-—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—-
NEW YORK, NY (February 20, 2014) – The Islamic Circle of North America observes the United Nation’s World Day of Social Justice to promote human well-being and dignity.
ICNA continuously advocates for social, economic, and religious equity and development within the U.S. and in relationships among nations.
God says, “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just”. [Qur’an 4:135]
Justice is at the core of human rights and freedoms. Many governmental practices – such as extrajudicial killings, mass incarceration, and covert surveillance – are a violation of the lives and privacy of individuals.
Justice demands that minorities live with dignity, free from discrimination. They should have equal access to quality education, employment, and healthcare, irrespective of race, income or gender.
God says, “And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. That you not transgress within the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.”[Qur’an 55:7-8]
Justice is also the foundation for a thriving economy. At a national level, economic inequality is skyrocketing as mobility plummets. The median wage is at its lowest level in the past 6 years and incomes have stagnated, yet corporate profits experience record growth.
God says, “And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly”. [Qur’an 2:188]
“We must strive for justice and engage in positive action that goes beyond mere slogans,” says Naeem Baig, president of ICNA. Together, we can build coalitions that work for the prosperity of all.
It is with this in mind that ICNA has established the Council for Social Justice as a social justice and human rights organization that strives to systematically facilitate assertive Muslim involvement in the struggle for the rights and liberties of the marginalized and oppressed.
