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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

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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.

Media Advisory: click here to read
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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:


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

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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

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Congregation during COVID-19 Pandemic: A joint Statement from the Indiana Muslim Community

As Ramadan quickly approaches, the Indiana Muslim community solemnly acknowledges that this month of fasting will deviate from the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic. After consultation with both religious and health experts, we concede that congregation at the mosque puts our local and wider communities at risk, especially our elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and prayers or gatherings in large groups can intensify its spread.

We agree that continuing temporary suspension of religious congregation is not only permissible, but necessary for the greater public good. As many of us will be working on the frontlines and fighting for the well-being and safety of our communities, we recognize that social distancing is part of our civic and religious obligation. Islam commands us above all else to preserve and protect human life, a commandment that takes precedence even over obligatory rituals and practices.  There are many instances in the Quran and example of the Prophet Muhammad (S) that highlight social distancing, quarantine, and restriction of congregation for the preservation of health and life in dire circumstances. In this challenging time, Muslim scholars underscore that praying at home is not only recommended but is mandatory when health and well-being are at risk. Allah (SWT) says, “Do not throw yourselves with your own hands into harm.” [Quran 2:195].

We renew our commitment to suspend prayer in congregation and other group rituals until health and elected officials deem it safe to resume. We urge fellow Muslim Hoosiers to follow the stay-at-home order issued by Governor Eric Holcomb, maintain social distancing, and abstain from large gatherings. Given that this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will work closely with local health officials and religious leaders to update the guidelines and best practices as the situation unfolds. As a community, we will continue to explore safe, effective, and mindful ways to engage and enrich our faith during this holy month. May Allah relieve the world from this pandemic and grant us a successful Ramadan. 

Signed in peace and hope, 

Lori Joundi
Executive Director 
Muslim Alliance of Indiana

Hiba Alami
Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network

Ahmed Alamine
Imam
Indianapolis Muslim Community Association (IMCA)

Arman Siddiqui
President, Board of Directors
Alhuda Foundation

Shamaas Nyazee
President
AlHussnain Inc
Board of Directors
Masjid-e-Noor

Ibrahim Eljirby
ISNA Masjid – Plainfield

Salihou Diallo
President , Board of Director
MASJID ALHIKMAH

Heather Akou
Chair, Board of Trustees
Islamic Center of Bloomington

Richard A. McKinney BSW, AS
Board Member, Muslim Alliance of Indiana
Former President, Islamic Center of Muncie

Nayab Ahmed
Board of Trustees
Geist Community Center

Ismail Abdul-Aleem
Imam
Masjid Al-Mumineen

Michael “Mikal” Saahir
Resident Imam
Nur-Allah Islamic center

Halima Al-Khattab
President, Board of Directors
Indianapolis Muslim Community Association (IMCA)

Ghufran Ahmad
President, Board of Directors
Islamic Society of Columbus Indiana

Osama Saad
Imam
Al-Azhar Foundation

Hassan Mahrouq
President, Board of Directors
Masjid Al-Sahabah

Hydre Abdullah
Majlis Shura Member
Muslim Community Center

Zaim Khalid
Gen Coordinator
Islamic Society of Greater Lafayette

Nadeem Ikhlaq
Board of Trustees
Al Salam Foundation

Rami Musleh
Board of Directors
Northwest Indiana Islamic Center

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