Press Release – Page 6 – Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

ICNA offers condolence to the Muslim Leadership of Albuquerque, NM

August 13, 2022

All Praises are due to Allah ﷻ, Lord of all that exists and may His peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger and his household. The President of ICNA, Dr. Mohsin Ansari, the CEO of ICNA Relief, brother Maqsood Ahmed, and other members of ICNA’s leadership met with members of Albuquerque’s Muslim community, which included the President of the Islamic Center of New Mexico (ICNM), brother Assed Ahmed, and other members of community leadership. ICNA extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the greater Muslim community for these heavy losses. We cannot imagine the difficulty of this situation, and so We ask Allah ﷻ to make this tragedy easy for the families, and to accept those whose lives were taken as shuhadaa’.We are pleased to hear that the law enforcement was able to apprehend the suspect, and that an active investigation is underway.After our meeting with members of Albuquerque’s Muslim Community, we received news that the victims were both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. Regardless, ICNA wants to reassure the Muslim community that we stand together with all communities against violence and hatred. In these past few decades, great strides have been made to unite with Muslims upon goodness, and this incident will not deter us from continuing on that path of Allah ﷻ and His messenger ﷺ. Within the following days, ICNA Relief will be visiting the area with their team of spiritual and mental health professionals and work with the local community towards healing the trauma which our dear brothers and sisters have suffered due to this horrific incident. We ask Allah ﷻ grant patience to the families of the victims and the Muslim Community in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Death of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef

July 22, 2022

All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists, and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household. It is with profound sadness that that we at ICNA learn about the sudden death of a dear brother, scholar, teacher and founder of Al Maghrib Institute and DiscoverU; Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef. This dear brother was a leader in the field of preparing true Muslims and Du’aat in North America. No doubt, the death of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef would have a profound and long-lasting impact on this Ummah; particularly among the youths. ICNA extends its deepest sympathy to the entire family of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef during this time of grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with them. Beyond this great sorrow, we firmly believe that everyone must leave this temporary abode as Allah SWT says: Every soul will have a taste of death. And while we all wait for the reason of his death; we also firmly believe that our life and death are in The Hands of Allah SWT as He SWT is The Muh’yee (Giver of life) and Mumeet (Causer of death). Nothing is untimely, but it happens by the Will of Allah SWT. We ask Allah SWT to accept all the good work of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef and accept him in His Mercy and Forgiveness and grant him everlasting peace and happiness in Jannatul Firdous.

ICNA Stands For Moral Values

June 26, 2022

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— NEW YORK, NY (June, 25 th , 2022) – All Praises are due to Allah ﷻ, Lord of all that exists, and may His peace and blessings be on His final Messenger and his household. We hope and pray that this message finds you in the best of Imaan and health. Ameen. During the Memorial Day weekend of 2022, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) hosted its 47th annual ICNA-MAS convention in Baltimore, MD. The convention featured over 170 speakers and 200 sessions on wide-ranging topics focused on the theme of “Building a Just Society”. These sessions covered topics such as outreach (Da’wah), education (Tarbiyah), family & parenting, dealing with social problems such as LGBTQ, social services and humanitarian relief, social justice and activism, Islamic finance in an interest-based society, technological solutions, and character development. These sessions were led by scholars, intellectuals, activists, community leaders, interfaith partners, and politicians. The theme for the keynote session was UMMAH: Understanding Islam, Mutual Consultation, Moderation, Attachment to Allah and Humanity. The convention also offered a huge, one-of-a-kind bazaar where hundreds of vendors offered unique products and services. A variety of Halal food vendors offered several ethnic cuisines which attendees and their families enjoyed throughout this holiday weekend. Despite this being the first year back since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 22,000 Muslims were in attendance Alhamdulillah. In an ever-changing world where society’s core moral values continue to change and often decline, Muslims are seeking guidance on strengthening our moral values, and answers to complex societal issues with regards to finance, activism, building alliances and partnerships with other faiths. ICNA is blessed to be able to provide a platform for the development of the Muslim community without compromising its moral and religious values. All of this is done with the sole intention of pleasing Allah ﷻ. The theme of this year’s convention was “Building a Just Society: The Mission Continues”. We want to specially recognize the role of the Convention Program Committee tasked with organizing the program for the convention. Selecting, inviting, coordinating, and communicating with more than 170 speakers is a huge undertaking for this fully volunteer-based committee. In this process, we recognize areas for improvements with regards to communication & collaboration with speakers. Our team does due diligence in selecting speakers that may either (1) bring benefit to our community through action or (2) through knowledge to inspire our community in their obedience to Allah ﷻ. However, inviting a speaker to ICNA cannot be an endorsement of every view that person holds or professes. As we move forward towards building a just society, we understand the challenges our community faces regarding our values. We believe that building a moral foundation is the corner stone for a prosperous and just society. We at ICNA are committed to join hands with our community to solidify the moral foundation for our country on that which is based on divine guidance. We will continue to strive to establish a just society that is based on the moral and ethical principles of Quran and Sunnah. We understand this path will be challenging, but firmly believe in the Ayah of Allah ﷻ: “and [the believers are] never afraid of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower” (5:54). May Allah ﷻ help us achieve our goals. We ask Allah ﷻ to join our hearts and actions in goodness, guide us to what is correct and true, and allow us to serve His Deen in the way that pleases Him. Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) 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.

ICNA denounces insults against Prophet Muhammad PBUH by BJP officials

June 7, 2022

ICNA denounces insults against Prophet Muhammad PBUH by Mody’s party BJP officials ICNA strongly condemns and joins with the rest of the world in condemning blasphemous disrespectful comments about Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) by two topmost members of the Indian ruling Mody’s party BJP. While this blasphemy exposes their utter ignorance of the greatest human being that walked on the face of the earth, it shows the length that members of the ruling Mody’s party BJP can go with their hatred. This is not the first time they have hurled insults at Islam or Muslims. The Mody’s party BJP who is the front of the Hindu extremist Hindutva ideology, has done everything in their power to suppress Islam and Muslims. The Mody’s party BJP tried to whitewash this blasphemy by saying Sharma was a “fringe element” and that “her views are contrary to the party’s position”. But she is an official spokesperson of the party, tasked with representing the Mody’s party BJP’s views. Then what is their view? The recent ban of Hijab, the brink of a genocide, the forceful annexation of Kashmir, the destruction of Mosques, lynching of Muslims and systematic eradication of Muslims from India are some of the few manifestations of their views of Islam and Muslims. Now this blasphemy of The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him); a person held dear by almost 2 billion Muslims in every nook and corner of this globe and who is even highly respected by people of conscience and integrity. Is this their manifestation of tolerance? In fact, this is war against every Muslim who says the maxim of faith: No one is worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His Final Messenger. In Muslim household this maxim is sounded in our call to prayers or the Adhan and is repeated over 30 billion times daily. For Muslims, believing in him, respecting him is an integral part of faith. Those who try to openly blaspheme him will face the anger and condemnation of these 2 billion lovers of the final Messenger of God to humanity, Muhammad (peace be upon him). ICNA calls for the whole mindset of Hindu extremist to stop now! Genocide must stop now! Live and let others live! Muslims and other minorities must be free to worship in India! ICNA also calls on all leaders of the free world to condemn such blasphemy and bring India to accountability.

Post Convention Press Release 2022

June 2, 2022

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 2, 2022Contact: Umer BeigMedia Liaison(631)371-4151media.engagement@icna.org First ICNA Convention after Covid-19 The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) has held a very successful convention over the Memorial Weekend from Saturday May 28th through Monday May 30th, 2022 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The theme of this year’s convention was Building a Just Society: The Mission Continues. This is the first time ICNA has resumed its annual in-person convention after cancelling it for the two previous years; 2020 and 2021, bearing in mind that safety is the topmost priority in such large gatherings. The large turnout at the Baltimore Convention Center is a testimony of people’s anxiety to get back to normal and to meet in person with friends and families after two long years of agonizing Covid-19. It should be noted that both 2020 and 2021 conventions were done online on a much lesser scale and of course far less excitement. But nothing could be more satisfying than being in the company of the 21,000 attendees from as far away as Norway to Down Under; Australia. Speakers numbering 196 were from diverse backgrounds addressing 169 topics with 398 lectures ranging from spiritual, social, inspirational stories, matrimonial services, current affairs and relief work. There was even a full session for poetry, Nasheeds (Muslim songs) and spoken word and not to mention a cooking competition. In addition to lectures, there were 535 booths in the bazaar where one can buy from toys to clothing, scented oils, food and more. Kids had lots of fun on rides and games while teenagers had 75 basketball teams vying for the coveted trophy. The highlight of the convention was its keynote session where the acronym UMMAH was explained in details as the path of ICNA; Understanding Islam, Mutual consultation, Moderation, Attachment to The Creator and Helping Humanity. In the end it was very much liked by all and everyone looks forward next year for a bigger and better convention. For further information please go online at icna.org ####

Uvalde School Shooting: Statement from ICNA

May 25, 2022

Another Mass Shooting: This Madness Must Stop! Issued on: 5/24/2022 It is with great sadness that ICNA learns of the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that leaves 19 innocent children and 2 adults dead and several injured. It leaves us once again searching for answers and depressed at the collective state of our American culture. Why such mass shootings happen over and over again? What actions are our lawmakers taking to stop such atrocities other than offering “prayers” and long emotional speeches? As investigations are underway, ICNA takes this moment to send condolences to the families who have lost near and dear ones and for those injured, a speedy recovery. No words can wipe out the tears and sadness for the loss of these innocent lives. How sad it is for parents never to see their children return from school and tell their little stories! How sad that they will not ever see their children walk the halls for their graduation! How dreams are shattered by such acts of terror. With so much hate and hate speeches increasing by the day from political leaders, our society is simply heading in the wrong direction. So far this year almost 200 mass shootings have taken place. This is about 1.45 mass shooting per day. ICNA calls on officials to make every effort to stop this culture of murder that is taking root in our country. Hate speeches from officials must be taken seriously and dealt with accordingly. They have direct effect on our souls of our nation. Why is there so little emphasis on the spiritually of our nation only to be substituted by hatred, bigotry, racism and arrogance? It is hate and the accessibility of weapons that would lead an 18-year old to walk in a school and take his vengeance out on poor, little defenseless children. It is what causes a 19 year old just a matter a days before to travel several hundred miles to go to a grocery store and kill 10 people of color in Buffalo New York. How many more mass shootings in schools, places of worship, public spaces or elsewhere need to happen in our country before our lawmakers decide to take action? (Photo Credit: Texas Livestream)

The passing of Syed Ali Shah Geelani

February 2, 2022

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The Bronx Catastrophe

January 19, 2022

The Bronx Catastrophe With all sadness ICNA mourns the loss of the 17 lives that perished in the Bronx fire. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and especially to the people of Gambia from where most of the victims originated. We cannot say how painful it is to learn that eight of the seventeen that perished in the fire were children. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those who are hospitalized. May Allah SWT help the survivors to put back their lives together in a better way. ICNA has been on the ground from the very beginning providing relief and comfort and is still continuing to do so. We ask Allah SWT to write those who died among the martyrs. In an authentic Hadith the Prophet (May peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Martyrdom is seven things besides being killed for the sake of Allah. The one who dies of the plague is a martyr, the one who drowns is a martyr, the one who dies of pleurisy is a martyr, the one who dies of a stomach disease is a martyr, the one who is burned to death is a martyr, the one who dies beneath a collapsed building is a martyr, and the woman who dies in pregnancy is a martyr.” (Abu Dawood) We hope that such incidents do not happen again and those responsible must be held to account for poor building maintenance. Finally, may those who die be granted eternal happiness.

ICNA’s Statement on Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas

January 16, 2022

Statement from the Islamic Circle of North America. ICNA is greatly disturbed by the hostage situation at the Synagogue of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. We have learned that the situation is resolved by the law enforcement agencies and all the hostages are released safely. As a faith-based representative Islamic organization, ICNA strongly reaffirms that Islam never condones such a crime – it is morally, religiously and ethically unacceptable. We stand together with the Jewish community to combat such acts of terror that discriminate against color, race or religion. Unfortunately, we are at a time when our national discourse has become extremely polarized. We ask for the community to let law enforcement do their work to get to the bottom of this unfortunate incident. (Photo Credit: Aimee Lane)

Category: Press Release