ICNA Stands For Moral Values
—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— NEW YORK, NY (June, 25 th , 2022) – All Praises are due to Allah ﷻ, Lord of all that exists, and may His peace and blessings be on His final Messenger and his household. We hope and pray that this message finds you in the best of Imaan and health. Ameen. During the Memorial Day weekend of 2022, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) hosted its 47th annual ICNA-MAS convention in Baltimore, MD. The convention featured over 170 speakers and 200 sessions on wide-ranging topics focused on the theme of “Building a Just Society”. These sessions covered topics such as outreach (Da’wah), education (Tarbiyah), family & parenting, dealing with social problems such as LGBTQ, social services and humanitarian relief, social justice and activism, Islamic finance in an interest-based society, technological solutions, and character development. These sessions were led by scholars, intellectuals, activists, community leaders, interfaith partners, and politicians. The theme for the keynote session was UMMAH: Understanding Islam, Mutual Consultation, Moderation, Attachment to Allah and Humanity. The convention also offered a huge, one-of-a-kind bazaar where hundreds of vendors offered unique products and services. A variety of Halal food vendors offered several ethnic cuisines which attendees and their families enjoyed throughout this holiday weekend. Despite this being the first year back since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 22,000 Muslims were in attendance Alhamdulillah. In an ever-changing world where society’s core moral values continue to change and often decline, Muslims are seeking guidance on strengthening our moral values, and answers to complex societal issues with regards to finance, activism, building alliances and partnerships with other faiths. ICNA is blessed to be able to provide a platform for the development of the Muslim community without compromising its moral and religious values. All of this is done with the sole intention of pleasing Allah ﷻ. The theme of this year’s convention was “Building a Just Society: The Mission Continues”. We want to specially recognize the role of the Convention Program Committee tasked with organizing the program for the convention. Selecting, inviting, coordinating, and communicating with more than 170 speakers is a huge undertaking for this fully volunteer-based committee. In this process, we recognize areas for improvements with regards to communication & collaboration with speakers. Our team does due diligence in selecting speakers that may either (1) bring benefit to our community through action or (2) through knowledge to inspire our community in their obedience to Allah ﷻ. However, inviting a speaker to ICNA cannot be an endorsement of every view that person holds or professes. As we move forward towards building a just society, we understand the challenges our community faces regarding our values. We believe that building a moral foundation is the corner stone for a prosperous and just society. We at ICNA are committed to join hands with our community to solidify the moral foundation for our country on that which is based on divine guidance. We will continue to strive to establish a just society that is based on the moral and ethical principles of Quran and Sunnah. We understand this path will be challenging, but firmly believe in the Ayah of Allah ﷻ: “and [the believers are] never afraid of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower” (5:54). May Allah ﷻ help us achieve our goals. We ask Allah ﷻ to join our hearts and actions in goodness, guide us to what is correct and true, and allow us to serve His Deen in the way that pleases Him. Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
Juneteenth, a day of remembrance and reflection
Juneteenth, a day of remembrance and reflection Juneteenth is a federal holiday, starting in 2021 when President Biden signed the holiday into federal law. Juneteenth celebrates the day that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth represents freedom, celebration, and also the racist history and present of the US. Juneteenth further shakes the normalized history that people hold – that all enslaved people were freed on the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. In order for the Emancipation Proclamation to be enforced, Union troops marched around the country to read the order and free enslaved peoples. The National Museum of African American History and Culture says, “On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.” In Texas, enslaved people were not free until June 19, 1865, when around 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas. The army announced that over 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree. Juneteenth is regarded as the nation’s second independence day, where the enforcement of the decree to free all enslaved peoples was enforced and ratified. Not all states in the US celebrate Juneteenth or recognize the holiday. Widely regarded as a celebration to the end of slavery, around 24 states and DC legally recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday. Connecticut state senator Rob Sampson, who voted no to making Juneteenth a state holiday, said, “Juneteenth is very important to me. Abraham Lincoln is the reason I became a Republican,” but went on to say that the extra holiday is a “reach for us.” For non-Black people, Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and reflection. Read about the history of slavery in the US, read about racism, read about emancipation, and the struggles that freed people faced after emancipation. Do not treat Juneteenth as “another day off,” but respectfully commemorate the day. Access the resource list found on the National Museum for African American History and Culture to learn more about Juneteenth, and find ways that you can respectfully observe this federal holiday. Connect with ICNA CSJ
ICNA denounces insults against Prophet Muhammad PBUH by BJP officials
ICNA denounces insults against Prophet Muhammad PBUH by Mody’s party BJP officials ICNA strongly condemns and joins with the rest of the world in condemning blasphemous disrespectful comments about Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) by two topmost members of the Indian ruling Mody’s party BJP. While this blasphemy exposes their utter ignorance of the greatest human being that walked on the face of the earth, it shows the length that members of the ruling Mody’s party BJP can go with their hatred. This is not the first time they have hurled insults at Islam or Muslims. The Mody’s party BJP who is the front of the Hindu extremist Hindutva ideology, has done everything in their power to suppress Islam and Muslims. The Mody’s party BJP tried to whitewash this blasphemy by saying Sharma was a “fringe element” and that “her views are contrary to the party’s position”. But she is an official spokesperson of the party, tasked with representing the Mody’s party BJP’s views. Then what is their view? The recent ban of Hijab, the brink of a genocide, the forceful annexation of Kashmir, the destruction of Mosques, lynching of Muslims and systematic eradication of Muslims from India are some of the few manifestations of their views of Islam and Muslims. Now this blasphemy of The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him); a person held dear by almost 2 billion Muslims in every nook and corner of this globe and who is even highly respected by people of conscience and integrity. Is this their manifestation of tolerance? In fact, this is war against every Muslim who says the maxim of faith: No one is worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His Final Messenger. In Muslim household this maxim is sounded in our call to prayers or the Adhan and is repeated over 30 billion times daily. For Muslims, believing in him, respecting him is an integral part of faith. Those who try to openly blaspheme him will face the anger and condemnation of these 2 billion lovers of the final Messenger of God to humanity, Muhammad (peace be upon him). ICNA calls for the whole mindset of Hindu extremist to stop now! Genocide must stop now! Live and let others live! Muslims and other minorities must be free to worship in India! ICNA also calls on all leaders of the free world to condemn such blasphemy and bring India to accountability.
Post Convention Press Release 2022
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 2, 2022Contact: Umer BeigMedia Liaison(631)371-4151media.engagement@icna.org First ICNA Convention after Covid-19 The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) has held a very successful convention over the Memorial Weekend from Saturday May 28th through Monday May 30th, 2022 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The theme of this year’s convention was Building a Just Society: The Mission Continues. This is the first time ICNA has resumed its annual in-person convention after cancelling it for the two previous years; 2020 and 2021, bearing in mind that safety is the topmost priority in such large gatherings. The large turnout at the Baltimore Convention Center is a testimony of people’s anxiety to get back to normal and to meet in person with friends and families after two long years of agonizing Covid-19. It should be noted that both 2020 and 2021 conventions were done online on a much lesser scale and of course far less excitement. But nothing could be more satisfying than being in the company of the 21,000 attendees from as far away as Norway to Down Under; Australia. Speakers numbering 196 were from diverse backgrounds addressing 169 topics with 398 lectures ranging from spiritual, social, inspirational stories, matrimonial services, current affairs and relief work. There was even a full session for poetry, Nasheeds (Muslim songs) and spoken word and not to mention a cooking competition. In addition to lectures, there were 535 booths in the bazaar where one can buy from toys to clothing, scented oils, food and more. Kids had lots of fun on rides and games while teenagers had 75 basketball teams vying for the coveted trophy. The highlight of the convention was its keynote session where the acronym UMMAH was explained in details as the path of ICNA; Understanding Islam, Mutual consultation, Moderation, Attachment to The Creator and Helping Humanity. In the end it was very much liked by all and everyone looks forward next year for a bigger and better convention. For further information please go online at icna.org ####
The Largest Event of American Muslims
47th ICNA-MAS Annual Convention Memorial Day Weekend 2022 in Baltimore, MD السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ Alhamdulillah, this past weekend, Muslims from across the country gathered to attend the ICNA-MAS Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. This event is the largest gathering of Muslims in the United States, featuring renowned speakers and national leadership along with a huge bazar, Halal food courts, a parallel youth conference, health clinic, childcare, career fair, and more. This year, after a 2 year hiatus due to pandemic, the ICNA-MAS Convention welcomed more than 21,000 attendees. Event hosted 160+ sessions over the long weekend with close to 200 speakers and presenters. Young attendees also participated in Quran memorization and recitation, Spoken Word, Hackathon, Debate and Speech Competitions. The bazar, which welcomed Islamic clothing shops, art, skincare, and different charities and Muslim businesses, had 535 booths buzzing with activities. Such an effort is a feat of logistics and planning, so to make it all happen, our organizers thank the 700+ volunteers, who ushered attendees, helped at registration, manned the booths, and moderated the sessions, and much more! This year’s convention was a much needed gathering of our Muslim community, and we are so excited to host you all again in Baltimore, Maryland, during Memorial Day weekend in 2023 inshallah. Photo Credit: Najam Abbasi, Asim Mushtaq Become a “Friend of ICNA”
Uvalde School Shooting: Statement from ICNA
Another Mass Shooting: This Madness Must Stop! Issued on: 5/24/2022 It is with great sadness that ICNA learns of the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that leaves 19 innocent children and 2 adults dead and several injured. It leaves us once again searching for answers and depressed at the collective state of our American culture. Why such mass shootings happen over and over again? What actions are our lawmakers taking to stop such atrocities other than offering “prayers” and long emotional speeches? As investigations are underway, ICNA takes this moment to send condolences to the families who have lost near and dear ones and for those injured, a speedy recovery. No words can wipe out the tears and sadness for the loss of these innocent lives. How sad it is for parents never to see their children return from school and tell their little stories! How sad that they will not ever see their children walk the halls for their graduation! How dreams are shattered by such acts of terror. With so much hate and hate speeches increasing by the day from political leaders, our society is simply heading in the wrong direction. So far this year almost 200 mass shootings have taken place. This is about 1.45 mass shooting per day. ICNA calls on officials to make every effort to stop this culture of murder that is taking root in our country. Hate speeches from officials must be taken seriously and dealt with accordingly. They have direct effect on our souls of our nation. Why is there so little emphasis on the spiritually of our nation only to be substituted by hatred, bigotry, racism and arrogance? It is hate and the accessibility of weapons that would lead an 18-year old to walk in a school and take his vengeance out on poor, little defenseless children. It is what causes a 19 year old just a matter a days before to travel several hundred miles to go to a grocery store and kill 10 people of color in Buffalo New York. How many more mass shootings in schools, places of worship, public spaces or elsewhere need to happen in our country before our lawmakers decide to take action? (Photo Credit: Texas Livestream)
Eid Mubarak!
My dear brother and Sister in Islam, السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ , I, on behalf of Islamic Circle of North America, ICNA, wish you a blessed, happy, and a joyful Eid. We are thankful to Allah SWT for providing us with an opportunity to offer our Salat and recitation of Quran once again in our masajid, standing shoulder to shoulder in congregation. We ask Allah SWT to accept all of our sacrifices, rituals, prayers, recitation of Quran, charity, and other good deeds. I will also take this opportunity to remind myself and everyone else about the plight and difficulties of our brothers and sisters around the world. This year was no different than previous years for our brothers and sisters in masjid Al-Aqsa. Once again, they were attacked while offering their prayer. Similarly, we continue to see the brutality, injustice, and discrimination against our brothers and sisters in India. Furthermore, our brothers and sisters that are working diligently for the cause of Islam and the Islamic Scholars throughout the world are facing all sorts of challenges and hardship. We pray to Allah SWT that He enables our efforts to have some positive impact in this regard and that He SWT relieves them of their pain and suffering during these difficult time. We as American Muslims should especially commit to making an effort to the best of our capacity so that can do our part in the face of all the aforementioned circumstances. We make Dua that the coming year will be a better year for us as a Muslim and as a human being. Once again, I want to remind you that the in-person ICNA convention is back on May 28th-30th this year in Baltimore. Many of you have already registered and we will see you there Insha Allahl. السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ Dr. Mohsin Ansari PresidentIslamic Circle of North America – ICNAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpN_1UQu5f8&feature=youtu.be
Ramadan Mubarak
My dear brother and Sister in Islam, السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ ,We are all thankful to Allah SWT for giving us an opportunity to witness another month of Ramadhan. During the two last years, our world has seen one of the biggest calamity of our lifetime. We saw lot of sadness, gloom and sorrow around us. We are thankful to Allah SWT for giving us an opportunity to prove ourselves as His obedient servants, once again. Let’s make this Ramadhan the best one of our lifetime. Lets promise to Allah SWT to mold our lives in a way that is in line with being faithful servants to Him SWTLet’s become better followers of the Quran.Let’s become role models for others living around us.Let’s promise to ourselves that we will improve our personal life.Lets make a promise that in this Ramadhan we will change for good. May Allah SWT give us an opportunity to do so. On behalf of Islamic Circle of North America, ICNA, I want to invite you to attend the Doura-Quran, the Quran circles, pre-Iftar sessions which we have arranged all across the country. Please join in your communities to benefit from these sessions. I will also request you to keep us in your prayers. I will also request you to keep the Muslims all over the world in your prayers. This organized Islamic work needs your help and support. So I hope that you will make a special duas and support us in this month of Ramadhan. Finally, I will remind you that, insh Allah, ICNA National convention is coming soon. Again, all praise and thanks be to the All Mighty. The ICNA convention, after three long years, will resume being in-person. Insha Allah, we will celebrate our Eid together from 28th to 30th of May in Baltimore, Maryland Let’s make dua for those who left us in last two years. Please make duas for anyone suffering across the world and make a commitment to Allah SWT that we will do our best to be his faithful, obedient servants and do what is needed to be done to be a true Momin/Muslim. السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُDr. Mohsin Ansari PresidentIslamic Circle of North America – ICNAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpL2ZR9c2Qg&feature=youtu.be
Women’s History Month
They are Honored, Women of Islam Women’s History Month March 2022 “She believed in me when the whole world refuted me and she attested to my trueness when the whole world accused me of falsehood. She offered me compassion and loyalty with her wealth when everyone else had forsaken me.” said the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ peace be upon him about his beloved wife Ummul Mo’mineen Khadija bint Khuwailyd ؓ. The contribution of Muslim women in the establishment of Islam started with our mother Khadija, may Allah be pleased with her and is still happening each and every day. Muslim women throughout the history played their role in the field of Dawah, education, government and were never afraid to shed their blood for the Deen of Allah, SWT. They were the first to shed their blood for Islam. They facilitated the migration of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him, from Makkah to Madinah. They helped protect the city of Madinah from the invaders. They memorized the Quran and Hadith of the Prophet. They donated for the cause of Islam and did not fear poverty. They were scholars who taught the Quran and Hadith. They were not shy to challenge the Khalifa of the time or helped a Qadhi to correct his legal verdict. They were the first to start an Islamic University. They were the ones to send their husbands, brothers and sons to fight for Islam against the Mongols or Crusaders or others. And, they are the ones, as mothers and grandmothers teach Quran to their little ones and instill in them the love for Allah and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, peace be upon him. They are the Jewels of Islam! Umme Salma ؓ (Radi Allah Annha) Umme Salma ؓ, her name was Hind bint Abe Umayya, but she is very well known as Umm-e-Salma ؓ. She belonged to a very respectable family and was famous for her knowledge of Islam and her wisdom. She was first married to Abdullah ؓ bin Abdul Assad Makzoomi, who was known as “Abu-Salma Umm-e-Salma ؓ had the honor to be the blessed woman who accepted Islam at its early stage. Her father Abe Umayya bin Abdullah ؓ bin Umro bin Makzoom was very generous person. Her mother was Aatika binte Amer Rabiya bin Malik bin Khazima. She inherited this quality of generosity from her parents. She was very happy and enjoyed the life when she was married to the brave, wealthy and kindhearted Abdullah ؓ bin Abdul Assad. The Holy Prophet ﷺ advised the Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia when the persecution became unbearable. Umm-e-Salma ؓ and Abullah ؓ were ready to undertake this immigration. This was the first batch of Immigrants to Abyssinia which consisted of 20 persons of whom 4 were women. Umm-e-Salma ؓ and her husband were happy there in Abyssinia and they had a beautiful daughter Zainab and a son named Umar also second daughter Durra was born there. The king of Abyssinia extended all comforts and facilities to the immigrants. Umm-e-Salma ؓ narrates that they came back to Makkah when they heard that Umer bin Khattab ؓ embraced Islam and the atmosphere there was peaceful for the believers, but this was not so when they came to Makkah and they had to accept the prevailing situation. Umme Salamah ؓ had vowed to delicate herself to Allah since she embraced Islam. She faced the most difficult and the most horrible situation, but Allah SWT was with her. She once made up her mind again to migrate to Abyssinia, but Prophet ﷺ asked them to migrate to Madinah. She prepared herself for migration to Madinah. Abu Salma ؓ brought a camel for this purpose. The family members of her objected for her departure and detained her at Makkah. Also the members of the family of Abu Salma ؓ came there and snatch my children and said that they would look after the children at Makkah. Only Abu Salma ؓ left for Madinah and Umm-e-Salma ؓ and her children had to stay at Makkah. Umm-e-Salma ؓ was very much upset and worried at this separation. At last, the family members of Umm-e-Salma ؓ took pity on her and the children were also brought by them and given to her. She was allowed to go to Madinah. She undertook the journey to Madinah all alone and reached Madinah. Uthman bin Talah ؓ, who was also going to Madinah and helped her very nicely and accompanied her till she met Abu Salma. Abu Salam ؓ participated in the battle of Uhad and he was among those who remained firm. He suffered a serious injury in that battle from which he was healed but not totally. For, after some time, the wound decayed and deteriorated until claimed his life. She was married to the Holy Prophet ﷺ in the year 4 Hijra. The prayer made by Abu Salma ؓto Allah SWT to give her a better husband was thus accepted by Allah SWT. She was a very great scholar of Islam, sagacious and wise woman. When the Prophet ﷺ commanded the people to slaughter their sacrificial animals and get their heads shaved at the Hudaybiah. The people were suffering distress for nothing. He ﷺ came to his tent and feeling indignant. He told Umm-e-Salma ؓ that he had commanded the people to slaughter their sacrificial animals and get their heads shaved but there is no response from them. Umm-e-Salma ؓ said “O Prophet of Allah: You cannot make these 1500 people do what they don’t want, just do your own duty which Allah SWT has imposed on you. Go ahead and perform your own rites in an open place so that every one of them can see you..” The Holy Prophet ﷺ stepped out of the tent and offered the slaughter of the camel. The people immediately came forward and did the same as the Prophet ﷺ was doing. She was very pious and learned. She knew reading and writing. She had the
