Photo courtesy Linda Sarsour, Twitter
What is ISNA?
Islamic Society of North America
VISION: To be an exemplary and unifying Islamic organization in North America that contributes to the betterment of the Muslim community and society at large.
MISSION: To foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and better understanding of Islam.
STRATEGIC GOALS: Achieve organizational excellence: operational efficacy, transparency, accountability, high-performance, effective communication, short-term and long-term financial stability.
Strengthen and develop American Muslim communities.
Enhance interfaith collaboration and civic engagement.
Share the contributions of the American Muslim community.
RECENT ISNA STATEMENTS
ISNA DENOUNCES THE U.S. SUPREME COURT’S DECISION TO UPHOLD THE TRAVEL BAN
ISNA DISAPPOINTED WITH U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BILL ON HUNGER
FAITH LEADER STATEMENT ON FAMILY SEPARATION
ISNA’S DIRECTOR’S NOTE
“This past year has been one of the most politically and socially turbulent in decades. From unabashed racial animus to wealth inequality increased further by inequitable federal tax legislation, the challenges we face as a nation cannot be overstated. But neither can the positive responses from the best of our country be overlooked. Muslims are running for local and federal office in record numbers, and winning, especially women. Jewish, Christian, and other faith communities are partnering with Muslims in record numbers on gun violence prevention, climate change, and other issues beyond civil rights and hate crimes. Youth are quickly realizing that rallies are important, but not enough to shift the tide in favor of equity and justice for all people. The number of challenges is large, but so too are the opportunities, and the Muslim-American community seems to have woken up. We are confident that our Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances (IOICA) will continue to serve as a platform for our community to grow (through our Policy Fellowship Program), contribute to anti-poverty advocacy (like our #MuslimsAgainstHunger Lobby Day), and stand with faith partners to live out the Prophetic principles of compassion, mercy, and justice that our beloved Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) showed us over 1400 years ago. Our time and place may be different, but the struggles remain the same.” Colin Christopher, Director, Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances Islamic Society of North America
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So, while the ISNA organization publicly promotes interfaith understanding and social justice concerns common to all Americans, Linda Sarsour’s convention quotes appear to be an attempt to shame fellow Muslims into supporting her own political platform, suggesting that if they are not on board she questions their true faith and American patriotism.
Sarsour quotes from her appearance at this year’s ISNA convention courtesy The Investigative Project on Terrorism:
“If you’re on the side of the oppressor, or you’re defending the oppressor or you’re actually trying to humanize the oppressor,” she said, “then that’s a problem sisters and brothers and we got to be able to say: that is not the position of the Muslim American community.”
“You as an American Muslim are complicit in the occupation of Palestinians, in the murder of Palestinian protesters. So when we start debating in the Muslim community about Palestine, it tells me a lot about you and about the type of faith that you have in your heart.”
“In fact, when you are silent, you are the one that’s not a patriot and you are the one that’s not a true American and not proud to be an American.”
“When I stand up here and I’m fighting for your rights and the rights of all people in these United States of America, I am a true patriot. And those of you who have fear in your hearts and don’t have the courage to stand up for your deen (religion), for your communities, for your religious institutions, for your children, that is not just a question of your patriotism. It is a question of your iman (faith).”
(Note: According to the original article, Wajahat Ali, was disinvited from speaking the convention for failing to make the Palestinian cause his paramount issue as a Muslim.)
The 55th annual convention was held in Houston Aug 31-Sept 3, 2018.
https://www.investigativeproject.org/7598/isna-convention-uses-shame-fear-to-stir-muslims