, donors, and supporters who have consistently stood by us in our endeavors to serve the community. Your unwavering commitment and generosity have made a significant impact in the lives of many, and we pray that Allah (SWT) rewards you abundantly for your efforts. In light of the current events, we ask for your special prayers for the people of Gaza. May Allah (SWT) bring them peace, safety, and relief in these challenging times. May this Day of Arafah and Eid-ul-Adha bring you and your loved ones immense joy, peace, and blessings. May your sacrifices and prayers be accepted, and may your homes be filled with love and harmony. Eid Mubarak! JazakAllah khayr, Adnan Tafsir Secretary General Islamic Circle of North America – ICNA

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