To our respected community, peace be upon you:

 

The Islamic Center of America brings you greetings and salutations while the entirety of mankind celebrates the birth of the Prophet Esa and the New Year of 2012.  During this time of celebration by followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, it is appropriate to promote a new era of understanding and outreach between the members of these three great monotheistic faiths. In this vein we wish to reiterate the vision of the ICA which is built upon the unifying principles of Islam.  So that none should be mistaken or misunderstand this vision and philosophy, let it be made clear here and now.

The Board of Trustees and the religious leader of the Islamic Center of America look upon all Muslims as brothers and sisters in the blessing of Islam that Allah has bequeathed to mankind.  Our fellow people of the Book, Christians and Jews as well as other faiths are all sisters and brothers in the greater family of humanity. 

There is no compulsion in faith and there is no distinction in it either.  All members of the various denominations of Islam take pride in their beliefs. The wise and rational refute division and discord choosing unity under the shinning sun of Islam. All Muslims worship the one God. They all read from the one unchanged book. All Muslims worldwide turn to the same Qibla (direction) for prayer. Furthermore, Muslim males and females from different sects intermarry and these marriages are a legitimate religious right under the banner of Islam. This is what the Islamic Center of America believes.  

The holy Qur’an calls upon us to unite and befriend each other: “All believers are brethren – 49:10” It urges us to stand like a strong fortress upon a foundation of love and unity. Any assumption that it is otherwise is false and unwise to speak of. Any notion that the Islamic Center of America promotes denominational disunity or divisiveness is a notion that is absolutely rejected. The Islamic Center of America, including all of its supporters, believes in the principles of unity as practiced by its founder, the late Imam Mohammad Jawad Chirri.  Let all those who enter the Islamic Center of America be assured that they enter a place of peace, worship and welcome.  All are welcome to join the faithful in prayer regardless of race, color, sect, ethnicity or any other manner with which they choose to identify themselves.  We announce, in a voice that is clear and loud: Everyone is welcome, and let the one umbrella of Islam embrace us all. 

 

Peace and mercy of God be upon you all.

— The Islamic Center of America