Los Angeles – Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) https://icna.org Outreach, Education and Social Services Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:22:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://icna.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon.png Los Angeles – Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) https://icna.org 32 32 Empowerment Summit “The Black Man: Survival in America” https://icna.org/empowerment-summit-the-black-man-survival-in-america/ https://icna.org/empowerment-summit-the-black-man-survival-in-america/#respond Mon, 07 Dec 2020 02:11:17 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=32460

ICNA’s Outreach project WhyIslam participated in the virtual summit “The Black Man: Survival in America” by The KJLH radio station. The well organized and popular event was billed as an “Empowerment Summit”. One of the breakout sessions was conducted by WhyIslam. Three speakers from ICNA were Imam Khalid Griggs, Imam Abdul Hafeez, and Noah Seifullah. The panel was moderated by Hafiz Hamza Abdul Tawwab and addressed the issues of being black and Muslim in America. Radio KJLH is Los Angeles’ No 1 black-owned and operated radio station with a musical tradition spanning over 30 years. The Community Station, linking the diverse populations of the Greater Los Angeles area produces the foremost in news and public service programming. View the recording here: For more information visit www.icna.org/dawah]]>

ICNA’s Outreach project WhyIslam participated in the virtual summit “The Black Man: Survival in America” by The KJLH radio station. The well organized and popular event was billed as an “Empowerment Summit”. One of the breakout sessions was conducted by WhyIslam.

Three speakers from ICNA were Imam Khalid Griggs, Imam Abdul Hafeez, and Noah Seifullah. The panel was moderated by Hafiz Hamza Abdul Tawwab and addressed the issues of being black and Muslim in America.

Radio KJLH is Los Angeles’ No 1 black-owned and operated radio station with a musical tradition spanning over 30 years. The Community Station, linking the diverse populations of the Greater Los Angeles area produces the foremost in news and public service programming.

View the recording here:

For more information visit www.icna.org/dawah

]]> https://icna.org/empowerment-summit-the-black-man-survival-in-america/feed/ 0 Muslim Non-Profits Continue to Serve, Feed Vulnerable Orange County Residents https://icna.org/muslim-non-profits-continue-to-serve-feed-vulnerable-orange-county-residents/ https://icna.org/muslim-non-profits-continue-to-serve-feed-vulnerable-orange-county-residents/#respond Fri, 13 Nov 2020 18:28:27 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=31786

A host of local Muslim non-profits are among the many organizations out on the ground in Orange County distributing food to people in need. A network of pantries have been distributing food for free for months now supporting people who have lost jobs during the pandemic or struggling financially. Many among the network are faith based or houses of worship like mosques, churches and gurudwaras serving anyone who is hungry. ICNA Relief Southern California — part of a greater national organization — is a Muslim non-profit based in Fullerton. They have been doing food distributions throughout cities in Orange County and other neighboring counties for years prior to the pandemic. Abdullah Zikria, the outreach coordinator of Southern California ICNA Relief, said through their years of service the organization has developed relationships with various cities in Orange County and elsewhere in Southern California as well as various food banks in the region. During the pandemic, these relationships have helped the non-profit distribute food in local cities. “In 2013, we started doing food services. Our people would come in and we would provide food for families, diapers and other things,” Zikria said. “Since COVID, We have definitely taken our food services to a whole different level that it’s never been before.” When the pandemic started in March, ICNA Relief held 10  larger scale distributions. Since then they are averaging about 20 distributions a month across Orange County and other parts of Southern California and have given out over 800,000 pounds of food at over 130 distributions, according to Zikria. Zikria also said Mayors and Members of Congress have reached out to ICNA Relief about food distributions. “We don’t participate in the politics. We serve anybody. We work with everybody. We are a nonprofit,” Zikria said. ICNA also works with school districts in Orange County to find schools with a high percent of students receiving a free lunch to reach the most vulnerable in each community. “That’s a good indicator for us, that those are families that probably need this help,” Zikria said. They’ve held distributions at schools and mosques throughout the County. The group has also made ins with community organizers. Somedays the organization will go to cross streets near low income housing and hand out food items reaching out to local organizers to spread the word and through social media. “Our distributions are so mobile, especially the neighborhood ones. We pick up items from Walmart, from Costco, from Target, three times a week and so it depends on what we get,” Zikria said. “Based on what we can get we’ve been able to see what neighborhood we can go to.” Beyond food, they hold diaper distributions and offer medical and counseling services. The non-profit also operates a women’s transitional home for survivors of domestic violence. ICNA Relief Southern California has only four staff members but they have close to 100 volunteers who help them be able to get the food out to people. Muhib John Aziz, a Garden Grove Resident, and his family volunteer with ICNA Relief to help those in need. “My favorite thing is that I get joy out of helping others,” Aziz said. He added that another motivation for him is to engrain in children and family the importance of giving back to the community. “We are here to help humanity, especially those in need and to go out of our way to help our human brothers and sisters,” Aziz said. Another Muslim Based nonprofit, Uplift Charity, has also been active distributing boxes of food on every month to Orange County Residents. The charity has distributed thousands of boxes of food since the pandemic started and around 1,600 boxes during Ramadan this year as well as over 2,000 meals in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. This Saturday Uplift Charity is holding a special drive through food distribution of food boxes at Al-Ansar Mosque in Anaheim from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This week’s distribution will be to honor case manager Raihan Dakhil, her husband Joseph Awaida and their 3-year-old son Omar who were killed by an alleged DUI driver in Long Beach last Halloween. Ahmed Almukhtar, Uplift Charity’s director of operations, said the family was very active in giving back to the community. “Raihan was part of Uplift Charity. She worked with Uplift Charity for more than two years as an amazing case manager. She changed a lot of lives,” Almukhtar said. “They were very active in charity events, they were very active in volunteering, and assisting their community in Long Beach and in Orange County.” Uplift Charity will also be distributing Hijabs and face masks on Saturday as well. For anybody in need of food or a desire to volunteer, pantries across Orange County are handing it out for free. These include: Uplift Charity Saturday Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Al-Ansar Mosque in Anaheim 1717 S Brookhurst St Anaheim, CA 92804 ICNA Relief Southern California Friday Nov. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at Monarch Apartments in Anaheim 1860 West Crescent Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801 Friday Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. at Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove. 9752 13th street, Garden Grove, CA 92844 Those who wish to volunteer with the organization can reach out to them on Facebook or at 714 399-4571. Power of One Foundation Saturday Nov. 14 and 21 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Calvary Church in Santa Ana 3800 S Fairview St, Santa Ana, CA 92704 Every Thursday and Saturday from 8 -11 a.m. at IKEA in Costa Mesa for Curbside pickup. 1475 S Coast Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 By appointment. Sign up before 2 p.m. the day before to get an appointment. Sikh Center of Orange County Food Pantry Saturday Nov. 14 from 8-10:30 a.m. or until supplies last at the Gurudwara And on Nov. 21 it will be from 8:30-11 a.m. 2530 Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704 714 584 7573 Laguna Food Pantry Every Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. 20652 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949 497 7121 Vineyard Anaheim Church]]>

A host of local Muslim non-profits are among the many organizations out on the ground in Orange County distributing food to people in need.

A network of pantries have been distributing food for free for months now supporting people who have lost jobs during the pandemic or struggling financially. Many among the network are faith based or houses of worship like mosques, churches and gurudwaras serving anyone who is hungry.

ICNA Relief Southern California — part of a greater national organization — is a Muslim non-profit based in Fullerton. They have been doing food distributions throughout cities in Orange County and other neighboring counties for years prior to the pandemic.

Abdullah Zikria, the outreach coordinator of Southern California ICNA Relief, said through their years of service the organization has developed relationships with various cities in Orange County and elsewhere in Southern California as well as various food banks in the region.

During the pandemic, these relationships have helped the non-profit distribute food in local cities.

“In 2013, we started doing food services. Our people would come in and we would provide food for families, diapers and other things,” Zikria said. “Since COVID, We have definitely taken our food services to a whole different level that it’s never been before.”

When the pandemic started in March, ICNA Relief held 10  larger scale distributions. Since then they are averaging about 20 distributions a month across Orange County and other parts of Southern California and have given out over 800,000 pounds of food at over 130 distributions, according to Zikria.

Zikria also said Mayors and Members of Congress have reached out to ICNA Relief about food distributions.

“We don’t participate in the politics. We serve anybody. We work with everybody. We are a nonprofit,” Zikria said.

ICNA also works with school districts in Orange County to find schools with a high percent of students receiving a free lunch to reach the most vulnerable in each community.

“That’s a good indicator for us, that those are families that probably need this help,” Zikria said.

They’ve held distributions at schools and mosques throughout the County.

The group has also made ins with community organizers. Somedays the organization will go to cross streets near low income housing and hand out food items reaching out to local organizers to spread the word and through social media.

“Our distributions are so mobile, especially the neighborhood ones. We pick up items from Walmart, from Costco, from Target, three times a week and so it depends on what we get,” Zikria said. “Based on what we can get we’ve been able to see what neighborhood we can go to.”

Beyond food, they hold diaper distributions and offer medical and counseling services. The non-profit also operates a women’s transitional home for survivors of domestic violence.

ICNA Relief Southern California has only four staff members but they have close to 100 volunteers who help them be able to get the food out to people.

Muhib John Aziz, a Garden Grove Resident, and his family volunteer with ICNA Relief to help those in need.

“My favorite thing is that I get joy out of helping others,” Aziz said.

He added that another motivation for him is to engrain in children and family the importance of giving back to the community.

“We are here to help humanity, especially those in need and to go out of our way to help our human brothers and sisters,” Aziz said.

Another Muslim Based nonprofit, Uplift Charity, has also been active distributing boxes of food on every month to Orange County Residents. The charity has distributed thousands of boxes of food since the pandemic started and around 1,600 boxes during Ramadan this year as well as over 2,000 meals in Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

This Saturday Uplift Charity is holding a special drive through food distribution of food boxes at Al-Ansar Mosque in Anaheim from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This week’s distribution will be to honor case manager Raihan Dakhil, her husband Joseph Awaida and their 3-year-old son Omar who were killed by an alleged DUI driver in Long Beach last Halloween.

Ahmed Almukhtar, Uplift Charity’s director of operations, said the family was very active in giving back to the community.

“Raihan was part of Uplift Charity. She worked with Uplift Charity for more than two years as an amazing case manager. She changed a lot of lives,” Almukhtar said. “They were very active in charity events, they were very active in volunteering, and assisting their community in Long Beach and in Orange County.”

Uplift Charity will also be distributing Hijabs and face masks on Saturday as well.

For anybody in need of food or a desire to volunteer, pantries across Orange County are handing it out for free.

These include:

Uplift Charity

Saturday Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Al-Ansar Mosque in Anaheim

1717 S Brookhurst St Anaheim, CA 92804

ICNA Relief Southern California

Friday Nov. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at Monarch Apartments in Anaheim

1860 West Crescent Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801

Friday Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. at Islamic Society of Orange County in Garden Grove.

9752 13th street, Garden Grove, CA 92844

Those who wish to volunteer with the organization can reach out to them on Facebook or at 714 399-4571.

Power of One Foundation

Saturday Nov. 14 and 21 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Calvary Church in Santa Ana

3800 S Fairview St, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Every Thursday and Saturday from 8 -11 a.m. at IKEA in Costa Mesa for Curbside pickup.

1475 S Coast Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

By appointment. Sign up before 2 p.m. the day before to get an appointment.

Sikh Center of Orange County Food Pantry

Saturday Nov. 14 from 8-10:30 a.m. or until supplies last at the Gurudwara

And on Nov. 21 it will be from 8:30-11 a.m.

2530 Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704

714 584 7573

Laguna Food Pantry

Every Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

20652 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949 497 7121

Vineyard Anaheim Church

Monday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at SALK Elementary

1411 Gilbert St. Anaheim, CA 92804

Wednesday & Thursday from 9-11 a.m. at the Vineyard Anaheim Church

5340 E La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA 92807

Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at the Brookhurst Community Center

2271 Crescent Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801

United Across Borders Foundation

Turkey Giveaway on Friday Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. until supplies last in La Habra

101 West La Habra Boulevard La Habra, CA 90631

Turkey Giveaway on Saturday Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. until supplies last in Anaheim

201 W. Center St. Promenade Anaheim, CA 92805

Turkey Giveaway on Sunday Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. until supplies last in Fullerton

303 W Commonwealth Ave Fullerton

For more food assistance options visit 211 OC.

If you operate a drive through food pantry in Orange County and would like our newsroom to be aware of your efforts, reach out to Hosam Elattar at helattar@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @ElattarHosam. Article Courtesy voiceofoc.com

]]> https://icna.org/muslim-non-profits-continue-to-serve-feed-vulnerable-orange-county-residents/feed/ 0 ICNA commends the passing of NO BAN Act https://icna.org/icna-commends-the-passing-of-no-ban-act/ https://icna.org/icna-commends-the-passing-of-no-ban-act/#respond Thu, 23 Jul 2020 08:00:27 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=26369

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— NEW YORK, NY (July 22, 2020) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) commends the passing of House Resolution 2486 titled the NO BAN Act today. “This is a step in the right direction against the unjust and unconstitutional ban imposed by President Trump.” Said ICNA President Javaid Siddiqi. ICNA appeals to the U.S. Senate and in particular the majority party to take the right side of history and support the Senate version of this resolution. ICNA and the American Muslim community stands by the tireless efforts of the past 4 years of thousands of activists, organizations, congressional staffers and co-sponsoring representatives who made this possible. ICNA’s social justice arm, ICNA Council for Social Justice joined the largest coalition of civil rights and social justice organizations in supporting the initial version of this resolution last year. ICNA acknowledges and appreciates Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) for introducing this resolution last year and for her history of championing legislations against bias and bigotry. The No Ban Act would amend the current law to require that any travel ban be temporary, based on credible evidence, subject to congressional oversight, and be created only in response to specific actions foreign entities have taken to threaten the US.]]>

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
NEW YORK, NY (July 22, 2020) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) commends the passing of House Resolution 2486 titled the NO BAN Act today.

“This is a step in the right direction against the unjust and unconstitutional ban imposed by President Trump.” Said ICNA President Javaid Siddiqi.
ICNA appeals to the U.S. Senate and in particular the majority party to take the right side of history and support the Senate version of this resolution.
ICNA and the American Muslim community stands by the tireless efforts of the past 4 years of thousands of activists, organizations, congressional staffers and co-sponsoring representatives who made this possible.
ICNA’s social justice arm, ICNA Council for Social Justice joined the largest coalition of civil rights and social justice organizations in supporting the initial version of this resolution last year.

US Rep. Judy Chu recieveing an award recognizing her work for American Muslims from ICNA CSJ in Los Angeles, California in 2018 by Waqas Syed, ICNA.

ICNA acknowledges and appreciates Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) for introducing this resolution last year and for her history of championing legislations against bias and bigotry.
The No Ban Act would amend the current law to require that any travel ban be temporary, based on credible evidence, subject to congressional oversight, and be created only in response to specific actions foreign entities have taken to threaten the US.

]]> https://icna.org/icna-commends-the-passing-of-no-ban-act/feed/ 0 ICNA CSJ organizes one of the largest rallies in California https://icna.org/icna-csj-organizes-one-of-the-largest-rallies-in-california/ https://icna.org/icna-csj-organizes-one-of-the-largest-rallies-in-california/#respond Sun, 07 Jun 2020 04:11:09 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=26216

(June 6, 2020 | LOS ANGELES, Calif.) — Thousands joined a rally organized by ICNA Council for Social Justice, California Chapter (ICNA CSJ-CA) in Los Angeles today, against racism and police brutality. According to media reports and authorities, over 4,000 people joined the only rally today organized by a Muslim organization in California. These rallies called for justice and condemned police tactics following the deaths of George Floyd, who died May 25 at the hands of Minneapolis police, and Breonna Taylor, who was killed in March during a police raid of her apartment in Louisville. Waqas Syed, Director of the California chapter of ICNA CSJ said that it is our sacred obligation as Muslims to stand up for justice and not remain silent in face of such blatant racism. “No Muslim can find a valid reason today, to not be on the right side of history” he added. The large but peaceful rally was held in the afternoon on Wilshire Avenue near the Federal Building. Khaaja Najmuddin, President of ICNA Southern California, said that the large crowds who rallied today behind a Muslim organization, show that we as a society, have come a long way, while the continued racism proves that we still have a long way to go. The participants took the knee several times throughout protest and at one time lied face down, halting traffic, to symbolize the treatment of black victims by several police officers. The Los Angeles Police Department blocked off several streets and freeway exits around the rally area to accommodate the protesters. Saad Bholat, the lead organizer said that he was happy to see not just the peaceful nature of this rally but the willingness of such a huge crowd to follow the organizer’s guidelines requiring all to wear masks and avoid close contact per LA County COVID-19 precautions. “KNOW JUSTICE, KNOW PEACE,” one of the marchers’ signs said. “To Be Silent Is To Be Complicit,” said another. Noah Seifulah, ICNA Board Member and an Imam from Long Beach said that this is the defining moment for the American Muslim stance on social justice. He said history will be a witness to where we stood as a community when a marginal section of the society was engulfed in the struggle for equal rights. “This overwhelming solidarity among the youth is motivating. I have never been inspired to rise and dedicate myself to this cause like today” said Suha Syed, a member of Young Muslims, ICNA’s youth division. The rally had garnered publicity via social media and announcements on local radio and news outlets. “We are thankful to not just the participants for following the organizer’s directives but also to the public for their patience and encouragement while traffic was halted several times during the protest.” added Syed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jake Albrecht (@trustdashoota) on Jun 7, 2020 at 1:27am PDT]]>

(June 6, 2020 | LOS ANGELES, Calif.) — Thousands joined a rally organized by ICNA Council for Social Justice, California Chapter (ICNA CSJ-CA) in Los Angeles today, against racism and police brutality.

According to media reports and authorities, over 4,000 people joined the only rally today organized by a Muslim organization in California. These rallies called for justice and condemned police tactics following the deaths of George Floyd, who died May 25 at the hands of Minneapolis police, and Breonna Taylor, who was killed in March during a police raid of her apartment in Louisville.

Waqas Syed, Director of the California chapter of ICNA CSJ said that it is our sacred obligation as Muslims to stand up for justice and not remain silent in face of such blatant racism. “No Muslim can find a valid reason today, to not be on the right side of history” he added.

The large but peaceful rally was held in the afternoon on Wilshire Avenue near the Federal Building.

Khaaja Najmuddin, President of ICNA Southern California, said that the large crowds who rallied today behind a Muslim organization, show that we as a society, have come a long way, while the continued racism proves that we still have a long way to go.

The participants took the knee several times throughout protest and at one time lied face down, halting traffic, to symbolize the treatment of black victims by several police officers.

The Los Angeles Police Department blocked off several streets and freeway exits around the rally area to accommodate the protesters.

Saad Bholat, the lead organizer said that he was happy to see not just the peaceful nature of this rally but the willingness of such a huge crowd to follow the organizer’s guidelines requiring all to wear masks and avoid close contact per LA County COVID-19 precautions.

“KNOW JUSTICE, KNOW PEACE,” one of the marchers’ signs said. “To Be Silent Is To Be Complicit,” said another.

Noah Seifulah, ICNA Board Member and an Imam from Long Beach said that this is the defining moment for the American Muslim stance on social justice. He said history will be a witness to where we stood as a community when a marginal section of the society was engulfed in the struggle for equal rights.

“This overwhelming solidarity among the youth is motivating. I have never been inspired to rise and dedicate myself to this cause like today” said Suha Syed, a member of Young Muslims, ICNA’s youth division.

The rally had garnered publicity via social media and announcements on local radio and news outlets.

“We are thankful to not just the participants for following the organizer’s directives but also to the public for their patience and encouragement while traffic was halted several times during the protest.” added Syed.


]]> https://icna.org/icna-csj-organizes-one-of-the-largest-rallies-in-california/feed/ 0 Western Dawah Road Trip Underway https://icna.org/western-dawah-road-trip-underway/ https://icna.org/western-dawah-road-trip-underway/#respond Sun, 29 Dec 2019 05:49:59 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=25526

(Dec. 27, 2019, Los Angeles, Calif.) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) launched its dawah (outreach) road trip in the West. The 6-day trip in the South West seeks to convey the compassionate message of Islam to the wider community along the urban and rural areas of the route. The young as well as experienced volunteers will also be conducting workshops to train and empower those who are interested in dawah. A similar trip was orgaized in the East coast during the summer. The team will is visiting several Islamic Centers for these workshops which will include practical lessons on presenting Islam to neighbors. Cities and Centers where programs have been scheduled: Islamic Institute of Torrance, CASanta Monica, CAMuslim Community Center, Bakersfield, CABarstow, CASan Bernardino, CASan Diego, CALas Vegas, NVKingman, AZIslamic Center of East Valley, Phoenix, AZ For more details and to support the campaign visit dawah.icna.org]]>

(Dec. 27, 2019, Los Angeles, Calif.) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) launched its dawah (outreach) road trip in the West.

The 6-day trip in the South West seeks to convey the compassionate message of Islam to the wider community along the urban and rural areas of the route. The young as well as experienced volunteers will also be conducting workshops to train and empower those who are interested in dawah.

A similar trip was orgaized in the East coast during the summer. The team will is visiting several Islamic Centers for these workshops which will include practical lessons on presenting Islam to neighbors.

Cities and Centers where programs have been scheduled:

Islamic Institute of Torrance, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Muslim Community Center, Bakersfield, CA
Barstow, CA
San Bernardino, CA
San Diego, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Kingman, AZ
Islamic Center of East Valley, Phoenix, AZ

For more details and to support the campaign visit dawah.icna.org

]]> https://icna.org/western-dawah-road-trip-underway/feed/ 0 Rally for Kashmir in Los Angeles by ICNA CSJ https://icna.org/rally-for-kashmir-in-los-angeles-by-icna-csj/ https://icna.org/rally-for-kashmir-in-los-angeles-by-icna-csj/#respond Sun, 18 Aug 2019 05:46:16 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=25009

(LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9, 2019) – ICNA Council for Social Justice-California today organized the country’s largest and one of the first rallies for Kashmir in Los Angeles in collaboration with other organizations to protest India’s recent moves in Kashmir. This week the Indian government abrogated article 370 of the Indian constitution, which gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir special status within the Indian Constitution, taking away all human rights of Kashmiris. This is one of the rallies being organized for Kashmir under the slogan “Silence is no longer an option” nationwide. The rally, that took place on Wilshire Boulevard, attracted nearly a 1000 diverse people. Many organizations were represented and supported the rally. The main sponsors were Muslim American Society, Muslim Youth of Los Angeles, CAIR-LA, Muslim Ummah of North America, the Islamic Center of Hawthorne and the Pakistani American Association of San Diego. “Rallies motivate us to come out and do something but this is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We need to keep working with our elected representatives to call on the Indian government to respect international agreements” said Waqas Syed, Coordinator of ICNA CSJ-CA. “Today is a day of Arafah where Muslims come together to see forgiveness. Today we came from all over Southern California to protest 70 years of dehumanization of our brothers and sisters of Kashmir. We need to build our political power here in America to make a change.” “We have to understand the struggle of Kashmir as an international struggle against occupation and settler-colonialism similar to the plights of Palestinians, the Uigurs, and the Rohingyans amongst others.” Said Yasmin Azam, MAS-PACE. She added “We can not afford to be silent. History of occupations around the world have taught us that.” “India needs to honor its commitment to the International community and hold the plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir according to the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.” said Sadaf Agha of PTICA. A coalition of several organizations was announced by Syed, that will continue to organize, educate and advocate for Kashmir.]]>

(LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9, 2019) – ICNA Council for Social Justice-California today organized the country’s largest and one of the first rallies for Kashmir in Los Angeles in collaboration with other organizations to protest India’s recent moves in Kashmir.

This week the Indian government abrogated article 370 of the Indian constitution, which gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir special status within the Indian Constitution, taking away all human rights of Kashmiris. This is one of the rallies being organized for Kashmir under the slogan “Silence is no longer an option” nationwide.
The rally, that took place on Wilshire Boulevard, attracted nearly a 1000 diverse people. Many organizations were represented and supported the rally. The main sponsors were Muslim American Society, Muslim Youth of Los Angeles, CAIR-LA, Muslim Ummah of North America, the Islamic Center of Hawthorne and the Pakistani American Association of San Diego.
“Rallies motivate us to come out and do something but this is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We need to keep working with our elected representatives to call on the Indian government to respect international agreements” said Waqas Syed, Coordinator of ICNA CSJ-CA.
“Today is a day of Arafah where Muslims come together to see forgiveness. Today we came from all over Southern California to protest 70 years of dehumanization of our brothers and sisters of Kashmir. We need to build our political power here in America to make a change.”
“We have to understand the struggle of Kashmir as an international struggle against occupation and settler-colonialism similar to the plights of Palestinians, the Uigurs, and the Rohingyans amongst others.” Said Yasmin Azam, MAS-PACE. She added “We can not afford to be silent. History of occupations around the world have taught us that.”
“India needs to honor its commitment to the International community and hold the plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir according to the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.” said Sadaf Agha of PTICA.
A coalition of several organizations was announced by Syed, that will continue to organize, educate and advocate for Kashmir.

]]> https://icna.org/rally-for-kashmir-in-los-angeles-by-icna-csj/feed/ 0 Joint Ramadan greeting by S. Californian Muslim Orgs https://icna.org/joint-ramadan-greeting-by-s-californian-muslim-orgs/ https://icna.org/joint-ramadan-greeting-by-s-californian-muslim-orgs/#respond Sun, 05 May 2019 21:45:42 +0000 https://labssol.com/dev/iccna/?p=24866

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—   Southern California, CA (May 4, 2019) – The Southern California Chapter of The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) joined other organizations that represent the Muslims of Southern California, in issuing the first joint Ramadan greeting to the community. The effort was initiated by the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California that represents more than 70 Muslim organizations and centers in the region. The other organizations were the Council for American Islamic Relations – Los Angeles (CAIR-LA), Muslim American Society Greater Los Angeles (MAS GLA) Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California (SMC). Here is the full text of the greeting: Al-salamu Alaykum Warahmatu’Allah Wabarakatu Ramadan – Time to Remold, Reshape, Reform, and Renew “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may observe self-restraint (al-Taqwa).” [2:183] As we join our fellow believers all over the world in welcoming this blessed month of Ramadan let us resolve to make the most of this opportunity to invigorate our spirits during this month of mercy. Even the very name Ramadan is so meaningfully inspirational. Its root word ar-ramad denotes intense scorching heat. We all know that heat is essential to help change, shape and mold – from steel to plastics, plants to chemicals. In the same vein, Ramadhan helps a believer remold, reshape, reform, and renew lifestyle, behavior, social interaction as well as reinforce his Imaan. Let us show our gratitude and delight at being able to obey one of Allah’s most cherished commands. Our giving and charity makes a statement of our gratitude and appreciation for bountiful blessings of the Almighty we enjoy. The Holy Qur’an says: And whoever is grateful, he is grateful for his own soul, and whoever is ungrateful, then surely My Lord is Self-sufficient, Honored. (27:40). Let us also take the opportunity during this Holy Month to build stronger ties and develop closer relationships with all Muslim communities in Southern California and build bridges of unity through religious and social events, like communal Iftars with our Muslim brothers and sisters and other communities of different faiths and cultures. In these days of blessings, let us remember our brothers and sisters around the world for whom these times present great challenges of war, poverty, and injustice everywhere. In the wake of the murder of fifty innocent men women and children at Friday prayers, in New Zealand, let us devote our time and resources to help address the root causes of Islamophobia. Let us pray to our Most Merciful Lord to grant a full and speedy recovery to the injured, and security and peace to the millions of other victims of tyranny and injustice. May this Ramadan bring us peace, harmony and prosperity, brighten our minds that we may reflect deeply for seeking God-Consciousness and make this world a better place for everyone to live together in peace and social harmony – Ameen. We wish you and your families Ramadan Mubarak and pray that the Almighty accepts our efforts and worship during this month of blessings and gives us increased tawfeeq to serve Him with Ikhlaas. www.shuracouncil.org]]>

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
Southern California, CA (May 4, 2019) – The Southern California Chapter of The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) joined other organizations that represent the Muslims of Southern California, in issuing the first joint Ramadan greeting to the community.

The effort was initiated by the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California that represents more than 70 Muslim organizations and centers in the region. The other organizations were the Council for American Islamic Relations – Los Angeles (CAIR-LA), Muslim American Society Greater Los Angeles (MAS GLA) Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California (SMC).
Here is the full text of the greeting:

Al-salamu Alaykum Warahmatu’Allah Wabarakatu
Ramadan – Time to Remold, Reshape, Reform, and Renew
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may observe self-restraint (al-Taqwa).” [2:183]
As we join our fellow believers all over the world in welcoming this blessed month of Ramadan let us resolve to make the most of this opportunity to invigorate our spirits during this month of mercy. Even the very name Ramadan is so meaningfully inspirational. Its root word ar-ramad denotes intense scorching heat. We all know that heat is essential to help change, shape and mold – from steel to plastics, plants to chemicals. In the same vein, Ramadhan helps a believer remold, reshape, reform, and renew lifestyle, behavior, social interaction as well as reinforce his Imaan.
Let us show our gratitude and delight at being able to obey one of Allah’s most cherished commands. Our giving and charity makes a statement of our gratitude and appreciation for bountiful blessings of the Almighty we enjoy.
The Holy Qur’an says: And whoever is grateful, he is grateful for his own soul, and whoever is ungrateful, then surely My Lord is Self-sufficient, Honored. (27:40).
Let us also take the opportunity during this Holy Month to build stronger ties and develop closer relationships with all Muslim communities in Southern California and build bridges of unity through religious and social events, like communal Iftars with our Muslim brothers and sisters and other communities of different faiths and cultures.
In these days of blessings, let us remember our brothers and sisters around the world for whom these times present great challenges of war, poverty, and injustice everywhere. In the wake of the murder of fifty innocent men women and children at Friday prayers, in New Zealand, let us devote our time and resources to help address the root causes of Islamophobia. Let us pray to our Most Merciful Lord to grant a full and speedy recovery to the injured, and security and peace to the millions of other victims of tyranny and injustice.
May this Ramadan bring us peace, harmony and prosperity, brighten our minds that we may reflect deeply for seeking God-Consciousness and make this world a better place for everyone to live together in peace and social harmony – Ameen.
We wish you and your families Ramadan Mubarak and pray that the Almighty accepts our efforts and worship during this month of blessings and gives us increased tawfeeq to serve Him with Ikhlaas.

www.shuracouncil.org

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