Native American Heritage Month
Walking the Red Path in Islam Anthropologists and archaeologists are generally unified in their view that Native Americans (Red Indians) were the original inhabitants of the Western hemisphere. The ancestors of modern-day Native Americans are uniformly heralded as the “First Americans,” whether the hypothesis is that migrants arrived in the Americas when the South American and African continents were physically joined, or that a mass migration came from eastern Asia across the Bering Straits to the southern-most regions of South America. Evidence of Islam among Native Americans during the pre-Columbian period is mostly sketchy as there is relatively little research on the subject. Notable exceptions are the works of a few individuals including Shaykh Abdullah Hakim Quick, Dr. Jerald Dirks, and Kambiz Ghanea Bassiri. Further historical documentation of indigenous people embracing Islam through their interaction with Muslim Malian explorers in the Americas in the early 1300s, as well as the Natives’ synergy with runaway Muslim African slaves in the United States, holds the promise of validating and building upon preliminary research in this recent field of study. While there is abundant historical research about the relationships between Europeans and Native Americans, and Europeans and Africans in America, definitive works about the relationships between Native Americans and Africans in America, from the 15th to the 19th centuries, have yet to be written. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, heralded as the “Father of Black History,” in 1920 referred to the absence of research in this area as, “…one of the longest unwritten chapters in the history of the United States.” The interaction of Natives and Africans in America is exemplified by a number of well-known historical figures. Crispus Attucks is recognized as the first martyr of the American Revolution. He was fatally shot by British troops during a street fight between American colonists and British soldiers in 1770. Tensions ran high due to the heavy taxes imposed by Britain. The incident became known as the Boston Massacre. Attucks was a Black Natick (Nantucket) Indian. Similarly, the father of the Back to Africa Movement, Paul Cuffee, was of Black and Indian (Dartmouth) parentage. He was a successful shipowner in Massachusetts, and in 1815 he transported and resettled in Sierra Leone 38 Black freedmen and former enslaved Blacks. Another example, one of the most notable and effective abolitionists of the mid-19th century, was Frederick Douglas, also of mixed Native American and African American ancestry. Following two previous failed attempts at freedom, Douglas escaped from a Baltimore plantation to New York, eventually settling in Massachusetts where he became known as a brilliant orator, author, and compelling abolitionist voice. Continue Reading…. Being Native American and Muslim I prefer being referred to as Native American. When someone says “Indian,” most people think it refers to a person from India. It’s more accurate to say Native American or Indigenous. My family is from South Dakota and growing up in Oglala in the southwest of the state, you are used to being around Native Americans every day, and everybody is related to you in some way. Both my mother and my father are Lakota (Sioux) Oglala. Being Native American and Muslim is a balancing act that is interesting because you know your heritage yet now you must learn new and different traditions. Some Muslims told me that you must turn your back on your native culture once you become Muslim. I wasn’t going to do that. Our family’s history goes back to the days of traveling with Crazy Horse, one of the most famous of the Oglala Lakota war chiefs. Both sides of my family fought at Little Big Horn, then they branched out with Red Cloud. We have a proud history that I can never ignore.My grandparents were very strict in religion. They were Christian. My grandfather knew the Old Testament backward and forward. It was rather difficult growing up with my grandparents because they would not allow certain things in the house. They insisted that Native Americans shouldn’t eat pork. I discovered that Muslims don’t eat pork and do several other things in a similar way as my grandparents. My grandparents and my mom lived in Oglala, South Dakota and my uncle lived in Wolf Point, Montana. We would spend part of the time in South Dakota and the other time in Montana. Growing up in two different states was interesting and fun. Coming to Islam I started to do research about Islam in 2005. I wanted to find out about Shariah law and what it meant. I was on a hunt to learn everything I could about Islam. I met online a brother from Egypt and he taught me a lot about the Islamic religion and being Muslim. When I asked him questions that he wasn’t sure about, he would tell me to keep the questions until I go to the mosque to take shahadah (declaration of faith). I eventually took my shahadah in 2007 at the mosque. Continue Reading….
Passing of Dr. Nejatullah Siddiqi
All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household. ICNA mourns the passing of one of the most renowned Islamic scholar of economics, Dr. Nejatullah Siddiqi on Friday, Nov 11th, 2022 at the age of 91. He was also a member of Jamaat-e-Islami India central executive. May Allah SWT grant him highest place in Jannatul Firdous! Dr. M. Nejatullah Siddiqi (born 1931, Gorakhpur, India) died this morning. He was a pioneer of Islamic economics and taught this subject in Aligarh Muslim University and King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He was also associated with Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah.He was a prolific writer in Urdu and English and had 63 works in 177 publications. His works were translated into Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, etc. His most widely read book is “Banking without interest” which was published in 27 editions between 1973 and 2000. He supervised dozens of PhD theses in Indian, Saudi and Nigerian universities.He was also associated with Jamaat-e Islami of India and was a founder-member of the All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, an umbrella body of Indian Muslim organizations established in 1964.
Passing of Sh. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi
All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household. ICNA mourns the passing of one of the most renowned contemporary Islamic scholars Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. He was the Founding President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and only recently stepped down from its presidency. He was 96. The death of Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi is a great loss to this Ummah and particularly to Islamic Movement. The Ummah has lost one of the most brilliant minds. Dr. Qaradawi was honored in 1994 with the prestigious King Faisal International Prize, recognizing his exceptional service to humanity in religious scholarship. Then again in 2000, he was given an international award as the “Islamic Personality of the Year” in Dubai. He spent his entire life calling Muslims both leaders and followers to come back to the Hukm of Allah SWT. In the process he challenged rulers including of his own country where he was jailed three times and subsequently stripped of his Egyptian citizenship driving him to seek exile in Qatar. He had strong determination, insight and a pragmatic approach in dealing with the problems facing the Muslim Ummah; qualities that are not given to many. His goal was clear; to please Allah SWT. He was not preoccupied with criticism but was very focused in solving the issues of the Ummah. His thoughts will live with us in the 120 books which he authored and from which millions have benefitted. May Allah SWT grant him the highest paradise of Paradise and grant patience to his family.
Abul A’la Al-Maududi
Abul Ala al-Moududi 25 September 1903 – 22 September 1979 Syed Maududi is not just the name of one Person. It is a mindset, approach, bravery, intellect, and a message of hope and light. Both Western and South Asian historians have described him as one of the most potent Islamic ideologues of the 20th century, whose ideas and writings went on to influence a vast number of Islamic movements in the world. Syed Maududi was able to do so much due to a few universal principles: Critical Lessons from his Life: He was a Focused person, and he knew his Road Map. He was well aware of the distractions of his time. He knew that he had minimal time and resources to achieve this monumental goal in front of him. He was a brave and fearless man who dared to think outside the box and challenge the status quo and all the obstacles between Humans and God Almighty. This Quality of Syedi had given him the courage to write the books like Khilafat o Malukiyat, and courage to take a stand and put his life on the line for Khatam E Naboat (Protection of the Finality of Prophet Mohammed as Last Messenger of Allah SWT), also confronting Munkreen Hadeeth, through his powerful writing like “Sunnat Ki Ayni Haysiat”. He was a man of vision, focus, and his foresightedness was not just limited to the audiences of his time but to future generations to come. He understood that history has proven that sometimes people have a better understanding of what is said today. Another quality of a true leader is knowing his time’s challenges, language, psyche, and potential. Having a hand on the pulse of society. Syedi had a complete understanding of his time and challenges as the Ummah was facing colonization and a slave mentality. Another quality we expect from everyone who is doing work of Allah SWT is sincerity, Ikhlas, which brings Barakah into the effort. Allah SWT has granted such a splendid acceptance of the work of Moulana that its impact can be seen worldwide. The impact of his writings is also visible in all of the revivalist movements of Islam across the world. It is mind-blowing that One Man has not only written Tafseer of Quran and many books but was able to raise an Islamic Movement, his movement is not just a Jamaat, group of few brothers, but it is a movement that happens once in hundreds of years. – Dr. Shahif Rafiq
$15M Pakistan Flood Relief Package
$15M FLOOD RELIEF PACKAGE FOR PAKISTAN Representing American Muslims, ICNA, and Helping Hand President of Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Dr. Mohsin Ansari and CEO of Helping Hand USA (HHRD) Br. Javaid Siddqui are visiting Pakistan to oversee flood relief efforts. They expressed extreme concern that millions of Pakistanis are in dire need of help and assistance. Both the leaders visited worst affected areas and helped out in relief efforts. Later , in a press conference HHRD USA announced a package of 15 million dollars (ساڑھے تین ارب روپے) for Pakistan flood relief! DONATE TO HELPING HAND ICNA and Helping Hand USA is working day and night to distribute food, water, shelter kits, tarps, and the essentials that Pakistan needs at this time. This would NOT be possible without YOUR generous donations. We ask that you please keep #lendingahelpinghand during this tough time. www.hhrd.org/pakistanfloods Make Hope Float as Monsoon Season Devastates Pakistan 33 million residents need assistance with shelter, medicine, food, and clean water. Your support will help families and marginalized communicates receive live saving support. A helping hand for a hopeful heart can make a world of a difference. Visit www.hhrd.org/PakistanFloods today to see how you can help. DONATE TO HELPING HAND A Humanitarian Crisis of Epic Proportions is underway in Pakistan as Monsoon Flooding affects 33 Million Residents. Entire communities have been swept away leaving over 200,000 in temporary shelters. Join Helping Hand USA as we continue to provide immediate assistance across Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To save a life visit www.hhrd.org/PakistanFloods DONATE TO HELPING HAND
Death of Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari
Renowned Islamic scholar, former president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari passes away. New Delhi, 26 Aug. 2022: Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, former president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and author of more than two dozen books died at Al Shifa Hospital in New Delhi at around 8.30 pm today. He was 87 years of old and is survived by two sons and two daughters. His funeral prayer will be held at 10:00 am tomorrow(Saturday, 27th Aug 2022) at the JIH Markaz mosque (Masjid Ishat-e-Islam), Abul Fazal Enclave, Okhla, New Delhi. Maulana Umari was born in 1935 in a village called Puttagram in the North Arcot district, Tamil Nadu, India. He has been the president (Ameer) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind for the three consecutive terms from 2007-2019. He completed Alimiat and fazilat (Masters in Islamic studies) from Jamia Darussalam, Omerabad, Tamil Nadu. He obtained his baccalaureate (Munshi Fazil) in Persian from the Madras University. He also received a B.A (English) from Aligarh Muslim University. Maulana Umari associated with JIH during his student life. After completing his studies, he dedicated himself to its research department. He officially became its member in 1956. He served as the JIH city president of Aligarh for a decade. He was the editor of its Urdu monthly organ Zindagi-e-Nau for five years from June 1986 to December 1990. Later, he has become JIH Vice President, which he served for four consecutive terms from April 1990 to March 2007. Maulana Umari was rendering his valuable services as the chairman of the JIH Shariah Council. He was also Vice President All India Muslim Personal Law Board, a premier umbrella body of Indian Muslims. He was also the founder Editor of the quarterly Islamic research journal – Tehqeeqat-e-Islami since 1982. Being a noted Islamic scholar, educationist, researcher, orator, and author Maulana Umari has penned over 40 books in the Urdu language and contributed hundreds of research articles in various journals and magazines, on various topics including Islamic doctrines, Islamic jurisprudence, Dawah, Islamic social system, human rights, contemporary challenges and political issues. Later, a large number of books were translated into various languages. https://jamaateislamihind.org/eng/renowned-islamic-scholar-former-president-of-jamaat-e-islami-hind-maulana-syed-jalaluddin-umari-passes-away/
ICNA offers condolence to the Muslim Leadership of Albuquerque, NM
All Praises are due to Allah ﷻ, Lord of all that exists and may His peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger and his household. The President of ICNA, Dr. Mohsin Ansari, the CEO of ICNA Relief, brother Maqsood Ahmed, and other members of ICNA’s leadership met with members of Albuquerque’s Muslim community, which included the President of the Islamic Center of New Mexico (ICNM), brother Assed Ahmed, and other members of community leadership. ICNA extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the greater Muslim community for these heavy losses. We cannot imagine the difficulty of this situation, and so We ask Allah ﷻ to make this tragedy easy for the families, and to accept those whose lives were taken as shuhadaa’.We are pleased to hear that the law enforcement was able to apprehend the suspect, and that an active investigation is underway.After our meeting with members of Albuquerque’s Muslim Community, we received news that the victims were both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. Regardless, ICNA wants to reassure the Muslim community that we stand together with all communities against violence and hatred. In these past few decades, great strides have been made to unite with Muslims upon goodness, and this incident will not deter us from continuing on that path of Allah ﷻ and His messenger ﷺ. Within the following days, ICNA Relief will be visiting the area with their team of spiritual and mental health professionals and work with the local community towards healing the trauma which our dear brothers and sisters have suffered due to this horrific incident. We ask Allah ﷻ grant patience to the families of the victims and the Muslim Community in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How Did Muharram Become The First Month? | About Islam
Find out here! #muharram2022
How did Muharram become the first month of the Islamic calendar? Should it be the birth or death of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) or the migration?
Death of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef
All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists, and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household. It is with profound sadness that that we at ICNA learn about the sudden death of a dear brother, scholar, teacher and founder of Al Maghrib Institute and DiscoverU; Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef. This dear brother was a leader in the field of preparing true Muslims and Du’aat in North America. No doubt, the death of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef would have a profound and long-lasting impact on this Ummah; particularly among the youths. ICNA extends its deepest sympathy to the entire family of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef during this time of grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with them. Beyond this great sorrow, we firmly believe that everyone must leave this temporary abode as Allah SWT says: Every soul will have a taste of death. And while we all wait for the reason of his death; we also firmly believe that our life and death are in The Hands of Allah SWT as He SWT is The Muh’yee (Giver of life) and Mumeet (Causer of death). Nothing is untimely, but it happens by the Will of Allah SWT. We ask Allah SWT to accept all the good work of Sh. Muhammad Al Shareef and accept him in His Mercy and Forgiveness and grant him everlasting peace and happiness in Jannatul Firdous.
