—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
NEW YORK, NY (July 21, 2017) – It is with great urgency that the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) calls upon the International Community and all faith based groups to join in condemning atrocities done to Muslim worshipers as they enter Al-Aqsa Mosque for their prayers. Muslims were literally banned from entering Islam’s third holiest site known as Haram ash-Sharif.
Any restriction imposed on Al-Aqsa Mosque is in direct violation of religious and human values as well as a crime against the Palestinian people. Such actions will only increase instability in the region and bring about a dead end to any peace negotiations and thus creating more avenues for extremism.
We therefore ask the International community and all of our faith based partners to stand up for justice and let this sacred site be open to Muslim worshipers to offer their prayers to the God of Abraham Isaac and Ishmael with peace and security. Remember God says in Chapter 2 Verse 114:
And who are more unjust than those who prevent the name of Allah from being mentioned in His mosques and strive toward their destruction. It is not for them to enter them except in fear. For them in this world is disgrace, and they will have in the Hereafter a great punishment.
ICNA calls for a peaceful and quick resolution on this issue and that Muslims must be able to worship without restrictions and unnecessary regulations.
