President Obama, ‘I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country’

(Aug 14, 2010) – President Barack Obama issued a clear statement that the rights of Muslims to practice their religion in America must be protected at an Iftar hosted at the White House on Friday evening.

President Obama spoke for the first time on the controversy surrounding the construction of “Cordoba House,” a proposed mosque and Islamic Center in New York City, New York.

“Let me be clear: as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country,” said the President, adding, “That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable.”

Some are calling this one of the most courageous acts taken by a president lately.

Civil rights lawyer and author Glenn Greenwald called this “one of the most impressive and commendable things Obama has done since being inaugurated.”

More than 100 Muslim leaders from around the world joined President Obama at Friday’s White House iftar, including ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson and ISNA Vice President Imam Mohamed Magid.

Muslim diplomats from around the world, political, religious, and community leaders were also in attendance at the dinner.

Many conservatives and family members of those who lost loved ones in the tragic 9-11 attacks have issued concerns about the building of the mosque so close to the site of the tragedy.

Speaking in direct response to their concerns, President Obama said America must never forget the tragedy of 9-11 and we must honor those who died working and providing relief that day, Muslims included, but that we must not confuse terrorists with the religion itself.

“Let us always remember who we are fighting against, and what we are fighting for. Our enemies respect no freedom of religion. Al Qaeda’s cause is not Islam – it is a gross distortion of Islam. These are not religious leaders – these are terrorists,” said the President.

The President spoke highly of the diversity that is the United States, stating, “Our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth…today our nation is strengthened by millions of Muslim Americans.”

He also spoke to the long history of Presidential support for iftars and the diversity within the Muslim faith, “Tonight, we are reminded that Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity. And Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America. The first Muslim ambassador to the United States, from Tunisia, was hosted by President Jefferson, who arranged a sunset dinner for his guest because it was Ramadan-making it the first known iftar at the White House, more than 200 years ago.”

ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson states, “ISNA thanks the President for his strong and articulate support of the Muslim community and our rights here tonight. It was made clear that the right to religious freedom for all, including Muslim Americans, is supported by our President”

Earlier last week, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also issued his strong statement of support for the Cordoba House and protection of religious freedom for Muslims and all Americans.

“ISNA is proud of the positive leadership shown by President Obama and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. There is more work to be done to protect the civil rights of Muslim Americans, and ISNA hopes elected officials across the country will join the President and Mayor to bravely protect those rights as well,” said Dr. Mattson.

(source: ISNA)

ISNA Convention seeks to nurture compassionate communities

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) held its 47th Annual Convention over the July 4th weekend in the Rosemont suburb of Chicago, Illinois.

Thousands of Muslims from across North America and the globe convened in one place to celebrate this year’s theme, “Nurturing Compassionate Communities: Connecting Faith and Service.”

ISNA Secretary General, Safaa Zarzour, expressed deep gratitude for all who made this year’s convention possible.

“We are so thankful to all who attended this convention, all the volunteers, the wonderful Chicago community, and the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.”

Hotels in the area were sold out due to high demand for the ISNA Convention and local, national and international media traveled to the convention to share with the world the message of compassion and community service echoed throughout each of the more than 100 convention sessions and special events.

A press conference held early Friday afternoon was attended by most major Chicago news channels, including ABC, NBC and Fox News.

ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson shared with the media the purpose of this year’s theme.

“The Muslim community is often reactive to negative press or events, but this year’s convention, nurturing compassionate communities, is a proactive measure to assist local communities to develop the networks and framework necessary to positively engage community members and avoid negative marginalization of Muslim community members,” she said.

Following the press conference, thousands of Muslims joined together in Jummah Prayer, led by ISNA Vice President, Imam Mohamed Magid.

Friday night closed with the Inaugural Session, led by Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Safaa Zarzour and Imam Mohamed Magid.

The convention ran through Monday July 5

A diverse array of speakers addressed this year’s convention, with topics ranging from green energy, media literacy, the Prophet Muhammad, Quranic studies, Muslim American identify formation, family and education to nurturing a halal way of life.

Thousands of attendees packed the main hall for Saturday evening’s main session.

Entitled “Nurturing Compassionate Communities: Connecting Faith and Service,” the session addressed this year’s theme by highlighting ways North American Muslims can reach out and serve the community at large.

The list of dynamic speakers included well-known favorites Hamza Yusuf and Suhaib Webb as well as much anticipated keynote speakers, Professor Tariq Ramadan and Grand Mufti Shaikh Ali Gomaa of Egypt.

“Working for unity does not mean working for conformity,” Tariq Ramadan told the large audience.

“Remember that compassion towards one’s self is also important. If you come with sincerity, Allah will come with love.”

Shaikh Hamza Yusuf emphasized the importance of proper understanding in religion while urging the promotion of accurate and accredited scholarship.

“Religion is more powerful than any temporal government,” he said. “Religion is powerful, but it is also dangerous. Our religion is a beautiful religion and it is being made ugly by the acts of fools.”

Nearly ten thousand people attended the main session.

America’s Special Envoy to the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) Rashad Hussain read a letter from President Obama highlighting the positive engagement of the Muslim community and ISNA in his United We Serve Campaign.

The session closed with remarks from the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shaikh Ali Gomaa. Who shared his vision of community and compassion.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj Honored at This Year’s Community Service Luncheon

ISNA’s 11th annual Community Service Recognition Luncheon was held on Saturday afternoon during the convention.

This year, ISNA honored Imam Siraj Wahhaj with the 2010 Community Service Recognition Award.

“I am honored. As a result of this token you have given me, I am even more committed to serve,” said Imam Siraj Wahhaj.

Wahhaj is the current Imam of Masjid Al-Taqwa in Brooklyn, New York and Chair of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA).

In addition, he has many years of service to ISNA as a former Vice-President and as a member of the Majlis Ash-Shura and ISNA Planning Committee.

Ahmed ElHattab, Executive Director of the ISNA Development Foundation, said, “Imam Siraj has a long history of dedicated service to his community. He has worked tirelessly to rid the streets of Brooklyn from crime, drug abuse, and violence, with awards and recognition from the Brooklyn Police Department, among others.”

600 people attended the event which included a fundraising portion.

Over 400,000 dollars in donations were pledged to support ISNA programs and services to Muslim communities nationwide.

Safaa Zarzour, ISNA Secretary General, reassured the audience of ISNA’s commitment towards serving and uniting Muslim Americans.

“One of the most pressing issues we are facing now is our ability to connect with our affiliates and grassroots organizations. ISNA promises to create programs that connect Muslims with one another across the Unites States. Your help today is going to be used wisely to help get ISNA where it needs to be in our communities.”

Keynote speaker, Professor Tariq Ramadan, emphasized the importance of Muslim involvement in broader social issues and not just self interests.

“We must ask ourselves, who do we serve; power or justice; money or truth. As Muslims we have to serve all the people around the world.”

ISNA Celebrates Work of Muslim, Interfaith and Government Leaders to Nurture Compassionate Communities

The 47th Annual ISNA Convention was packed with members of the interfaith community and government officials, as both speakers and attendees.

On Friday July 2, ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattson welcomed more than 70 national Muslim and interfaith partners to the Presidential Reception for Dignitaries.

Dr. Mattson thanked all in attendance for graciously accepting her invitation to participate in the reception, which provided an opportunity for the leaders to network, enjoy themselves, and strengthen bonds of community leadership.

The morning of Saturday July 3 began for many leaders with the Government Officials Breakfast, chaired by Dr. Ingrid Mattson and Imam Mohamed Magid.

This event was attended by ISNA leadership, along with more than 50 national Muslim leaders, representing many of the diverse American Muslim organizations from across the nation and U.S. government officials.

Representatives from the federal government included Mr. Rashad Hussain from the White House, Mr. Mazen Basrawi from the Department of Justice, Mr. George Selim from the Department of Homeland Security, and representatives from USAID.

The Muslim leaders raised issues facing the American Muslim community, including terrorist watch lists, travel problems, visa issues, and religious accommodation in the military.

Government officials in attendance responded to most of these issues and promised their cooperation to find resolution to other issues raised in the meeting.

Dr. Ingrid Mattson also chaired a luncheon in the afternoon of Sunday July 4 to honor Shaykh Ali Gomaa and Professor Tariq Ramadan.

The event was attended by more than 60 Muslim scholars and leaders of various Islamic organizations and provided an opportunity for all to learn from Shaykh Ali Gomaa who spoke to attendees about the misunderstandings of Islam and its effect on the image of Islam.

“In its correct understanding, Islam focuses on ethics, morality and cooperation,” he said.

Shaykh Ali also condemned violence in the name of Islam and urged the promotion of peace and compassion within our communities.

[Report compiled with files from ISNA]

Canadian Muslims Dedicate Friday Services to Haiti

(January 14, 2010) – Canadian Muslims are dedicating the weekly Friday services (Salatul Jumuah) tomorrow to pray for the earthquake victims in Haiti and to collect donations for the relief effort.

“We cannot just stand and watch without doing our share,” said Imam Hamid Slimi, Chairman of the Canadian Council of Imams.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck Haiti,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of Muslim Council of Montreal.

Muslims are joining the overwhelming response of Canadians who are mobilizing to raise funds and supplies following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the impoverished country of Haiti on Tuesday.

“This Friday, I ask Imams, Khateebs, and other Muslim leaders to share the message of religious sincerity and compassion with their communities,” said Canadian, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, who serves as the President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the largest Muslim organization on the continent.

“Helping the Haitians in this time of need is certainly a sign of religious sincerity,” Mattson added.

Imams and prayer leaders across the country will be conducting donation drives during the Friday prayer services.

“Calgary’s Muslims can join with the rest of Calgary in donating through Canadian banks or relief organizations, or they can join in donation drives being organized at all of Calgary’s Mosques during Friday worship services,” added Muslim Council of Calgary spokesperson, David Liepert.

“The Canadian Islamic Congress is adding its voice to those calling upon all Canadians — and especially Canadian Muslims — to donate generously to
relief agencies working to rescue victims and alleviate the suffering of survivors,” added Imam Dr. Zijad Delic National Executive Director, Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC).

Meanwhile, the overwhelming response by Canadians has prompted the minister of national revenue to advise donors to make sure they avoid getting scammed.

“Canadians have opened their hearts and their wallets in the wake of the terrible tragedy in Haiti,” Jean-Pierre Blackburn said at a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

“Sadly, there are some who would exploit the generosity of Canadians.”

Blackburn said Canadians who wish to donate should check the Canada Revenue Agency website for information on how to be an informed donor.

Safaa Zarzour chosen as ISNA Secretary General

January 7, 2010 – The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has announced the appointment of Safaa Zarzour as its new secretary general. Mr. Zarzour will move to his new office in Plainfield, IN, from Bridgeview, IL, early next week.

Mr. Zarzour is a lawyer and educator, and has outstanding contributions to integrate Islamic communities and institutions to mainstream American society. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University School of Law and a Masters in Education from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

He practiced law in Illinois and is also a passionate educator. He has served as an adjunct professor at Loyola Law School teaching courses in Education and Islamic Law. For over a decade, he served as a teacher and then principal at Universal School, one of the largest PreK-12 independent Islamic schools in the United States.

Mr. Zarzour is active in interfaith circles. He is a member of the Board of Advisors of the Bernadine Center at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago where he serves along with distinguished faith leaders from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities. He has participated for several years in the Mid-Atlantic Muslim-Catholic Dialogue.

“ISNA is on the forefront of identifying issues facing the Muslim community and taking leadership in successfully dealing with these issues,” Safa Zarzour pointed out in a letter to ISNA directors. “Becoming the Secretary General of ISNA is a tremendous honor and responsibility,” he stressed.

Mr. Zarzour is a well known civic leader in Chicago’s Southwest Suburb. He has served in various capacities in his town, including as an administrative coordinator, Zoning Commissioner, and an elected trustee of the Bridgeview Public Library. Over the last 15 years, Mr. Zarzour helped establish and has served on the boards of a variety of local community and advocacy organizations.

His civic and educational work has been featured in many media including 60 Minutes, PBS Front Line, Chicago Tribune, Time Magazine and many others. Mr. Zarzour has received several honors and awards for his public service. Most recently, Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daley handed him the Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ 2009 Outstanding Service Award.

“I am delighted to welcome Safaa Zarzour to ISNA’s leadership team,” stated ISNA president Dr. Ingrid Mattson. “Safaa brings a wealth of experience in administration, civic engagement and education. I am particularly optimistic that his commitment to the formation of responsible and engaged American Muslim youth will help ISNA develop more services responding to their needs and ample potential,” she added.

Religious Leaders to President Obama- Create a “Commission of Inquiry” on U.S.-Sponsored Torture

(June 12, 2009) – The President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Dr. Ingrid Mattson joined on Thursday with heads of eight faith groups in standing at a public rally in front of the White House (in Lafayette Square). 

They issued a strong plea to President Obama to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate U.S.-sponsored torture that occurred post-9/11.  Following the public rally they met with senior White House officials and delivered a letter to President Obama.

“Muslim Americans, in the spirit of the Qur’anic injunction to exhort one another to truth and constancy, believe that we must join together to confront the pain that was inflicted in the name of our country’s security,” Dr. Ingrid Mattson affirmed.

She further stated that “Only by knowing the truth will the American people have the opportunity to develop a strong conviction that torture must never be justified.  By honestly confronting our transgressions, we demonstrate the sincerity of our regret and our recommitment to the rule of law and the dignity of humanity.”

The event was sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) of which ISNA is a constituting member. NRCAT is committed to ending U.S.-sponsored torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

The text of the letter reads:

Dear Mr. President:

As senior religious leaders in the United States, we write to give voice to the compelling need for a comprehensive investigation into U.S.-sponsored torture since 9/11.  We believe the most credible way to conduct such an investigation is by establishing an independent, non-partisan Commission of Inquiry.  Such a Commission is necessary to: (1) uncover the whole truth about U.S. torture policies and practices; (2) mobilize a national consensus; and (3) build support for the requisite safeguards to ensure that U.S.-sponsored torture never happens again.

We know that you share with us the understanding that torture is wrong – without exception, that it is illegal and immoral.  You have stated this unequivocally.  You matched your words with action on the second full day of your Administration when you signed the executive order banning torture. With that order, you signaled to our nation, as well as to the world, your determination to return the United States to the rule of law and to begin the process of restoring our nation’s moral stature in the global community. We are profoundly grateful for your swift and decisive action in signing this executive order.

But an executive order is not enough.  It can be superseded by laws, and, as we’ve seen, even laws are in jeopardy of being superseded by national emergencies.  Our nation can guarantee the abolition of torture only if and when we put in place safeguards to prevent once and for all the future twisting and abrogation of the existing laws that prohibit torture.

You have publicly announced your opposition to a Commission of Inquiry, stating that our existing institutions are adequate for investigating what went wrong.  You have expressed your desire to look forward, not backward. We agree we must look forward — forward to a future where torture will never happen again.  But we believe that the only avenue to, and guarantee of, such a future is a Commission of Inquiry.  An investigation of U.S.-sponsored torture will only be credible and thorough if conducted by a Commission comprised of citizens who are well-respected, non-partisan, and independent-minded.

The reality is that our nation is now shackled to a shameful history of torture.  As people of faith we know that only the truth can set us free. We must therefore, as a nation, be mature and honest enough to examine fully and disclose completely the wrongdoing that has been committed.  The transparency and openness of a Commission of Inquiry will help to hold us all accountable for the policies and acts of torture carried out in our name.  Accountability is essential in a nation of laws.

Recent polls show that many people of faith have been persuaded that the use of torture can be justified in some situations.  These findings weigh heavily on us, as religious leaders.  We have more work to do to educate our people.  We accept our responsibility to bear bold and compelling witness to the sanctity of the divine image in all people and to the fact that torture in every instance defiles and desecrates this divine image.  We commit ourselves anew to greater faithfulness in preaching to and teaching our members.

We beseech you, in furtherance of your responsibility to restore, protect, and preserve the sanctity and rule of law in this nation, to commit yourself to the creation of a Commission of Inquiry that will uncover the truth, identify and establish legal safeguards, and guarantee for our children and grand-children a future in this country free of torture, without exceptions.

We pray for you “the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of God” (Isaiah 11:2).  And we look to you to lead our nation back to the path of truth and justice.