-—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—-
NEW YORK, NY (December 5, 2013) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) called the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela a great loss for the global movement for freedom and social justice.
He will be remembered as a champion for human dignity and equality whose courage and perseverance will continue to inspire our generation and those to come.
His illuminating character can be discerned from his words, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Mandela exemplified the idea that the power of the people can overcome the mightiest obstacles in the pursuit of justice. His lifelong struggle transformed him into a symbol of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
The Prophet is well known to have praised those who established justice, and said, “Surely the most beloved of people to God…will be a just leader.”
“Mandela endured being criminalized and accused of terrorism for most of his life with astonishing dignity and grace. Let this be an inspiration for us to keep working towards a more just and free world.,” said ICNA President, Naeem Baig.
