Helping Hand USA Doubles The Earthquake Pledge To $10M
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) is working to provide relief and aid to those affected by the recent earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye and has announced to double the initial relief appeal to $10 million to help support communities and individuals impacted by the disasters. The decision came as HHRD declared to begin relief work efforts inside Northwestern Syria. Along with local vetted partner NGOs with extensive experience in disaster response and recovery, HHRD is working together to provide critical assistance and support to those affected by the devastating twin quakes that have occurred in the region in recent weeks. “We are painfully aware of the huge challenges that lie ahead for the people of Syria and the people of Türkiye,” said Javaid Siddiqi, CEO of Helping Hand USA. “I want to assure our brothers and sisters that we stand with you in this time of need, and our Helping Hand team members are working side by side with our vetted partners in the regions to provide immediate aid.” The earthquakes, which have caused widespread destruction and loss of life, have left many homeless, injured, and in urgent need of basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. HHRD was among the first organizations to arrive in Türkiye following the quakes. Since then, HHRD has helped over 50,000 beneficiaries with hot meals, blankets, infant formulas, dry snacks, diapers, and many more urgent necessities. HHRD is also working on developing a long-term recovery plan for these regions. With providing relief to those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, HHRD is calling on its donors to support their efforts by donating funds and resources to aid in the relief and recovery efforts. Help provide comfort to families and communities in this time of desperate need. Visit www.hhrd.org/turkeysyria to donate and learn more about HHRD’s efforts in the region. Ranked among the top 3% of 9,000+ NGOs, HHRD has received a perfect four-star rating from Charity Navigator for the past nine years. HHRD is a member of InterAction as well as an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau. MEDIA CONTACT: Ilyas Choudry313-279-5378 SOURCE Helping Hand for Relief and Development https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHllvg-T3bs Donate To Helping Hand USA Helping Hand for Relief and Development’s senior volunteer distributing snacks to children affected by the earthquakes on February 6th, 2023
ICNA Mourns The Loss In The Turkish And Syrian Earthquake
Like millions of people around the globe, ICNA’s leadership and members are processing the heartbreaking news of a 7.8 earthquake and aftershocks that wreaked havoc in Turkiye and Syria. ICNA mourns with the two brotherly nations for all those who perished and as of now the death toll is increasing. We join you in your grief and our hearts go out to all those who are affected by this disaster. ICNA also makes special Du’as for those who died in the earthquake and our hope is that Allah SWT writes them among the martyrs. We pray for the quick recovery of the injured and call upon the Ummah to make special Du’as for those who are still trapped under the rubbles, that they are rescued safely. Our hearts are full of hope and thanks be to Allah SWT for we are a resilient Ummah. The hopes of the Ummah are alive. We believe that when one part of the human body aches the whole body suffers. For this, ICNA calls upon the Muslims around the globe and particularly here in the USA to do the following: Make lots of Du’as for everyone who has been impacted by this earthquake. Provide financial help to relief organizations which are working on the ground. Helping Hand (hhrd.org) has pledged an initial U.S. $5 million to provide immediate help in the recovery process. This amount may increase in the near future. Dedicate this Friday’s Khutbahs on the topic of earthquake and its devastating effects and how we can take part in the rescue efforts. Raise awareness of the recovery and rebuilding process and how each one of us can help. Once again, we ask Allah SWT, The Almighty to help all those who are affected and all those who helping those who are affected in both Turkiye and Syria. Donate To Helping Hand USA
Members of General Assembly Meeting 2023
ICNA on January 27-29, 2023 welcomed a weekend filled with brotherhood and sisterhood, and spiritual uplifting for 250 core team members in the annual general assembly meeting in Houston, Texas. This was the first in-person meeting after COVID. In this assembly members are given an opportunity to gather on a national level to review the work of ICNA and its plans. The meeting was presided by Dr. Mohsin Ansari, who was re-elected by the members of general assembly for 2023-24. The members also felt motivated by seeing five former presidents of ICNA in this in attendance. The major highlights of the meeting were yearly reports, oaths taken by the newly elected president and MGAs*. The members also got the opportunity to network, share ideas, vision and strategic plans. The attending members felt that ICNA was able to achieve all the goals with the help of Allah SWT. In the past few years the North American Muslim communities have become more vibrant than ever before, ICNA had 100,000+ participants in different events nationwide to enhance interfaith collaboration, civic engagement and a platform with unique programs and services for the Muslim community by imparting Islamic knowledge, promoting community services like social, educational, matrimonial, family, youth development, relief, social justice, career building, networking, spiritual etc. The main event was ICNA-MAS National Convention 2022, attended by more than 25,000 people. The convention offered many social and outreach programs and services, provided networking opportunities, fostered interaction and encouraged civic engagement through services. One of the other events was Dallas Muslim Festival where 25,000 came to enjoy the event with their family and friends. One of the highlights of the meeting were a session to “Honor our Elders”, where founders and lifelong members of ICNA shared enlightening stories with moral lessons. With every passing year, ICNA will continue to help develop a dynamic and involved Muslim American identity that is true to the Quran and Sunnah, and encourage collaboration with people of other faiths, and serve as a unifying voice for Muslims. ICNA has maintained its vitality in leadership and service by learning from experience and sharing best practices for sustaining strong religious communities in an ever-changing environment. The members of ICNA were reminded to strive to make their families a role model to the society at large by following the teachings of Prophet Mohammad SAW. *MGA – Member of General Assembly
What if I’m Afraid to Wear Hijab?
By Laura El Alam I’m considering becoming a Muslim, but I’m hesitant about wearing hijab. What should I do? For women in the West who decide to embrace Islam, wearing a headscarf (also called hijab or khimar) can be the most difficult step. There may be various reasons why a woman hesitates to cover her hair. Over the years, fellow converts have told me: I’m not ready to tell everyone that I’ve become a Muslim, but a headscarf will effectively make that announcement to the world. What if I’m harassed or discriminated against because of hijab? I’m a feminist and I’ve always associated modest dress with oppression. I’m afraid my loved ones will think I’m “un-American.” I just don’t feel like my true self with a headscarf because it’s not part of my culture or heritage. Won’t it be hot or uncomfortable? Someone told me that hijab isn’t really mandatory. Lots of Muslim women don’t cover their hair. Why should I? First I would like to say that these feelings are normal and human. You’re not a weak Muslim if you’re a convert who’s struggling with the idea of committing to hijab. It can be difficult to make significant, visible, deeply personal changes, and wearing hijab takes courage and determination. When I was learning about Islam over twenty years ago, one of my first comments was, “I could never wear a scarf or give up my blue jeans and T-shirts!” Continue Reading
The Sanitization Of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy
ICNA CSJ Published On: Sat, 14 January 23 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was a revolutionary during the struggle for civil rights amongst Black Americans. A popular figure whose impact is known throughout the country, culminating in a national holiday, MLK’s legacy is one that has been washed down in its intensity and intention. The American project has oft used Black revolutionaries and leaders to create an appeasement with American-ness. Figures like MLK and Rosa parks are evoked to signify peaceful protest. Although peaceful protest is a park of the legacy that MLK leaves behind, his views on civil rights, his misquoted speeches, and his radical views later in life are left out of the conversation on a day that claims to remember him. Martin Luther King Jr., during his life, was not a revered figure amongst white Americans. In 1966, a Gallup poll measured his approval rating at 32% positive and 63% negative. In December of that year, a Harris poll concluded that 50% of whites felt that King was hurting “the negro cause of civil rights,” while 36% felt that he was helping. When he was assassinated in 1968, three out of four white Americans did not approve of him. MLK was not that sanitized figure that the establishment parades today – rather, he was a radical. He fought against police brutality, advocated for a universal basic income, and condemned those against equality. Continue Reading
Seeking The Pleasure Of Allah – 2022 Highlights
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ Since it’s inception in 1968, ICNA and it’s membership have worked tirelessly for the well being of American Muslims. ICNA has several thriving entities working in various spheres such as ICNA Relief, HHRD, ICNA’s Council for Social Justice, YM Brothers, YM Sisters, WhyIslam, ICNA Sisters, MCNA, Gain Peace, ILF, and multiple Islamic Centers, Masajid and schools. With every passing year, ICNA aims to benefit the Muslim American community and to tackle the new challenges we face in our constantly evolving environment. Our goal is to help develop an authentic Muslim American identity that is true to the Qur’an and Sunnah, serve as a unifying voice for Muslims, and encourage collaboration with people of other faiths. ICNA recognizes the difficulty that COVID caused in these past two years, especially in our community. With masajid, Islamic Centers, and various religious organizations closing due to the pandemic – we knew that, our community was missing the environment of togetherness. With this in mind, we aimed to bring Muslims from across the United States together, all across the country, through conventions, Muslim Family Days at various theme parks, and other events. To sum up our events in the past year: ICNA New Jersey hosted Muslim Family Day at Six Flags with more than 18,000 participants, the Dallas Muslim Festical was held at Southfork Ranch with over 25,000 participants, the Chicago Festival had 18,000 participants, and the ICNA Muslim Family Day in Maryland had 5,500 participants. Adding on to that, various conventions were held this year. The ICNA National Convention in Baltimore gathered over 22,000 participants, the Houston garnered over 4,000 participants, and the ICNA Mid Atlantic convention was attended by over 6,000 individuals. In past few years, the North American Muslim community has become more vibrant than ever before. Recognizing that, ICNA hosted various events in the spirit of bringing our community together to learn. Hence in the past six months, the total attendance for these events has exceeded over 100,000 people. ICNA hopes to continue its mission in engaging with other faith communities and interfaith organizations, and pursuing its commitment to building a Muslim community that is active and visible in the greater society. We ask that you join hands with us in helping us work for the Deen of Allah swt, to be Witnesses for Justice, to preserve our moral and family values and above all to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT. Your brother in Islam, Dr. Mohsin AnsariPresidentIslamic Circle of North America Photo Credit: Najam Abbasi, Asim Mushtaq https://youtu.be/Y1Fp-ISyaGQ Become a “Friend of ICNA”
Dr. Mohsin Ansari Elected As The President Of ICNA
JAMAICA, New York (December 20, 2022) – All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household. The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) National Election Committee announced that Dr. Mohsin Ansari has been elected for a second term as the President of ICNA for the years 2023-2024. Dr. Ansari has been associated with ICNA in different capacities for three decades and has previously served as the Chairman of ICNA Relief and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD). He has also served on the National Shura ICNA since 2003, and has been associated with Islamic work for over 4 decades. Dr. Ansari is a Pediatrician and a Neonatal specialist. He completed his medical training at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Ansari is currently licensed to practice medicine in several states. He is also author of multiple research papers published both in national and international medical journals. He lives in Maryland with his wife and five children. We pray that Allah (swt) grants him strength, steadfastness and guidance to fulfill this responsibility, Aameen.
Pleasant, Loving, and Kind Hearted Br. Saqib Attique
All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household. Saqib Attique popularly named as “Wonder of HHRD” and “One Man Army” by his colleagues and friends was born on Sep-1974 in Pakistan. With the philosophy of “do good until I no longer can,” Saqib Attique continued his humanitarian work and fulfilled his role as Assistant Director of Development team, HHRD Helping Hand for Relief and Development, USA until his last days even with a series of serious health setbacks. Moreover, he was Program Manager of Children with Disabilities and Physical Rehabilitation, facilitator of HHRD operations in Haiti Lead, Regional Manager New Jersey, Promotional Manger of Marketing and National Conference Lead. Upon reflection on how one man could make such a positive difference in so many lives, those who knew him best identify qualities that were interwoven in the fabric of his being. A tireless work ethics that seemingly allowed him to bend space and time. An unshakable faith in Allah who calls us to a life of service to others. Saqib Attique had an uncanny ability to find happiness in his daily activities and his pleasant personality was contagious to everyone he met. A warmth and kindness that when you spoke to him, he made you feel like you were the most important and beloved person in the world. He wasn’t trying to win any popularity contests but lived a life of purpose by helping distressed humanity through welfare work. He was making difference and changing lives of many by dedicating his life for Islamic movement, supporting fund raising activities, collecting donations, organizing refugee camps. His positive work has inspired a lot of younger generations and motivated them to participate in community services. One of his biggest achievement was starting 1st Mid Atlantic Regional convention as his everlasting charity. At the age of 48, on Dec 9, 2022 the Muslim community mourned the tremendous loss of Saqib Attique who fought a courageous battle of kidney failure. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raji’oon. To Allah we belong and to him we must return. Although, he battled chronic and debilitating illnesses for several years but he rarely talked about his challenges and always showed courage and patience. He left a legacy of Islamic Movement workers which is filled with selflessness, unconditional love, courage, commitment, compassion, standing for truth and pure dedication. He will be remembered forever for his everyday acts of kindness, commitment to working in the path of Allah SWT and in the service of those in need. He dedicated his life as a giver and more importantly he was extremely generous. One cannot describe the extent of loss that the Muslim community has felt with his departure. He will always be surrounded in the special prayers by the loved ones and they will continue to honor his legacy. Although he left this world but his loving heart has left a beacon of light for all Muslim Community.
Reverts/Converts Surviving The Holidays!
Surviving the #holidays as a new Muslim can be difficult, especially if you’re surrounded by unsupportive friends and family who perhaps don’t understand your new way of life. The good news is that we are here to support one another. Make sure to mark your calendars and invite others InshaAllah!
