ICNACON2024 Attracts over 30,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds
The recent convention hosted by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) proved to be a resounding success, attracting over 30,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds. The event, held with the aim of fostering unity and community building, featured a rich program encompassing a wide array of speakers, workshops, and activities. Event Highlights: The convention covered a broad spectrum of topics, including Islamic principles, family dynamics, youth development, social justice, and interfaith relations. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage with scholars, activists, and leaders who are experts in these areas, facilitating meaningful discussions and fostering mutual understanding. Economic Impact: Beyond its intellectual and communal significance, the convention also made a tangible impact on the local economy of Baltimore. The influx of visitors led to increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and overall spending in the city. This surge in tourism benefited local businesses, with higher occupancy rates in hotels and increased revenue for restaurants, cafes, and eateries. Theme and Solidarity: The convention’s theme of unshakable faith and trusting the will of Allah resonated deeply with attendees, particularly in light of global events such as the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. ICNA stands in solidarity with those advocating for justice, including students protesting for a ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting our organization’s commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes. Media Engagement: A highlight of the convention was the Media Panel organized by our media team, featuring esteemed Muslim reporters from CBS, NBC, and HuffPost. The panel, which attracted over 100 attendees, delved into the crucial topic of Muslims and the media, fostering dialogue on collaboration and media representation. Additionally, the launch of the Media Scholarship initiative, valued at $1,000 per student, underscores our commitment to nurturing future talent in the media industry. Matrimonial Event and Quran Competition: In addition to the enriching program, ICNA hosted a Matrimonial Event aimed at facilitating connections within the community, providing a platform for individuals to meet and network in a halal and supportive environment. Furthermore, a Quran Competition was held, showcasing the talents and dedication of participants in memorizing and reciting the Quran, fostering a love for the Holy Book and Islamic learning. Young Muslims (YM) Conference: In conjunction with the convention, ICNA also hosted the Young Muslims (YM) Conference, an annual gathering dedicated to the youth. This conference, organized for the youth by the youth, brought young Muslims together under one roof to enlighten their minds with knowledge regarding their faith while fostering an environment of brotherhood and sisterhood. Press Release and Coverage: The press release published on the wire, reached an estimated 41 million people, highlighting the significance of our presence at the convention. Furthermore, we secured media coverage in outlets such as ABC, CBS, and multiple Pakistani media outlets. In conclusion, our participation in the convention proved to be both enriching and impactful, reaffirming our dedication to fostering collaboration, nurturing talent, and amplifying important conversations within the media industry. As we reflect on our experiences and achievements, let us continue to leverage these insights and opportunities to propel our organization forward. Press Conference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTA60Zonq5Ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtZSbMMGbqU Media Channels coverage on ICNA Convention Photo Gallery
ICNA is pleased to host its 49th annual convention at the Baltimore Convention Center
Islamic Circle of North America Anticipates Over 30,000 Attendees at its 49th Annual Convention The Islamic Circle of North America is pleased to host its 49th annual convention at the Baltimore Convention Center Focused New York, May 23rd– Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) will host its annual convention centered around the theme of unshakable faith: trusting the will of God on May 25th-27th. The event is expected to host more than 30,000 attendees and will feature a diverse group of speakers, workshops, and activities aimed at promoting unity and community building. The convention is open to all people and families who seek to strengthen their understanding and connection to the Islamic faith. Speakers and workshops will cover a range of topics, including but not limited to: Islamic principles, family dynamics, youth development, social justice, and interfaith relations. At the same time, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with scholars, activists, and leaders who are experts in these areas. The ICNA Convention brings a surge of visitors to Baltimore, leading to increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and overall spending in the city. This influx of attendees significantly benefits the tourism industry, with local hotels experiencing higher occupancy rates during the convention period. In addition, the increased foot traffic in restaurants, cafes, and eateries boosts revenue for local businesses and stimulates economic activity. Furthermore, the ICNA Convention promotes community engagement and philanthropy. Attendees participate in various community service initiatives and charitable activities, contributing to local charities and nonprofit organizations. This not only strengthens Baltimore’s social fabric but also supports its economic well-being. “ICNA is thrilled to host this convention, an event that we have worked hard to make accessible and inclusive to everyone who wants to learn and grow in their faith,” said ICNA President Dr. Mohsin Ansari. “We are particularly proud of this year’s theme of unshakable faith and trusting the will of God. With the ongoing tragedy in Gaza weighing heavily on global consciousness, now more than ever, it’s imperative for those with faith to stand steadfast in their beliefs as we persevere in the pursuit of justice.” Registration for the convention is open and can be completed through ICNA’s website. The organization has put measures in place to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. ICNA recently released a statement in support of the student protest taking place across College campuses across the United States, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. About ICNA Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and the largest Muslim organization in the United States, established in the 1960s. ICNA is an umbrella organization for multiple projects, programs, and activities that strive to help Muslims build their character to bring about a society rooted in morality and God-consciousness. Some of ICNA’s current projects include: ICNA Relief, Why Islam, Gain Peace, Helping Hands, MCNA, Young Muslims, ICSJ, and Islamic Learning Foundation Press Contact: Moviz Siddiquipress@icna.org
Mexico, Muslims, and Cinco De Mayo
As May unfolds and the promise of flowers after April showers is fulfilled, we find ourselves in the middle of another vibrant spring. With Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr behind us, the Muslim community in the United States is left to the routine of shifting American celebrations. Easter décor makes way for Mother’s Day preparations and Fourth of July fireworks. Amidst this seemingly never-ending cycle of festivities, another notable occasion passed unnoticed in the first week of May. Many Americans recently, in a mindless way, celebrated Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, a holiday often misunderstood and adopted from Mexican culture, characterized by fiestas replete with sombreros, tacos, and margaritas. Frequently confused with Mexico’s Independence Day (which falls on September 16), Cinco de Mayo is vastly different. Contrary to popular opinion, it has no connection to Mexican independence from Spain but instead commemorates a battle against France with surprising ties to Islamic history. The Franco-Mexican War erupted from 1861 to 1867 due to Mexico’s suspension of debt repayments to European powers, triggering French intervention. Napoleon III used Mexico’s economic situation to justify invading in 1861 to expand French influence in the Americas and establish a French-controlled regime. In 1863, the French captured Mexico City and established the Second Mexican Empire, with Maximilian I as Emperor, aided by the French military. The conclusion of the American Civil War in 1865 prompted the United States to pressure France to withdraw its troops. US intervention, coupled with internal Mexican resistance, led to the empire’s collapse, Maximilian’s execution, and the end of French involvement in Mexico. The Battle of Puebla occurred on May 5, 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War, and it holds profound significance as a pivotal victory for Mexican forces against the sizable and better-equipped French army. Despite daunting odds, the Mexican army successfully defended the city of Puebla against French invasion. This triumph became emblematic of Mexican resilience and patriotism, strengthening morale and inspiring resistance against French occupation. While the Battle of Puebla did not stop the eventual French occupation of Mexico City and the establishment of the Second Mexican Empire, it endures as Cinco de Mayo, a holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s triumph over a superior French force. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the city of Puebla and other places in Mexico on a lesser scale, with parades and re-enactments of the battle between Mexican and French soldiers. It is not considered a major holiday in Mexico, but according to History.com, Cinco de Mayo was popularized in the U.S. in the 1960s by Chicano (Mexican American) activists inspired by the victory of indigenous Mexicans over European forces. Now, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the U.S. than in Mexico. Notably, the connection between Cinco de Mayo and Muslims arises from a lesser-known aspect of history. During the Franco-Mexican War, while France engaged Mexico, it concurrently held colonies in North Africa and the Muslim world. This context meant that Muslim Algerian and Egyptian subjects from French colonies participated in the conflict alongside French soldiers, including the Battle of Puebla. Depictions of this battle often feature Muslim soldiers, identifiable by their attire, adding a unique layer to the historical narrative. Reflecting on the role of Muslims in the Franco-Mexican War prompts questions about their agency and the complexities of their involvement. Perhaps they sympathized with the indigenous Mexicans who fought to protect their land from the same colonizing force they once faced. Were they coerced combatants fighting battles for their oppressors in foreign lands, or did they willingly align with their French colonizers? Did any of these soldiers get captured, surrender, or flee and go on to settle in Mexico? These inquiries compel deeper examination and contemplation. What is certain is the undeniable presence of Muslims on Mexican lands during that crucial time. Muslim Imprints on Mexico Muslims have left enduring imprints on Mexican soil throughout history, from early colonial encounters to contemporary migrations. From the 16th century onward, waves of Iberian, African, and South Asian Muslim migrants have been involved in shaping Mexican society, contributing to its cultural fabric. Aside from the documented presence of Iberian and North African Muslims and enslaved West Africans during the colonial period, the Spanish also sought indentured laborers from South Asia, predominantly British India (present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), to fill labor shortages in Mexico. Among this group were Muslims, Christians, and Hindus. Over time, the descendants of enslaved Muslims and migrants integrated into Mexican society, while others maintained distinct cultural identities within diaspora communities. The legacy of these influences persists, evident in architectural motifs, culinary traditions, and religious practices across Mexico. In contemporary times, the presence of Islam in Mexico continues to evolve. The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed a resurgence of Islam among Mexicans and Latin Americans, contributing to a vast and diverse Muslim population throughout the region. Still, more Mexican Muslims find themselves here on U.S. soil as immigrants and descendants of immigrants, joining the greater Latino Muslim presence in America’s mosques. While some members of this community are converts, others trace their heritage to generations of practicing Muslim families. Educating youth and elders within our communities about this shared history is essential to cultivate appreciation for the cultural, historical, and spiritual connections between Islam and Latin American culture. The influence of Islam on Mexican society is profound and enduring, evident in even the day-to-day lives of its citizens. Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s largest cities, bears an Arabic name derived from Wadi al hijara (Valley of Stones). Some celebrities like Salma Hayek, Jaime Camil, Alejandro Bischir, and Peso Pluma have Arab ancestry. One of Mexico’s most beloved culinary treasures, tacos al pastor, traces its origins back to Lebanese immigrants. Although many Arab immigrants were also Christian, there have also been Muslim-Arab and Turkish migrations since the 20th century. With over 120,000 Muslims currently residing in Mexico and a significant conversion trend observed among indigenous Mexican Mayans in the state of Chiapas since 1989, Islam’s presence in the country is becoming more visible and continues to
Official Statement in support of people of Gaza and students protesting
Official Statement: ICNA requests all the people/organizations of conscience to please support and endorse this statement in support of people of Gaza and students protesting. https://forms.gle/JPupGWxh33p8TyPj7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rba9IdDOi8In the name of God, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful History has shown that students have always played a major role in the pursuit of justice. By raising their voices, standing firm, and organizing, there has always been a resilient student presence demanding human rights and promoting peace across the world. This past week, we have witnessed a historical movement across institutions of higher learning throughout the United States. This student-led movement demanding the end of the genocide in Gaza began in Columbia University in New York, and has now spread not only throughout campuses in the US, but also to institutions in Europe. The images of courage, bravery and resilience of these students has given a renewed hope to all people of conscience who yearn to see justice prevail. The hallmark of this movement are its uncompromising call towards justice, its diversity and its inclusive nature, where students of different backgrounds, colors and creeds have come together to support the oppressed people of Palestine. Unfortunately, universities across the United States denied these students’ constitutional right to free speech. Students at Columbia University have been disciplined with suspensions and over 100 have been arrested on campus while engaging in peaceful protests. Likewise, over 80 students have been arrested during their demonstration at Washington University in St. Louis and others. In total, more than 850 students have been arrested throughout the country while advocating for ending the genocide against the Palestinians. Well over 34,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed by the state of Israel since 10/7, 65% of the victims are either children or women. On average, Netanyahu’s government has dropped 21 bombs every hour resulting in the complete destruction of all major hospitals, educational institutions and places of worship. As the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, faces potential arrest from the International Court of Justice in relation to war crimes, the United States government has shamefully vetoed every UN resolution to stop the genocide in Gaza. At the same time, heavy handed actions by Universities across the board raises serious concerns about the infringement of students’ First Amendment rights. The United States Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech, which includes the right to peacefully assemble and protest. By punishing students for exercising these fundamental rights, Columbia University and others are setting a dangerous precedent that undermines the very principles of democracy and academic freedom upon which these universities were founded. The actions of these universities have created a pressure point where lawful protests are being penalized with the slew of recent suspensions and arrests. Restricting pro-Palestine voices under the guise of curbing anti-semitism is a clear indicator of the conflation of criticisms of the state of Israel and the political ideology of Zionism. We reiterate that Anti-Jewish hate and violence is inexcusable. However, the conflation of criticism of a political entity and ideology with a world religion, limits the rights of that group to a particular segment while diminishing the voices of the remainder. The casualty here is freedom of speech and ultimately America’s purported values. It is clear that foreign interests are not only dominating Congress but are now setting their sights on college campuses. It is imperative to recognize that universities play a crucial role as bastions of free expression and intellectual inquiry. They should serve as environments where individuals are encouraged to challenge prevailing ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue, and advocate for change. Suppressing dissenting voices only stifles innovation and perpetuates an environment of conformity. By suspending students for participating in peaceful protests, Columbia and other Universities are failing in their duty to protect and promote the rights of their students. Members of ICNA, along with other USCMO volunteers, met with lawmakers and their staff on the 29th and 30th of April on our National “Day on the Hill”. ICNA reiterated its resolve in always supporting the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people. We also reaffirmed our support for their liberation, and a dignified life for all human beings. As an organization, we are proud to stand for the right of free speech for our brave student leaders as they tackle the issue of injustice. We request that people of conscience, including individuals and organizations, to support and endorse this statement and the demands presented by Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). In light of these facts, ICNA demands: 1) The University administration of Columbia University, and all other universities, to immediately reinstate suspended students who peacefully protested and reaffirm its commitment to upholding the principles of free speech and academic freedom. 2) University Administrations should listen to the demands of the students and do not suppress the rights of free speech. 3) Law enforcement agencies withdraw all the charges against peaceful protestors.For media inquiries or further information, please contact: media.engagement@icna.orgICNA President, Dr. Mohsin Ansari.
A Housing Crisis: What Are the Solutions?
For the last four years, I’ve been working as an attorney in the housing sector in California. I have worked directly with tenants at risk of being evicted; and I have also worked on the policy side with those fighting for legislative change at the local, state, and federal level. On both fronts, I have witnessed the massive failure of our government to preserve and increase affordable housing. Housing is a basic essential need and therefore should be a right of all U.S. citizens. In a 2022 report, the authors state, “Federal law does not yet recognize a right to housing, in the Constitution or via legislation. The United States Constitution only protects civil and political rights such as freedom of speech and trial by jury. It does not recognize social and economic rights, such as food or housing. Federal housing legislation grants the government discretion to assist persons in need, but it does not go as far as recognizing a general right to housing. This leaves federal agencies under no specific obligation to uphold housing rights.” As an attorney working in the housing sector, I witnessed firsthand how a lack of security in housing can send people into a downward spiral impacting their mental health and their ability to find or keep a job. Why is that? Because if you do not have a safe and comfortable place to eat and sleep at night, it becomes harder to maintain a routine and preserve stability in your mind, body, and soul. This is why shelter is at the base level of the pyramid set out by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. When I worked as an eviction-defense attorney at a Legal Aid in Northern California serving low-income communities, I witnessed how easy it was for families to end up living on the streets. Sometimes the root cause was divorce that left a single mom to have to work part-time while being the sole care-giver for her young children. Other times it was an injury that forced an elderly person out of the work force and into massive credit card debt, leaving them unable to pay their rent. There were so many instances when a little bit of misfortune or misdirection had a domino effect and caused people to be at risk of losing everything. Now, as I work on the policy side, fighting for reform at the local and state level, I have learned how the government, both at the state and federal levels, is ill-equipped to help our most vulnerable individuals and families stay housed or get housed. I have also learned about ways that we can forge ahead to find positive and long-lasting solutions. Current State of Affairs Two years ago, I wrote an article about homelessness in the aftermath of the 2020 covid-19 crisis. At that time, there were lingering protections in place to keep tenants who had been impacted by the pandemic housed. Since then, the housing crisis has worsened. The number of homeless persons has been increasing due to rising inflation and out-of-reach rents. There is research that rising rent costs lead to an increase in homelessness of both individuals and families The numbers show a rise in homelessness among Hispanics and Blacks. Nearly 40% of the unhoused were Black and a quarter were seniors. Those numbers do not take into account individuals who are at risk of being homeless – those sleeping on their friend’s or family member’s couch or who live with multiple families in one house. It has traditionally been thought that homelessness is a problem in big cities like Los Angeles, New York, and D.C, but it has spread to historically more affordable parts of the country. Texas, Ohio, and Arizona are just a few of the states with a reported growth in unsheltered populations due to rising local housing costs. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found that roughly 653,000 people reported homelessness in January of 2023. That figure was a 12 percent increase from the same time a year prior. Harvard researchers report that as the largest single-year increase in the country’s unhoused population on record. Possible Solutions: A Fork in the Road States like California have attempted to use a coordinated effort of state and federal funds to improve shelter options. Programs like Homekey and Project Roomkey have helped tens of thousands of Californians stay off the streets. While these programs have shown positive effects for vulnerable communities, it is not enough. It has proven to be only a band-aid approach to solving the housing crisis. Because billions of federal pandemic relief funds have expired for California, and the $97.5 billion surplus from 2022 has dried up, there is now a “funding cliff.” Without new avenues for funding, the California housing crisis may slip backwards rather than move towards achieving its goals. Lawmakers and housing policy analysts say that there is a fork in the road: one way is to innovate and dedicate ongoing funding to development of affordable housing; the second way is to continue to make ad hoc investments that are nothing more than band-aid fixes to a massive problem. The first option addresses homelessness as an ongoing challenge that compels hands-on creative solutions, coupled with reforms to justice, health, and the foster care systems. There must be a willingness to consider radical change like “social housing,” a European term that refers to “government-owned or regulated affordable housing,” in practice in Vienna and Singapore as two prime examples. Social housing was popular in the U.S. in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It was a mixed-income type of housing sponsored by tenant and labor unions. Last year, California passed SB555, the first state “social housing” legislation in the U.S., which requires the state “to produce a study and recommendations on expanding the state’s social housing sector.” Social housing tackles the housing crisis by removing the development of housing from only the hands of for-profit entities. It prioritizes setting rent prices at rates that individuals and families can practically afford. By re-tooling and re-investing in housing models like community land trusts and public housing,
The Land of the House of Allah, Where Fragrance Is Felt
It is said you can never know what it feels like until you experience it for yourself. No number of words nor detailed descriptions can adequately portray the encounter. Likewise, no pictures, as professional and emotionally moving as they may be, can do justice to the actual human spectacle and religious landscape as witnessed by the eye. Nothing captures the literal likeness of what your senses feel, and it is said that the feeling is like no other. Every culture and era has written poignant poetry and transcribed hymns down generations, attempting to visualize a snapshot of what it is to visit this land. Could it be anything other than this? For this land is most beloved to Him, Azza wa Jal (Mighty and Majestic) whom we love more than any other — it holds Baytu Allah, the House of Allah, for whom we would lay down our lives. Rasool Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), the man whom we love more than ourselves and everything we hold dear, shed blessed tears of longing for the land when he looked towards it, even after having been persecuted there. There is no city dearer to Allah and to Rasool Allah than this city. How could it be anything less than magnificent to us, His servants? The splendid sacredness of the land of the House of Allah transcends our earthly attempts at praise and honor. It is so blessed, that the fragrance can be felt even from afar, yes felt, not just smelled. And all the senses weave together and heighten one another here, so your heart may skip a beat or your eye may shed a tear, just from a trace of the aroma. The mesmerizing chant of the adhan (call to prayer) reverberates through hills and mountains, through the bustling markets and grand hotel lobbies, and through the chambers of your heart and soul. You don’t just hear it; you feel its profound meaning, and you are motivated to establish salah and hurry to do so. You long to hear it between salah times, and that longing begins to ache when you leave the land. You then realize that this is the essence of prayer: This is actually how salah is to be established and treated. It should make us ponder deeply — do our rushed few minutes spent on salah, in between stressful meetings, performed while we’re out of breath because the time is almost gone, with our buzzing cell phones in our pockets, do justice to this most essential form of worship in the lives of Muslims? Does it have the effect it should on us and our lives when performed in that way? And yet, the Prophet told us, “The first action for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers…” (al-Tirmidhi). The city is so honorable that even glorifying it becomes an act of worship. The honor one gives it, and the sincerity in performing the rites and rituals within it, are tied to the level of piety in one’s heart. Could anything else explain how and why there is a consistent circling around the magnificent cube, the House of Allah, as if it were the heartbeat of the ummah, past, present and future. In the constant bustling Tawaf, the encircling round and round, how is it that one feels utter peace, and even with multitudes of other souls circling around with you, you feel completely alone with Him. It is as if you are the only one there. Why else would so many, more than two million souls last year, travel from across all the corners of the earth, leaving behind their lives, work, and families, some with great financial or health difficulty, to perform religious rituals and be a guest in His House? The pull to travel to this land and perform the rituals — the desire of each and every Muslim to do so— has not diminished in 1400-plus years and never will. It is miraculous that nothing in the past one and half millennia lessened this great, burning desire of every single Muslim from every corner of every continent to glorify this city. He SWT has made glorifying this city one of the most honorable acts of worship, one by which a person draws close to Him. He says: “…And whoever honors the symbols of Allah — indeed, it is from the piety of hearts” (Qur’an 22:32). There exists a piece of heaven in this land, an actual piece of the place we all dream about. The Black Stone is from that place we all aspire to ultimately attain through worship, goodness, and du’a. “A piece of heaven” is an endearing term used to evoke feelings of one’s intense love for a place, time, or object. This literally has it, the Black Stone given to Prophet Ibrahim, alaihi salam, from Jannah (Paradise). There is a rush to be in its presence more than any other spot in this Masjid al-Haram. The circumambulating intensifies at the corner where The Black Stone is set in the Ka’aba. There the prayers heighten in yearning. Makkah, this land of the House of Allah, is the birthplace of the most beloved man throughout all history, the most revered and the most followed, the most studied and the one for whom we all, every one of the 1.8 billion of us, make durood (salutations) multiple times a day, every day. The one to whom we send peace and blessings upon every single time we hear his name. This city is the place where “the world’s most influential person” was raised. It neighbors the other beloved city, Madinah, the one which accepted our beloved in its comforting borders when he was emigrating there, away from persecution in Makkah. He came to love the city so much that whenever he approached it he would spur his horse to a gallop because of his love for the city (Bukhari). It holds the most revered spot after the Ka’aba: our beloved’s home and
Interview with a Prison Chaplain for Muslims Behind Bars
An Interview with Devalle Muhammad- Social Service Coordinator and Prison Outreach Chaplain for the Muslim Community of Knoxville, TN Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Devalle Muhammad, and I live in Knoxville Tennessee. I am the Social Service Coordinator and Prison Outreach Chaplain for the Muslim Community of Knoxville (MCK). Having spent time within the State’s penal system I am intimately aware of the trials and tribulations Muslims must endure while incarcerated. As a result, we here at the MCK are in our second full year of being perhaps the only outside community within the State of Tennessee with a consistent program of volunteer chaplains conducting weekly Jumu’ah Khutbahs, Ta’alims and Eid commemorations in three separate State-run facilities. Alhamdulillah. We are looking to expand our reach through regional cooperation with other outside communities throughout this State in shā Allah. In doing so we can build on the active Dawah model established and reach more Muslim brothers and sisters in this condition. Providing spiritual upliftment, sound Deeni instruction, and preparation for eventual reintegration into society on sound Islamic footing. What is the state of US prisons today? With the highest incarceration rate in the world prisons across this country continue to face challenges with overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, staffing shortages, and a myriad of issues related to racial disparities and systemic injustices within the criminal justice system. Efforts towards reform are ongoing, with initiatives focused on reducing rates of incarceration, implementing rehabilitation programs, addressing root causes of crime, and introducing reentry services. What are the difficulties in fasting, praying, and observing religious holidays in prison? The problems faced are consistent throughout the U.S. penal system. Fasting presents the dilemma of serving suhoor and iftar provisions on time. Moreover, the foods provided for these meals-when they are served-are lacking adequate nutritional value forcing Muslims to rely on either carbohydrate-laden commissary items they must purchase themselves or run the risk of disciplinary action for stowing away food items from the dinner halls. All these efforts attempt to have provisions for evening or pre-dawn meals. Insofar as prayer is concerned, finding suitable space within the confines of a prison environment can be difficult at times. Some prisons may not provide designated prayer areas, or they may limit prayer sessions, and or attendance. This can make it difficult for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and maintain their spiritual connection. Finally, observing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha can be challenging in prison settings. Restrictions on gatherings and a lack of mechanisms to allow for holiday meals can impact and diminish the significance of these occasions for the Muslim population. Are people able to access education, attain life skills, and plan for a positive reintegration experience while in American prisons? Tell us more about that. The short answer is yes. Despite its plethora of issues, education, life skills, and planning for positive reintegration are possible within the U.S. prison system. In fact, as a matter of policy, institutions offer two of the three components mentioned above which can enhance the prospect for positive reintegration. What is vital to the equation however is the focused will of the individual to take advantage of what is offered. That first step of responsibility is the key to future success. Is there anything that you would change about the US Prison System? Yes. Addressing excessively lengthy sentences and how they are carried out. How can we help people currently serving time in prison right now? The easiest way to make a difference is to get involved. There is a desperate need for outside communities to provide volunteer chaplains willing and able to enter penal institutions and do Dawah. Muslim populations suffer similar abusive conditions throughout the country whether it’s a lack of Islamic spiritual guidance, yearly Ramadhan drama, access to adequate places and times for prayer, nutritional halal daily diet options or a proper Islamic burial in the event of death. Put another way, incarcerated Muslims are buffeted about like discarded wool. The common denominator of these situations is the lack of direct Muslim community involvement. As a seed, this prescription, if planted and nurtured, will grow, in shā Allah. What’s one thing you would like people to know about US prisons, incarcerated people, and the criminal justice system? I will start by qualifying what I will say by stating that Allah Subhaanah Wa Ta’ala grants us all voluntary will. We all have choices. Those choices, however, can be shaped or influenced by a myriad of factors. At the end of the day, it remains our choice. That said, it is critical to understand that US prisons are an industrial complex. Its roots can be traced to 1865 and post-Civil War attitudes towards slave labor perpetuation. The various components that make up this industrial complex work hand in glove to maintain the fuel that keeps the engine running. There are very few evil people. Many prisoners are there because of the various pipelines the system has in place that encourage or exacerbate unchecked passions, untreated latent trauma, or addictions to medicate a wounded soul. This does not happen overnight. It is a process that develops over time. Many people in prison made a mistake-they may be guilty-but they recognize it was a mistake and do what they can to make amends. These people, if given a chance, will be productive citizens once back in society. Finally, the criminal justice system itself; it is neither fair nor blind when it comes to justice.
Eid Mubarak – 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters, On behalf of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), we wish to extend our Eid greetings to you all. May this blessed day find you in good health and high spirits, and may Allah (SWT) accept all our prayers and acts of worship. This year, we are celebrating Eid in difficult times, as our hearts and prayers are with the resilient people of Gaza. Their strength and unwavering faith in these challenging times have been a beacon of light, guiding many towards the path of Islam. https://youtu.be/PzvnIQ_7Yqg ICNA remains committed to standing with those who face oppression and adversity. We pledge to continue our efforts in supporting the oppressed across the globe and to uphold our promise of nurturing the moral and spiritual well-being of our community here at home. Together, we will strive to embody the values of Islam in every action and to extend our support to those in need. Eid Mubarak to you and your families. With warmest regards, The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
Ramadan Reflections & Supplications
Assalamu Alaikkum, Join us for our exclusive Ramadan Reflections and Supplications series during the last 10 days of Ramadan,إنشاء الله . Delve into moments of spiritual contemplation and heartfelt supplications from the comfort of your home. Our Zoom sessions will commence promptly at 7:00 pm EST and conclude at 7:15 pm EST. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your Ramadan experience with us. Zoom Link: tinyurl.com/ICNASERamadan
