Alhamdulillah, ICNA marked a historic presence at the 10th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, hosted by the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO). This milestone event brought together Muslim leaders, activists, and constituents from across the nation to engage directly with members of Congress on pressing domestic and international issues. Under the theme “Defending Rights, Shaping Policy,” the 2025 National Muslim Advocacy Days centered on urgent and timely issues—including the protection of free speech, safeguarding students and campuses from threats and intimidation, defending civil rights and religious freedoms, and responding to grave humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, as well as the ongoing persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China. The event powerfully underscored the critical need for the American Muslim community to hold elected officials accountable and to remain actively engaged in shaping national policy. ICNA’s delegation was the largest in the country, with nearly 325 registrants from 19 states, including nearly 200 dynamic youth and young adults from Young Muslims (YM). ICNA Sisters were also prominently represented, led by Sr. Sumaira, showcasing ICNA’s commitment to fostering inclusive civic participation. At the Capitol Hill evening reception, ICNA was honored as the top participating organization with the highest number of attendees. ICNA President Br. Saad Kazmi graciously invited Br. Ammar Siddiqui from Young Muslims to accept the award on behalf of the movement. The recognition highlighted ICNA’s strong grassroots infrastructure and the youth organizations growing role in national advocacy. Prominent guests included Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Latifa Simmons, along with leaders from major national Muslim organizations. Their attendance served as a reminder of the increasing visibility and impact of American Muslims in the civic and political spheres. Logistics for ICNA’s participation—including webinar-based training, hotel accommodations, transportation, meals, meeting schedules, and event coordination—were expertly managed by the ICNA Council for Social Justice (CSJ) team. A special hotel-based evening session, also hosted by CSJ, brought together six ICNA Ameers: Dr. Talat Sultan, Br. Zahid Hussain, Br. Naeem Baig, Br. Javaid Siddiqi, Br. Mohsin Ansari, and Br. Saad Kazmi, alongside ICNA Sisters President Sr. Sumaira. This Advocacy Day continues a tradition that began in 2015 when USCMO first launched this initiative to connect Muslim communities with lawmakers and advance a legislative agenda rooted in equality, social justice, and religious freedom. It has since become a powerful platform for fostering lasting relationships between American Muslims and policymakers, promoting a more inclusive and just society for all. In follow-up, CSJ will conduct a survey of attendees to gather feedback, identify areas of improvement, and encourage continued local engagement in advocacy efforts across the country, In Shaa Allah. ICNA President Br. Saad Kazmi encouraged attendees to carry the energy and training from the Advocacy Days back to their cities and towns, urging them to continue the vital work of social justice and advocacy at the local level. With meticulous planning and broad community support, this year’s event was executed seamlessly. May Allah swt accept the efforts of all involved and allow us to build upon this momentum in the service of our Deen and country.Ameen.

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.

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.