“Indeed, God commands justice, doing good to others, as well as courtesy to close relatives. He forbids indecency, wickedness, and aggression. He instructs you so perhaps you will be mindful.” (16:90 )            “For every day on which the sun rises, there is a (reward from God) for the one who establishes justice among people.” (al-Bukhari)            “And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that [with your lives] you may bear witness to the truth before all humankind. . .” (2:143)            “Dispensers of justice will be seated on pulpits of light beside God.” (Muslim)            “Do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. And call upon Him with hope and fear. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers.” (7:56)           “Even an ant in its hole and fish (in the depth of water) invoke blessings on someone who teaches people goodness.” (al-Tirmidhi)            “O believers! Remain conscious of God, and be with those who are truthful in word and deed.” (9:119)           “God does not judge you according to your bodies and appearances, but He looks into your hearts and observes your deeds.” (Muslim)            “The parable of those who spend their possessions for the sake of God is that of a grain out of which grow seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains: for God grants manifold increase unto whom He wills; and God is infinite, all-knowing.” (2:261)           “Charity does not diminish wealth.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil-it is they who will be successful.” (3:104)           “Avoid cruelty and injustice...and guard yourselves against miserliness, for this has ruined nations who lived before you.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “Do not forget to show kindness to each other. Surely God observes your actions.” (2:237)           “(Allah) has revealed to me that you should adopt humility so that no one oppresses another.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “It is We who sent down this Reminder (al-Quran) and it is We who shall preserve it.” (15:9)           “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it (to others).” (al-Bukhari)            “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (2:152)           “There are two blessings that many people lose -- health and free time for doing good.” (al-Bukhari)            “Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against your own souls, do not despair of God's mercy, for God forgives all sins. It is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'“(39:53)           “Happy is the man who avoids dissension, but how fine is the man who is afflicted and shows endurance.” (Abu Dawud)            “And you love wealth with immense love.” (89:20)           “Being rich does not mean having a great amount of property, but (it) is being content (with what one has).” (al-Bukhari)            “Every soul is held in pledge for its deeds.” (74:38)           “Make things easy and convenient and don't make them harsh and difficult. Give cheer and glad tidings and do not create hatred.” (al-Bukhari & Muslim)           

IONA Condemns the Murder of George Floyd

(Warren, MI, 05/29/20) – The Islamic Organization of North America strongly condemns the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. Our sincere condolence to the family of George Floyd.

The murder of George Floyd in broad daylight is outright criminal. We are reminded of the murder of Eric Garner, six years ago, when he begged for his life crying out, “I can’t breathe.” How many dying voices of, “I can’t breathe” will it take before police brutality ends?

The horrific murder of Floyd is the result of deep rooted, systemic racism toward African Americans. It is abhorrent and despicable. Human life is precious and sacred.

Killing one person is like killing all of humanity. Both the Bible and the Quran teach the sanctity of life. “And (do) not kill the soul which God has forbidden except through (due process) of law.” (Quran, 6:151)

The arrest of officer Chauvin responsible for the death of Floyd, and the charge of third-degree murder and manslaughter against him is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough.

The police brutality and systemic racism whether in Minnesota or anywhere, must end. Body cameras are not sufficient to end these vicious acts. Police departments and other agencies need to radically assess their policies and use of force and provide more training on combating both blatant and hidden prejudices. Racism and bigotry must be eradicated from our institutions and our hearts.

It is not enough to look at this murder and feel sorrow. We, as Muslims must be part of the solution, and not part of the problem. We must ask ourselves, what prejudices and biases do I harbor? And how am I going to examine myself truthfully to ensure I uphold the character of the Prophet (SAW), who spoke up against racism and the oppressed?

We must maintain an attitude of acceptance and never consider one’s own race or culture as superior to others. It is the diversity in races and cultures that make the human family so beautiful. Allah (SWT) says, “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female (Adam and Eve) and made you into nations and tribes so you may know one another (not that you may despise each other) verily, the most noble in the sight of God is he who is righteous.”

We, at the Islamic Organization of North America, offer our deepest sympathy to the family of George Floyd and we pray God provides them with much needed patience as they endure this loss. We also pray for peace and a world free of hate and bigotry.

Surely, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.

IONA, 28630 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI 48092 | Tel: 586-558-6900 | E-mail: center@iononline.org

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IONA’s mission is to transform its members and help transform the surrounding communities to righteous, God-fearing people, who collectively strive for the highest moral standard and constantly seek forgiveness from our Creator to earn His pleasure. We seek His compassion and mercy in this life and in the hereafter. We rejuvenate our soul through internal struggle and spiritual exercise in worship of our creator God. The strength of our belief in God gives us the courage to establish good and forbid evil, thus promoting a system of justice for all mankind.

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