ICLI Statement Condemning the Brutal Death of George Floyd
We, the members of the Islamic Center of Long Island, stand with our brothers and sisters in the African American community in wake of the recent senseless murders perpetrated by some prejudice police officers against individuals in black and brown communities. We stand firm in our efforts to eliminate the racial bias and systemic racism that exists in our country.
Islam strictly condemns racism and the use of violence against innocent lives. Racism whether upon open or hidden, is an evil aspect of life which Islam seeks to eradicate. It is clear from the versus of the Quran, the book of the Muslims, and many sayings of our final Prophet (peace be upon him) which have narrated by his companions, that differences in color, tribes, races, or traditions are not to be excuses for unjust behavior or treatment.
In the Quran Allah Almighty says,
“O Mankind! Most certainly, it is We (God Almighty) who have Created you all From a single (pair) Of a male and a female, And it is we who Have made you into Nations and tribes, That you may recognize each other (Not that you may despise each other). Verily, the noblest of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you.” (49:13)
“And mankind is naught but a single nation.” (2:213)
“And among His Signs Is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations In your languages And your colors; verily In that are Signs For those who know.” (30:22)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “All men (includes women) are equal in Islam, the Arab has no superiority over the non-Arab, nor does the non-Arab have superiority over the Arab, save in the fear of God”.
We recognize the importance of fulfilling our Creator’s mandate to fight oppression through sacred resistance. We pledge to join hands in leading the way towards ending racism. Out of our moral obligation to embody the principles of justice and human rights, we commit to protect and preserve the dignity of all and uplift the most vulnerable in our society.
We recognize and appreciate the great job of our police officers supporting the crime prevention and abiding the law & order and we expect from our police to protect the people from harm not to give them harm.
Isma H. Chaudhry, MD, MPH, – Chairperson
Habeeb Ahmed – President
ICLI Statement Condemning the terror attack in Sri Lanka
Islamic Center of Long Island strongly Condemns this shocking attack in Church on Easter Sunday, the most important day for our Christian brothers and sisters. This is a deliberate act of violence and it has mainly targeted the worshippers and tourists. Our hearts go out to the families of more than 200 who lost their lives and to more than 500 persons who were wounded in churches and hotels due to bomb blasts.
The Holy Quran instructs us on the sanctity of life Quran, 5:32
“Whoever kills an innocent person it is as though he has killed all mankind, and whoever saves a life it is as though he had saved all mankind.
We express our deepest condolences to the people affected in Sri Lanka and we extend our heartfelt love and abiding support.
May God heal the ones injured, Grant patience and comfort to the families who have lost their loved ones and bring justice to those responsible for this horrific crime.
Isma H. Chaudhry, MD, MPH, – Chairperson
Habeeb Ahmed – President
ICLI Statement on Tree of Life Synagogue Killings
Islamic Center Of Long Island expresses solidarity with the Jewish community of tree of life synagogue in Pittsburgh and all over the nation. We are deeply saddened to hear of the innocent lives lost following the deadly attack on a place of worship.
The Holy Quran instructs us on the sanctity of life Quran, 5:32
“Whoever kills an innocent person it is as though he has killed all mankind, And whoever saves a life it is as though he had saved all mankind.
Our heartfelt condolences to all the families of the individuals who lost their lives and we pray for a speedy recovery for the injured.
Habeeb Ahmed, President ICLI.
ICLI Statement on Port Authority Attempted Terror Attack
Islamic Center of Long Island Strongly Condemns Port Authority Attempted Terror Attack
The Islamic Center of Long Island strongly condemns the attempted terrorist attack in the Port Authority Station in Manhattan. We stand firmly with the people of New York City and applaud the bravery and swift action by the New York Police Department.
Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism.
The Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Whoever kills a person, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32).
The Islamic Center of Long Island, in addition to serving the religious needs of Long Island’s Muslim community, strongly believes in furthering interfaith and inter-ethnic dialog and understanding; as is emphasized and instructed in the Holy Quran and the tradition (Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Isma H. Chaudhry, MD. MPH
ICLI Statement on Attack on Manhattan
Islamic Center of Long Island Strongly Condemns Manhattan Terror Attack
The Islamic Center of Long Island strongly condemns the horrific attack in Manhattan. We offer our condolences and prayers to the families of all those who have lost their lives, or have been injured by this cowardly act.
Islam upholds pluralism and strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism.
The Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Whoever kills a person, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32).
The Vision and Mission of the Islamic Center of Long Island is to serve the community at large, to promote and advocate inter religious and inter-ethnic harmony in a multicultural environment as is emphasized and instructed in the Holy Quran and the tradition (Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack, and their families.
Isma H. Chaudhry, MD. MPH
Condemnation of Anti Semitic messages at Syosset School District
WESTBURY, New York (August 30, 2017)
We, the members of the Islamic Center of Long Island, stand in solidarity with the Syosset School District and the Jewish community to condemn the horrific act of anti-Semitic messages painted on school walls.
While these senseless acts fill us with sorrow, we reflect on the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, which states: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from the male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you. Indeed, God is Knowing and Acquainted” (Qur’an, 49:13).
We are also inspired by the example of our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, who spread the message of unity, tolerance and mutual protection found in the Constitution of Medina: an historic social contract between the Medinan Jews and the first Muslim community.
We hope to send a united message from the Muslim community that there is no place for this type of hate, desecration, and violence in America. We pray that a sense of security and peace is restored in the Jewish-American community who has undoubtedly been shaken by this event.
Isma H. Chaudhry, MD, MPH, – President
ICLI Statement on Attack in Finsbury Park, London
WESTBURY, New York (June 19, 2017)
We, the members of the Islamic Center of Long Island, are saddened and horrified to learn of the attack in Finsbury Park, in North London in which a van rammed into a group of worshippers leaving their local mosque after having gathered for special prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. The attack left one person dead and many wounded at the scene.
Islam strictly condemns any kind of aggression and the use of violence and the taking of human life. Targeting civilians’ lives through any method of attack is forbidden and those who commit these acts are criminals.
The Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Whoever kills a person, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an,5:32)
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families as they recover and we wish them a speedy recovery.
ICLI Statement on Attack in London
WESTBURY, New York (June 5, 2017)
We, the members of the Islamic Center of Long Island, are saddened and horrified to learn of the London Bridge and Borough Market attack that killed seven people and injured forty-eight people.
The Islamic Center of Long Island strongly condemns this terrorist attack and stands in solidarity with all the citizens of the UK as they recover from this incident.
Islam strictly condemns extremism and the use of violence and the taking of human life. Targeting civilians’ lives through any method of attack is forbidden and those who commit these acts are criminals.
The Qur’an, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Whoever kills a person, it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32)
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of violence and their families as they recover. We wish God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, convey our condolences to their families and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.