— Muslim Alliance of Indiana

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful 

A joint Statement on the Hostage Stand-off in Colleyville, TX 

January 18, 2022

[Indianapolis, IN] The Indiana Muslim community, represented by the signatory organizations, is deeply disturbed by and strongly condemn the horrific act of holding 4 Jewish hostages at gunpoint at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX last Saturday. We are grateful for the safety of the hostages, who remain in our thoughts and prayers as they heal from this terrible event.  

As demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, it is a key tenet of our faith to love, respect and foster relationships with our neighbors from other faiths. On justice, the Quran says unequivocally: O you who believe, be persistently standing firm for Allah witnesses for justice and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do (Qurʾān 5: 8). We reaffirm that Islam is a religion of justice, peace and calls for community building and love. Guided by those principles, Muslim communities nationwide are thriving and flourishing with and alongside their neighbors.  

We strongly believe that no one deserves to feel unsafe in their communities, let alone at their places of worship. We stand in solidarity with the local Jewish community and other faith groups, and we recommit ourselves to fighting hate in all its forms and shapes. 

Signed in peace, 

Hiba Alami, Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network

Fatima Hussain, Board President
Muslim Alliance of Indiana

Ismail Abdul Aleem, Imam
Masjid al-Mumineen 

Ahmed Alamine, Imam
Indianapolis Muslim Community Association

Shamaas Nyazee, Imam
Masjid E Noor 

Zaim Khalid, Gen Coordinator & Trustee
Islamic Society of Greater Lafayette

Tulha AlSalah – President
The Islamic Center of Bloomington 

Michael Saahir, Resident Imam
Nur-Allah Islamic Center

Bibi Bahrami, President
Islamic Center of Muncie

Ashhar Madni, President
Al Salam Foundation

Majdi Abusalih, President
Alhuda Foundation

How you can help:

⚠️ Donate!
You can purchase new items and drop them off at one of the locations below, or at the National Guard armories set up throughout the state. All donated items must be new, except for gently used cultural clothing (Shalwar Kameez, Hijabs, Tunics) which should be clearly labeled and can be dropped off at one of the Mosques accepting donations.

You can also make a donation to MAI or one of the many other community led efforts; we will ensure that the funds are used to purchase urgently needed items needed at Camp Atterbury.

⚠️ Volunteer!
Sign up to volunteer in the Team Rubicon warehouse near Camp Atterbury: http://teamrubiconusa.org.
Local Mosques are also looking for support with sorting, packing and dropping off donated goods – keep an eye out on our social media channels for those opportunities!

Do you speak Pashto/Dari? Sign up here for special volunteer opportunities. Or, put your name in the bank so that we can reach out when additional volunteer needs arise here!

• Daily Covid positivity rate in Indiana is 5-6k/day up from an average of 650/day in April.
• statewide death rate is twice the daily maximum in April.
• healthcare system is stretched to maximum in central Indiana.
• ER, hospitals and ICU are all full
• standard of care medical treatment may not be possible in case your loved ones are admitted.
• healthcare system is operating under Covid DISASTER guidelines.
• Indiana COVID numbers are expected to climb and stay at high level in December. Rationing of healthcare resources is imminent.

Thursday, July 30th from 3-9PM

We are proud to announce that we will be having our first ever KHATEEBFEST! [Watch here on Facebook Live or register for Zoom: bit.ly/MAIdayofarafah]

This khateebfest will host 13 Imams and speakers across Indiana and the United States, covering a variety of spiritual topics. Join us in welcoming our guest speakers as they share their knowledge, wisdom, and answer questions.

See our schedule below along with our featured guests:

3:05 | Imam Muhammad Ndiaye, Al Haqq Foundation
“Family Structure in Islam”

3:35 | Imam Ismail Abdul-Aleem, Masjid Al Mumineen Indianapolis
“My Father’s Sacrifice and How It Shaped My Spirituality”

4:05 | Abdullah Ali, Resident Khateeb-Central Indiana
“Educational Benefits We Gain From Hajj”

4:30 | Hamas Najeeb, Resident Scholar Muslim Community Center Indianapolis
“Reviving the Islamic Spirit”

5:00 | Imam Mohammad Sirajuddin Islamic Society of Michiana
“Purposeful Dawah”

5:15 | Imam Ahmed Alamine Masjid Al-Fajr Indianapolis
“Healthy Hearts and Good Manners is Your Path to Jannah”

5:45 | Dr. Sarfraz Khan Masjid Omar Geist Community Center
“How Faith Helps Manage Anxiety and Depression During Challenging Times”

6:10 | Dr. Ihsan Bagby, Assoc. Professor Islamic Studies, University of Kentucky
“Racial Justice and the Hajj”

6:30 | Imam Abdul-Latif Sackor, Islamic Center of Rhode Island
“Having Real Hope in Allah”

7:00 | Dr. Nasser Karimian, Alhuda Foundation
“Never be Outdone”

7:30 | Imam Mo Umer Al Salam Foundation
“Legacy of Ibrahim A.S.”

8:00 | Iqbal Mitiche, School of Islamic Law at the University of Madinah
“The Sacrifices of Hajar”

8:25 | Sh. Gyasi Mckinzie, B.A. Islamic University of Madinah/M.A. Theological Studies, Vanderbilt University
“Confronting Finality”
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Note: The views expressed by guest speakers made during this event or other MAI events are those of the speaker and not of MAI. Speakers at MAI events, or their presence therein, does not constitute an endorsement of the speaker or their institution.

A panel of medical professionals from the Al-Salam Foundation and Masjid Al-Fajr communities has determined a set of Mosque Reopening Guidelines that cover details from risk factors, resources and safety recommendations, and spiritual/mental wellness needs.

Note: This guidance seeks to advise Indianapolis mosque leaders on how best to resume congregational services safely from a medical perspective. It is understandable that every mosque board makes different decisions. These guidelines are intended to aid community leaders in making such decisions.

Committee Members:
Dr. Nadeem Ikhlaqee
Dr. Shamaila Waseem
Dr. Faisal Khan
Dr. Sakib Khalid
Dr. Rahila Qazi
Dr. Mohammad Alhaddad
Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed
Dr. Waqar Mahmoud
Dr. Eyas Raddad

This morning, the Muslim Alliance of Indiana was made aware of a drive-by shooting that occurred at an Indianapolis mosque, Masjid-E-Noor, on Sunday, May 24th after the evening prayer. While the building did retain some damage, we are extremely grateful that no one was hurt physically. No faith community should have to worship in fear for their lives, ever.

We understand that the Masjid-E-Noor leadership has been working with law enforcement to seek answers and ensure the safety of their congregation before making a public announcement. The mosque is also working on taking several precautions including installing bullet proof windows and arranging for police patrol/protection. We encourage anyone who has any information to reach out directly to law enforcement, and avoid spreading any information that has not been confirmed by the mosque’s leaders. However, this unfortunate incident must serve as a reminder for local mosques as well as law enforcement to work diligently to prioritize the safety of our faith communities, especially on days of religious celebrations.

For more information, please see the advisory issued by Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network below and tune in to the press conference tomorrow morning.

Apply for your absentee ballot form completely online in 2 easy steps:

1. Click to download and fill out this PDF to apply
2. Click to download this spreadsheet of county email addresses to find out where to email your form

The form must be received by Thursday, May 21 at 11:59pm in your time zone.

Visit indianavoters.in.gov for more info like:

• Check my voting status
• Who’s on the ballot?
• Campaign finance records
• and more!

Did you know?

• Roughly a quarter of American Muslims remain disengaged at the ballot box.
• Muslim young adults’ participation in the midterms is sluggish in contrast with their generational peers in the general population (52% vs. 72%) as well as compared to their elders in the community (71%).
• Some good news: The 2018 midterm elections witnessed historic numbers of Muslim candidates running for public office. That year, 23 Muslims declared candidacy for statewide or national office.

Source: American Muslim Poll 2019, ISPU.org

Implications to Indianapolis Area Mosques of Governor Holcomb’s Roadmap to Reopen Indiana

In light of Governor Holcomb’s multi-stage plan for reopening the state, religious institutions are left with a decision to make regarding their plans for resuming congregational services during the reopening plan. In response, a committee of medical doctors in the Muslim community of Indianapolis developed a medical advisory regarding the risks of relaxing the pause on congregational religious services in the Indianapolis area mosques and appropriate measures to control them.

The committee’s assessment is that the risks associated with congregational religious services remain too high for resuming them at any level at this time. The COVID19 caseload and the rate of new cases remain high and, although not accelerating, is not declining. The CDC recommends relaxing social distancing only upon 14 days of decline in new cases. Islamic religious services, performed in closed prayer halls in close congregant proximity, is bound to cause significant spreading of COVID19. No level of precautions and use of personal protective equipment can make this risk low enough to be acceptable at this time.  Therefore, the committee recommends extending the pause on all congregational services, including daily congregational prayers, Jumaa prayers, and Eid prayers, at least for a few more weeks.

The experience during the first few weeks of the state’s reopening plan can offer critical data to reassess the contagion risk and the level of preparedness of the state to test for COVID19, trace contacts, and provide an adequate capacity of health care facilities to manage the cases. Only then can the recommendations above be revisited.

This assessment will be revisited after Eid-ul-Fitr inshaAllah.

Committee Members:
Dr. Nadeem Ikhlaqee
Dr. Shamaila Waseem
Dr. Faisal Khan
Dr. Sakib Khalid
Dr. Rahila Qazi
Dr. Mohammad Alhaddad
Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed
Dr. Waqar Mahmoud
Dr. Eyas Raddad

Ramadan is only a few days away – how do you plan to make the most out of #RamadanINside? Share your thoughts on our Facebook post!

Keep an eye out for statewide efforts throughout the Muslim Community to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive – through virtual events, helpful tips, and special activities for the whole family!

“The Fiqh Council of North America reiterates:

1: That masajids and Islamic centers shall strictly follow the health and state official guidelines for social gatherings and distancing. The Juma’, Jama’ah, Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayer shall be suspended until the ban on congregation is lifted. We hope and pray that Allah SWT brings relief sooner than later but we strongly encourage the Muslim community to follow the local and state instructions to avert possibilities of COVID -19’s transmission. Our acts of devotions include ablution (Wudu), prostration (Sujud) and touching of surface with multiple organs. These acts particularly expose us to wider transmission of this deadly virus. Changing carpet or disinfecting it on daily basis is costly and cumbersome. Therefore closure of masajid, suspension of Juma’, Jama’ah, Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayer remains the only viable option to safeguard the community from viral outbreak.

2: That Taraweeh prayers shall be performed at home within a family setting just like the regular daily Jama’ah. The Taraweeh can be done by reciting shorter Surahs, repeating the same Surahs over and over again, holding the Qur’an in hand and reciting from it. It can be established individually and collectively. The Council does not encourage virtual Taraweeh or Eid al Fitr prayers. People can listen to the live or recorded Qur’anic recitation but are not allowed to follow a virtual Imam in Jama’ah. We know of some recent fatwas vis a vis virtual Juma’, Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayers but do not recommend that due to multiple Sharai’ reasons.

3: That virtual lectures, reflections, reminders and recitations are encouraged.

May Allah SWT take this pandemic away from us, grant us relief and normalcy. Ameen.   

Witten by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah and approved by the Fiqh Council on April 16, 2020.”

The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) is a body of recognized and qualified Islamic Scholars from the United States and Canada who accept the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah as the primary sources of Islam. Furthermore, FCNA is guided by the judicial heritage of the Prophet’s companions and the legal rulings and methodology of established classical normative Muslim Scholarship.

Visit fiqhcouncil.org for more info.

We have created an Indy Muslim Response website to pool together resources from and for the Muslim community in the spirit of collaboration and unity in this time. All resources will be available on the website www.indymuslim-response.com, and we will be highlighting specific ways you can support the community over the next several weeks. Additionally, there is a link to resources if you are in need of assistance.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have suggestions or additional resources!

This week’s action alert is to DONATE BLOOD

There is a national blood supply shortage due to quarantines. If you are healthy, young, and able, please donate blood through the Red Cross or Indiana Blood center! This counts as an “essential” activity under Stay at Home orders. Check out www.indymuslim-response.com/ for more info.

UPDATE: This year’s Muslim Day at the Statehouse has been cancelled, in an effort to #FlattenTheCurve, and do our part to minimize large gatherings on account of the Coronavirus.

We appreciate and reciprocate all the love and support from our Hoosier community, and pray that you and yours stay well!

Join MAI at the Statehouse to learn about legislation that affects all Hoosiers, and legislation that is specific to the Muslim community. This will be an engaging half-day session with educational panel discussions and a meet-and-greet with state elected officials and candidate.

Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

Space is limited, so register early!

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For media and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Executive Director Lori Joundi, ljoundi@indianamuslims.org. 

MAI is very excited to announce our new Small Business Saturday Program!

Beginning next Saturday, February 8, we will feature a different Muslim-owned business across Indiana. Each Saturday, we look forward to learning about the variety and diversity in products, services, and talents within our state wide community. Want your business featured on our Facebook page? Fill out the form located here: https://forms.gle/yuEiZHGzRTHJVKqq5

Register at the following link:

www.maibanquet2019.eventbrite.com

The Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) is deeply concerned by the xenophobic and Islamophobic messages posted by Republican councilman candidate Haywood Ware. We join the Greencastle community in calling for Haywood Ware to step down from his candidacy. His comments can be found at www.haywoodware.com.

We encourage our members to join the Greencastle community by signing this petition. https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfTYMF6pPHZZKC3qL…/viewform

A Call to Action! Muslims are facing various forms of discriminatory treatment in U.S. prisons. Muslim prisoners struggle to keep even the most basic religious practices while in prison, which is a direct violation of these individuals’ religious freedoms.

What you need to know
Several Muslim incarcerated individuals have filed suit in Southern District of Indiana against the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) over their failure to provide Muslims with access to halal foods. This lawsuit challenges the BOP’s refusal to accommodate Muslim inmates’ religious dietary restrictions by providing alternate halal-certified meal plans and by ensuring that food provided to Muslim inmates is not contaminated with non-halal ingredients.

The BOP has refused to provide such accommodations to Muslims in federal prisons, even though it accommodates the religious dietary needs of other similarly situated religious minorities through their Religious Diet Program. This Religious Diet Program offers kosher meals as well as no-pork and no-flesh options, but none of these are consistent with a halal diet. This keeps Muslim inmates from being able to abide by basic religious laws in their daily lives.

How you can help
To make a difference, we need members of the wider Muslim community rallying to raise awareness around this issue. Take action by contacting the National Chaplaincy Administrator from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to demand that: “Muslim prisoners be fully accommodated with halal certified meals and everything else that is a part of the Religious Diets Program.”

You can contact the National Chaplaincy Administrator by phone: 202-514-9740 or by email: hkugler@bop.gov.

Learn more
Find more information about the case at the University of Michigan Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse by copying and pasting the following link: https://www.clearinghouse.net/detail.php?id=13388, or by sending us an email at info@indianamuslims.org.

Indianapolis, IN, 4/21/2019 – The Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI), a statewide organization advocating on behalf of all Hoosiers, is devastated and outraged at the news of horrific attacks at churches and hotels during Easter Sunday services in Sri Lanka. Initial reports indicate at least 207 killed and 450 injured by simultaneous attacks at eight different locations.

In a statement, Aliya Amin, executive director of MAI, said:

“We mourn with all of Sri Lanka today. There is no place in the world for such violence, especially in sacred spaces of worship, and it is saddening that we find ourselves repeatedly and more frequently condemning such despicable acts. Today, especially in the spirit of Easter Sunday, we renew our commitment to solidarity, peace and understanding between communities around the world and at home in Indiana. All life is precious, and as is stated in the Holy Quran and Islamic tradition, ‘Whoever kills an innocent soul, it is as if he has slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves a soul, it is as if he has saved mankind entirely.’ We stand with our Hoosier interfaith family and pray for Sri Lanka.”

MAI requests all Hoosiers to unite in praying for and remembering the victims of the attacks in Sri Lanka, and for all individuals responsible be brought to justice.

For more information, please contact Aliya Amin at aliya.amin@indianamuslims.org

Please support the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka and their families by donating to the following campaign:  https://www.launchgood.com/campaign/srilanka#!/.

Contact:
MAI Executive Director, Aliya Amin, 317-306-1998, aliya.amin@indianamuslims.org

(Indianapolis, IN, 3/15/19) – The Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) is grieving for 49 lives lost in a terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand during Friday prayers, condemns the Islamophobic, anti-immigrant hate that was the motivator for the attack and asks all places of worship to remain vigilant and enforce extra security measures for all services.

A gunman opened fire at two mosques during Friday prayers killing 49 people and injuring nearly 50 in what is the biggest act of mass violence in New Zealand’s history. The killing spree lasted for 17 minutes and there are reports that a 73-page manifesto was authored by the 28-year old gunman claiming that he wanted to attack Muslims and praising President Donald Trump calling him a “symbol of renewed white identity.” In addition to the shooting, two explosive devices were found attached to one of the detainee’s cars. 

In a statement, MAI Executive Director Aliya Amin said:
“The Hoosier Muslim community is shattered and heartbroken for our Kiwi sisters and brothers. At this time, we urge all faith communities to take extra security measures during services and sunday schools because all life is precious. While attacks against Muslims have been on the rise, this is the first we have seen on this scale. We call upon our leaders and elected officials to openly and forcefully condemn the hate that was the driving force for this attack before we find ourselves grieving for even more lives. Just as Charleston was unacceptable, Pittsburgh was unacceptable, Christchurch is unacceptable and should be the end of the list of attacks due to any kind of hate. To the families of all victims, we don’t have any words that can give you comfort, but the world is praying for you. May God grant you peace and strength during this devastating time.”

A fundraising campaign has been started for the victims and their families here: https://www.launchgood.com/project/support_for_the_families__victims_of_the_new_zealand_mosque_shootings#!/

Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) is an Indiana-based nonprofit of Muslims working for all Hoosiers to build a community that is inclusive, diverse and capable of effective collective action to preserve the civil rights and liberties of all. 

# # #

Did you know that we have a helpline for Arabic-speaking Hoosiers? If you know of an individual or family that needs help connecting to services or reporting an incident, please pass along the phone number!

All callers can remain anonymous if they wish, and the hotline is not just for Muslims. Please help spread the word! #indianamuslims

Whether you need help finding jobs, educational programs, health care or legal advice – call the helpline to be connected to these resources and more!

If you work with the Arabic-speaking population and would like us to drop off some fliers, please message us or email info@indianamuslims.org