As Salaamu Alaikum, peace be upon you.
The Islamic Community Center of Atlanta is a place of togetherness, diversity, compassion, and advocacy. We condemn the racial marginalization and oppression many African Americans in this country face highlighted by the recent events and the death of George Floyd. As a community of diverse worshippers, we all work together to aim towards one goal: being better members of the global society. Speaking against crimes and evil deeds is a mandatory duty of our faith, one that our community intends to openly and earnestly defend and practice. We condemn those who violate the universal human rights that are sanctified by the bond with our Most Compassionate Creator.
The right to life, justice and equity are embedded in the teachings of our faith. Almighty God has stated in chapter 16, verse 90 of the Qu’ran:
“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.”
And in chapter 5, verse 8 of the Qu’ran:
“Oh you who believe, be steadfast, in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do.”
This rhetoric is found in almost every chapter of the holy text, calling those who submit to the guidance of The Almighty Creator to promote justice and equity for all, regardless of background, race, faith, nationality or tribe. Our differences serve as our chief strength, giving us the ability to share in the many burdens that life demands of us and ultimately bringing us to appreciate one another for what we contribute of good, and to stand firmly against what we contribute of evil or destruction.
In his final speech before his death, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had these foreshadowing words to say to his congregated supporters:
“No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man or the black man any superiority over the white man. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from clay.”
At ICCA, there is no space for bigotry or hatred. When one community member feels the pain of injustice, it weakens us all. Nonetheless, it does not hurt us all the same. Our goal is to ensure that everybody is respected and that the voices of those facing injustice are heard. We stand in solidarity with the fight against systemic racism and historic oppression of the African American community.
May Almighty God’s Mercy be upon us, upon the families of those who suffer under oppressive forces, and with those who stand in the face of clear and hidden injustice.
#Blacklivesmatter
Jazakum Allah Khairan,
Islamic Community Center of Atlanta (ICCA)
Representing Muslims from Fayette, Clayton and Coweta counties
