Latest Stories – Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

ICNA Elects Saad Kazmi as New President for 2025-2026 Term

December 19, 2024

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is excited to announce that the current President Dr. Mohsin Ansari finished his four years term as the President of the organization and brother Saad Kazmi has been elected as the organization’s new President for the upcoming two-year term (2025-2026). Brother Saad Kazmi will take his oath on January 25th 2025, in the General Assembly meeting to be held at Houston Texas. The election results reflect a strong commitment from ICNA’s nationwide membership, with a robust turnout and active involvement in the process. Saad Kazmi, a pharmacist by profession, resides in Murphy, TX, and is a proud father of four. His leadership journey is rooted in a deep commitment to ICNA’s mission of building a society grounded in morality and God-consciousness. His election comes after a fair and transparent voting process conducted through an electronic voting system, ensuring broad participation and representation across ICNA’s diverse membership. This election was a historic moment for ICNA, as 80.4% members of the general assembly participated in the election process. Such widespread engagement exemplifies ICNA’s long-standing tradition of governance and shura, where members are directly involved in choosing their leadership. ICNA’s governance process, which has been in place for 50+ years, involves electing Presidents for a maximum of two, two-year terms, with the next two years marking an exciting new chapter under Kazmi’s leadership. His election underscores the trust and unity within the ICNA community, as the organization continues to grow and fulfill its mission through projects like ICNA Relief, Why Islam, Gain Peace, Helping Hands, Young Muslims, Embrace, Council of Social Justice and more. As the largest Muslim organization in the U.S., ICNA remains committed to serving its members and the broader community, striving to build a society rooted in justice, compassion, and faith.At this time we want thank our outgoing President Dr. Mohsin Ansari for his leadership, dedication and unparalleled commitment towards serving the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad PBUH and bringing ICNA to a level where we stand now. We look forward to the inspiring leadership that Saad Kazmi will bring, and we are confident that his vision will guide ICNA toward even greater impact in the years ahead. Welcome, President Saad Kazmi!

Statement from the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) on Amnesty International’s Genocide Findings

December 7, 2024

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people as we condemn the ongoing atrocities being committed by the Israeli government in Gaza. Recent findings from Amnesty International, which describe Israel’s actions as genocide against the Palestinian population, underscore the urgency for the international community to act decisively to halt the violence and protect innocent lives. Amnesty’s report, grounded in months of investigation and interviews with over 200 Palestinian victims, paints a chilling and devastating picture of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. It details widespread and systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the indiscriminate bombing of residential areas, the targeting of medical facilities, and the destruction of essential resources such as clean water and food. Furthermore, the forced displacement of thousands of innocent Palestinians is a clear violation of international law. Amnesty concludes that these actions constitute genocide, meeting the legal definition outlined by the United Nations. The report shows that these actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy by Israel to systematically destroy the Palestinian population in Gaza, both physically and culturally. Israel’s attacks, which have killed thousands of civilians, have caused intergenerational harm that will leave deep scars on the Palestinian people for decades to come. As Amnesty International rightly points out, the violence cannot be justified as mere self-defense—it is part of a deliberate effort to annihilate the Palestinian people. At ICNA, we call on the global community to take immediate steps to hold Israel accountable. The U.S. government, in particular, must reconsider its stance of uncritical support for Israel’s military actions. We urge the incoming Trump administration to take decisive action and de-fund this genocide. Instead, we call for a shift in focus toward addressing pressing domestic issues such as mental health, poverty, and racial inequality that impact millions of Americans. It is time to prioritize the well-being of American citizens over the uncritical funding of violence abroad. Additionally, we call on Congress to pass H.Con.Res.99, a concurrent resolution that honors Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy who was tragically murdered in a hate crime because of his Palestinian-Muslim identity in Illinois. This resolution would recognize the loss of Wadee Alfayoumi, affirming that the United States has zero tolerance for hate crimes, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab discrimination. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest. We also urge the International Criminal Court (ICC) to use the extensive evidence presented in Amnesty’s report to further investigate and prosecute those responsible for these crimes. This includes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who have been central figures in orchestrating and defending the violent and genocidal policies against Palestinians. Israel’s systematic campaign of violence should not go unpunished, and those who have spearheaded this violence must be held accountable in international courts. Finally, ICNA calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and for urgent humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. We call on governments worldwide to end their complicity in this genocide and to take meaningful steps to protect the lives of innocent Palestinians. The time for action is now. The world cannot afford to remain silent as genocide unfolds. At ICNA, we stand committed to amplifying the voices of the oppressed and advocating for justice, peace, and the protection of human rights. We urge all people of conscience to join us in demanding an end to the violence and in pushing for accountability for those responsible for the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

Support ICNA on Giving Tuesday: Empower Communities and Strengthen Society

November 29, 2024

ICNA, a beneficial Muslim platform, to spread positivity during Giving Tuesday. ICNA is an organization of American Muslims dedicated to promote Islamic values by safeguarding moral, familial, and religious traditions. Through its various initiatives, ICNA fulfills its mission of service and outreach. Programs like WhyIslam and GainPeace help fulfill the obligation of spreading the divine message to neighbors and communities across the U.S. Social services such as ICNA Relief and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) provide essential support, serving millions of people both in the U.S. and globally. Young Muslims (YM) empower the youth, both brothers and sisters, to take on leadership roles in the community, ensuring a strong and dynamic future. ICNA Sisters offers a vital platform for women to engage in strengthening families and society in accordance with Islamic values. ICNA Council for Social Justice addresses critical issues of discrimination and inequality, while conventions bring the Muslim community together as one family. By supporting ICNA, you contribute to these impactful programs and initiatives, strengthening communities and advancing these noble causes. DONATE NOW!

HHRD’s Lifesaving Relief Efforts in Gaza

November 21, 2024

Since October 2023, Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in Gaza, delivering critical aid to over half-a-million fellow human beings through multiple rounds of service. In the face of ongoing hostilities and devastation, HHRD’s relentless dedication has ensured that those affected receive the support they need to survive with dignity. The daily HHRD’s food and water distribution programs since May 2024 have been a lifeline for the people of Gaza, in providing food parcels, hot meals, bread, and clean drinking water. From Iftar dinners during Ramadan to daily sustenance, these initiatives have been crucial in alleviating hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, large-scale daily water distribution through tankers efforts have provided families with clean water, essential for maintaining health and preventing waterborne diseases. Beyond food and water, HHRD has addressed other urgent needs by distributing hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping bags, clothing, and medical supplies to vulnerable families. These items have significantly improved living conditions for those displaced by the conflict, offering a measure of comfort in challenging circumstances. In addition, HHRD has established washrooms in critical locations, ensuring that proper hygiene practices are maintained, which is vital for preventing the spread of diseases. Amid the hardships, a simple act of kindness can bring immeasurable joy. A child shared their story of how life drastically changed when they had to flee their home due to intense bombing. Living in a tent inside a school, they longed for the simple pleasure of eating bread, a staple that had been absent from their lives due to the scarcity of flour in Gaza. The child’s joy was indescribable when the HHRD team arrived with a large bag of flour, allowing their family to bake bread once again. This small yet profound moment of happiness rekindled hope, showing that even in the darkest times, acts of compassion can make a significant difference. HHRD’s work in Gaza is ongoing, with plans for more aid distributions in the coming months. The organization remains committed to standing by the people of Gaza, providing the resources they need to endure these difficult times. The road ahead may be challenging, but HHRD’s unwavering support ensures that the people of Gaza are not alone in their struggle. For updates & your kind consideration, please visit: www.HHRD.Org/Palestine https://www.Facebook.Com/HelpingHandUSA Previous Next A Child’s Joy in Gaza Amidst Crisis “After the war started, we fled our homes quickly because of the intense bombing and couldn’t take anything with us, not even my toys, which are in my room—I don’t know if they still exist or if they were destroyed in the bombing. We fled to live in a tent inside a school because it was safer than our house. At home, we used to start our day with a delicious breakfast, always featuring bread. On the first day in our tent, we waited for our usual breakfast, but unfortunately, it wasn’t what we expected. There was no flour in all of Gaza to make bread (as our father told us). We spent several days eating without feeling full and sleeping without even the smell of bread. But today, shortly after we woke up, I saw someone from HHRD team bringing us a big bag of flour. I started shouting with astonishment and joy: ‘Flour, flour! We will finally make bread again,’ after it had disappeared from our lives for a long time. My joy today with this flour is immense. Returning to our usual daily routine after being deprived for so many days is a happiness that cannot be described and gives us hope that despite all the circumstances, there are still people who care about us and try to make us happy, even with something simple. May Allah (SWT) reward you greatly on our behalf.”

Imam William ICNA Statement

September 26, 2024

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!

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

September 25, 2024

(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.

1 Million Backpack

September 2, 2024

ICNA Relief’s Back2School Program As the school year approaches, many families face financial stress. The cost of school supplies and uniforms can be overwhelming, especially for low-income families. With the 2023 federal poverty level for a family of four at $30,000, lingering pandemic effects, high unemployment rates, and over 30 million students in free and reduced meal programs, countless parents struggle to provide essential school supplies. This lack of resources can hinder students’ confidence and success in school. Recognizing this challenge, ICNA Relief has made it their mission to empower students and strengthen communities through their annual Back2School Program. A Milestone Achievement This year marks a significant milestone for ICNA Relief, as the organization surpasses the distribution of 1 millionth backpack since the inception of the Back2School Program in 2008. What began as a small local effort has evolved into a nationwide campaign, providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need. Restoring Dignity The Back2School Program is about more than just distributing backpacks. It’s about restoring dignity and confidence to children as they begin the school year. Each backpack symbolizes an investment in a child’s future, showing them that their education matters. Community-Driven Success The success of ICNA Relief’s Back2School Program is built on the power of community collaboration. Partnering with local mosques, schools, businesses, and nonprofits, the initiative mobilizes thousands of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that children receive their supplies in time for the first day of school. Empowering the Next Generation ICNA Relief believes that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. By providing children with the necessary tools for success, the Back2School Program empowers the next generation and strengthens communities nationwide Version 2 As we approach the new school year, we must recognize the financial strain many families face. For low-income families, the cost of school supplies and uniforms can be overwhelming, especially with the lingering effects of the pandemic, high unemployment rates, and over 30 million students in free and reduced meal programs. Many parents struggle to provide essential school supplies, which can impact their children’s confidence and success in school. ICNA Relief has taken on the vital mission of empowering students and communities through its annual Back2School Program. This year marks a significant achievement for ICNA Relief, as the organization has surpassed the distribution of 1 million backpacks since the inception of the Back2School Program over 15 years ago. What started as a small local effort has grown into a nationwide campaign, providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need. The Back2School Program is about more than just distributing backpacks. It’s about restoring dignity and confidence to children as they begin the school year. Each backpack represents an investment in a child’s future, showing them that their education matters. The success of ICNA Relief’s Back2School Program relies on the power of community collaboration. By partnering with local mosques, schools, businesses, and nonprofits, the initiative mobilizes thousands of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that children receive their supplies in time for the first day of school. ICNA Relief believes that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. By providing children with the necessary tools for success, the Back2School Program empowers the next generation and strengthens communities nationwide🎒✨ Check out our recent school supply and backpack giveaway featured on WGN TV. https://icna.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Video-2024-08-29-at-8.45.12-PM.mp4

Reflections on Muharram and Ashura

July 16, 2024

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.

Juneteenth: A Holiday of Remembrance

June 19, 2024

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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