A statement on the Vandalism of the Islamic Center of Bloomingto
[Indianapolis, IN, October 21, 2021] The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its leadership and constituents, strongly condemns the vandalism of the Islamic Center of Bloomington. Surveillance cameras at the Islamic center caught video footage of the suspect who arrived at the facility on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 1:13 a.m, and caused damage to an air condition unit, picnic tables, a security camera and metal fencing.
We stand in solidarity with the Bloomington Muslim community and recommit ourselves to fighting Islamophobia and hate in all its forms and shapes. The 2020 FBI report confirms a spike in hate crimes in Indiana and cites bias against religion as the second motivation for hate crimes. On May 24, 2020, Masjid E Noor in Indianapolis was the target of a shooting on the highest holidays in the Islamic calendars, Eid Ul-Fitr. Bullets penetrated the windows and nearly struck some of the congregants, in an apparent hate crime against the mosque and an act of attempted murder against those inside. The vandalism of the Islamic Center of Bloomington occurred on the day before Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and we believe this is not a mere coincidence. Our community is concerned for its safety and the safety of other faith groups. We urge mosques, churches, synagogues and temples to stay vigilant and take the necessary measures to protect their congregations and facilities.
In a statement, Hiba Alami, Executive Director of the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, said:
“For many years, we worked closely with faith based organizations and community partners to pass bias crimes legislation in Indiana. As we witness yet another hate crime in our community, I urge Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oilphant to prosecute the perpetrator under the bias crimes law. The recent vandalism of the Islamic Center of Bloomington puts this law to the test and uncovers whether it has a meaningful impact on our communities.”
We call on the Bloomington Police Department to vigorously investigate this vandalism as a hate crime. The damage caused by the suspect and the time he spent vandalizing the mosque attest to the hateful sentiments that motivated him. We also request the Bloomington Police Department to release a clear photo of the perpetrator to the media since one is available. We demand a fair treatment and a thorough investigation that brings justice to the community and sends a strong message that hate has no place in Indiana.
-----
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that strives to provide Muslim Hoosiers an educated, organized and amplified political voice advocating for positive civic and political changes in the State of Indiana. https://www.imanassociates.org/.
Contact information: IMAN associates’ ED Hiba Alami at halami@imanadvocates.org
We stand in solidarity with the Bloomington Muslim community and recommit ourselves to fighting Islamophobia and hate in all its forms and shapes. The 2020 FBI report confirms a spike in hate crimes in Indiana and cites bias against religion as the second motivation for hate crimes. On May 24, 2020, Masjid E Noor in Indianapolis was the target of a shooting on the highest holidays in the Islamic calendars, Eid Ul-Fitr. Bullets penetrated the windows and nearly struck some of the congregants, in an apparent hate crime against the mosque and an act of attempted murder against those inside. The vandalism of the Islamic Center of Bloomington occurred on the day before Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and we believe this is not a mere coincidence. Our community is concerned for its safety and the safety of other faith groups. We urge mosques, churches, synagogues and temples to stay vigilant and take the necessary measures to protect their congregations and facilities.
In a statement, Hiba Alami, Executive Director of the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, said:
“For many years, we worked closely with faith based organizations and community partners to pass bias crimes legislation in Indiana. As we witness yet another hate crime in our community, I urge Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oilphant to prosecute the perpetrator under the bias crimes law. The recent vandalism of the Islamic Center of Bloomington puts this law to the test and uncovers whether it has a meaningful impact on our communities.”
We call on the Bloomington Police Department to vigorously investigate this vandalism as a hate crime. The damage caused by the suspect and the time he spent vandalizing the mosque attest to the hateful sentiments that motivated him. We also request the Bloomington Police Department to release a clear photo of the perpetrator to the media since one is available. We demand a fair treatment and a thorough investigation that brings justice to the community and sends a strong message that hate has no place in Indiana.
-----
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that strives to provide Muslim Hoosiers an educated, organized and amplified political voice advocating for positive civic and political changes in the State of Indiana. https://www.imanassociates.org/.
Contact information: IMAN associates’ ED Hiba Alami at halami@imanadvocates.org
A Statement in Support of U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson
and his Recent Stance on the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict
May 21, 2021
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network is a statewide organization that strives to provide an educated, organized and amplified political voice to Muslim Hoosiers, advocating on their behalf for positive civic and political changes in Indiana. Last week, conversations about Israel’s ongoing human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the recent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dominated the conversation in many of our constituents’ households. Eid celebrations were muted by the increasing number of casualties, including more than 60 children and 30 women. Thousands of Muslim, Christian, Jews, Black, Brown and White Hoosiers took to the streets in Indianapolis and protested against the disproportionate use of force against Palestinians, called for an immediate de-escalation of violence and demanded right of self-determination for Palestinians.
Unequivocally a champion for human rights, U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson from the Seventh District of Indiana, voiced his support for the Palestinian cause and decried the human rights violations perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian civilians. On behalf of our organization and constituents, we thank Congressmen Carson for his stance and wholeheartedly support his position. We stand in solidarity with Congressmen Carson and other leaders in demanding dignity and the right of self determination for Palestinians. As Congressman Carson rightfully stated, "Americans of all backgrounds have a moral obligation to protect human rights wherever they are threatened — in #SheikhJarrah, and around the world!" But most importantly, Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network stands alongside Congressman Carson and other pro-palestinian voices, to ensure that such voices are not muted or subdued. Silencing these voices is both an encroachment on our first amendment rights and incompatible with American democratic values.
As a statewide organization, the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network has been and continues to advocate against bigotry and hate in all its shapes and forms. Thus, we stress that the aggressions of Israel are not a reflection of the great Jewish faith, the Jewish people, or our local Jewish allies. Consequently, no person should be associated with the crimes of Israel simply for being Jewish. We urge fellow Hoosiers to refrain from using the recent escalations to fuel anti-Semitic speech or hate crimes against our local Jewish communities. To be clear, however, voicing ones support for Palestine or criticism of Israel is not anti-Semetic, just as it is not “Islamophobic” to criticize a predominantly Muslim country for its war crimes.
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network is a statewide organization that strives to provide an educated, organized and amplified political voice to Muslim Hoosiers, advocating on their behalf for positive civic and political changes in Indiana. Last week, conversations about Israel’s ongoing human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the recent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dominated the conversation in many of our constituents’ households. Eid celebrations were muted by the increasing number of casualties, including more than 60 children and 30 women. Thousands of Muslim, Christian, Jews, Black, Brown and White Hoosiers took to the streets in Indianapolis and protested against the disproportionate use of force against Palestinians, called for an immediate de-escalation of violence and demanded right of self-determination for Palestinians.
Unequivocally a champion for human rights, U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson from the Seventh District of Indiana, voiced his support for the Palestinian cause and decried the human rights violations perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian civilians. On behalf of our organization and constituents, we thank Congressmen Carson for his stance and wholeheartedly support his position. We stand in solidarity with Congressmen Carson and other leaders in demanding dignity and the right of self determination for Palestinians. As Congressman Carson rightfully stated, "Americans of all backgrounds have a moral obligation to protect human rights wherever they are threatened — in #SheikhJarrah, and around the world!" But most importantly, Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network stands alongside Congressman Carson and other pro-palestinian voices, to ensure that such voices are not muted or subdued. Silencing these voices is both an encroachment on our first amendment rights and incompatible with American democratic values.
As a statewide organization, the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network has been and continues to advocate against bigotry and hate in all its shapes and forms. Thus, we stress that the aggressions of Israel are not a reflection of the great Jewish faith, the Jewish people, or our local Jewish allies. Consequently, no person should be associated with the crimes of Israel simply for being Jewish. We urge fellow Hoosiers to refrain from using the recent escalations to fuel anti-Semitic speech or hate crimes against our local Jewish communities. To be clear, however, voicing ones support for Palestine or criticism of Israel is not anti-Semetic, just as it is not “Islamophobic” to criticize a predominantly Muslim country for its war crimes.
Central Indiana Muslim Community Joint Statement on Fedex Shooting
April 18, 2021
The Central Indiana Muslim community, represented by the signatories and their institutions, is deeply distrubed by the mass shooting that happened in the early hours of April 16, 2021 at a Fedex facility in Indianapolis, IN. Eight innocent people were killed and others were injured. The suspect, a former employee at that facility, died of self-inflicted wounds.
We strongly condemn this unimaginable tragedy that left families and communities around Indiana grieving the loss of their loved ones. We stand in solidarity and grief with the Sikh community, who lost four of their members, as well as the friends and families of all victims of this senseless act of violence. We send them our thoughts and prayers as they go through this heart-rending time, and we recommit ourselves to fighting for the safety and security of all Hoosiers.
As the holy Quran unequivocally states: “Whosoever kills a person..it shall be as if he killed all humankind,” we reaffirm our religious obligation to preserve the lives of all human beings. Thus, we call on the Indiana General Assembly to enact common sense gun laws that ban automatic assault weapons, as well as improve gun safety laws that protect Hoosiers and stand in the way of losing more lives.
In solidarity,
Hiba Alami, Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network
Fatima Hussain, Board President
Muslim Alliance of Indiana
Shamaas Nyazee, President
Masjid E Noor and AlHussnain Seminary
Eyas Raddad, President
Indianapolis Muslim Community Association
Faisal Khan, President
Al Salam Foundation
Arman Siddiqui, MD, President
Al Huda Foundation
Hydre Abdullah, Shura Member
Muslim Community Center
Junaid Chariwala, Board member
Masjid As-Sahaba
The Central Indiana Muslim community, represented by the signatories and their institutions, is deeply distrubed by the mass shooting that happened in the early hours of April 16, 2021 at a Fedex facility in Indianapolis, IN. Eight innocent people were killed and others were injured. The suspect, a former employee at that facility, died of self-inflicted wounds.
We strongly condemn this unimaginable tragedy that left families and communities around Indiana grieving the loss of their loved ones. We stand in solidarity and grief with the Sikh community, who lost four of their members, as well as the friends and families of all victims of this senseless act of violence. We send them our thoughts and prayers as they go through this heart-rending time, and we recommit ourselves to fighting for the safety and security of all Hoosiers.
As the holy Quran unequivocally states: “Whosoever kills a person..it shall be as if he killed all humankind,” we reaffirm our religious obligation to preserve the lives of all human beings. Thus, we call on the Indiana General Assembly to enact common sense gun laws that ban automatic assault weapons, as well as improve gun safety laws that protect Hoosiers and stand in the way of losing more lives.
In solidarity,
Hiba Alami, Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network
Fatima Hussain, Board President
Muslim Alliance of Indiana
Shamaas Nyazee, President
Masjid E Noor and AlHussnain Seminary
Eyas Raddad, President
Indianapolis Muslim Community Association
Faisal Khan, President
Al Salam Foundation
Arman Siddiqui, MD, President
Al Huda Foundation
Hydre Abdullah, Shura Member
Muslim Community Center
Junaid Chariwala, Board member
Masjid As-Sahaba
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network Statement on the Events on the House Floor
February 20, 2021
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its leadership and constituents, is deeply disturbed by the clear departure from decorum and civility exhibited in the House Chamber last week. On February 18, 2021, Rep. Greg Porter and Rep. Vernon Smith, two members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, were booed by fellow legislators while speaking against a bill that would allow residents to leave the racially diverse South Bend school system and become part of a mostly white neighboring district.
As a symbol of our democracy, the Indiana General Assembly continues to be a catalyst for social, economic and racial reform. We strongly believe that elected officials should have an equal opportunity to speak and represent their constituents. Voices of minorities and marginalized communities have the right to be heard in our legislature and across the state. We expect difficult conversations about racial discrimination to be respected and welcomed in both chambers of the Indiana legislature.
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network continues to encourage legislators to restore civility to the local civic dialogue and rediscover respect of the diverse perspectives of all members of the Indiana General Assembly.
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its leadership and constituents, is deeply disturbed by the clear departure from decorum and civility exhibited in the House Chamber last week. On February 18, 2021, Rep. Greg Porter and Rep. Vernon Smith, two members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, were booed by fellow legislators while speaking against a bill that would allow residents to leave the racially diverse South Bend school system and become part of a mostly white neighboring district.
As a symbol of our democracy, the Indiana General Assembly continues to be a catalyst for social, economic and racial reform. We strongly believe that elected officials should have an equal opportunity to speak and represent their constituents. Voices of minorities and marginalized communities have the right to be heard in our legislature and across the state. We expect difficult conversations about racial discrimination to be respected and welcomed in both chambers of the Indiana legislature.
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network continues to encourage legislators to restore civility to the local civic dialogue and rediscover respect of the diverse perspectives of all members of the Indiana General Assembly.
Indiana Muslim Community Safety Alert
January 18, 2021
With recent riots and violence in Washington DC, and reports of potential violence in all 50 states, we would like to alert the community to be vigilant. Indiana State Capitol is closing this week for the same reason. We are aware of no specific threat targeting the Indiana Muslim community.
However, out of abundance of caution, we ask our community members to follow these simple recommendations in the coming couple of weeks as the situation becomes clearer:
We ask Indiana Muslims to stay vigilant in the coming few weeks. May Allah protect our country and keep all Americans safe. May Allah keep us grounded and help us uphold our democracy.
Signed in peace,
Fatima Hussain
Board President
Muslim Alliance of Indiana
Hiba Alami
Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network
Eyas Raddad
Executive Director and President
Indianapolis Muslim Community Association
Zaim Khalid
Member, Board of Trustees
Islamic Society of Greater Lafayette
Dr. Faisal Khan
Board President
Al Salam Foundation
Arman Siddiqui, MD
President, Board of Directors
Alhuda Foundation
Shamaas Nyazee
President, AlHussnain Seminary
Board Member, Masjid E Noor
Sheik (Shaykh) Rasul Hasan Bey
Grand Sheik
Subordinate/Grand Major Temple of the Moorish Science Temple of America No. 5
Gary, IN
With recent riots and violence in Washington DC, and reports of potential violence in all 50 states, we would like to alert the community to be vigilant. Indiana State Capitol is closing this week for the same reason. We are aware of no specific threat targeting the Indiana Muslim community.
However, out of abundance of caution, we ask our community members to follow these simple recommendations in the coming couple of weeks as the situation becomes clearer:
- Avoid engaging with any political discussion especially with people who may hold extreme views.
- Masjid patrons need to keep a watchful eye for any suspicious activities, and report any incident to the police (911) immediately, and inform their leadership to alert the rest of the community.
- Try to avoid or be watchful in public spaces especially if your appearance may be distinct (e.g. Hijab, sirwal qamees, etc.).
- If you are aware of any threat (e.g. direct, social media posts...etc.), report it immediately to the police (911). Central Indiana residents can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477).
We ask Indiana Muslims to stay vigilant in the coming few weeks. May Allah protect our country and keep all Americans safe. May Allah keep us grounded and help us uphold our democracy.
Signed in peace,
Fatima Hussain
Board President
Muslim Alliance of Indiana
Hiba Alami
Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network
Eyas Raddad
Executive Director and President
Indianapolis Muslim Community Association
Zaim Khalid
Member, Board of Trustees
Islamic Society of Greater Lafayette
Dr. Faisal Khan
Board President
Al Salam Foundation
Arman Siddiqui, MD
President, Board of Directors
Alhuda Foundation
Shamaas Nyazee
President, AlHussnain Seminary
Board Member, Masjid E Noor
Sheik (Shaykh) Rasul Hasan Bey
Grand Sheik
Subordinate/Grand Major Temple of the Moorish Science Temple of America No. 5
Gary, IN
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network Welcomes the Re-election of
U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson
November 5, 2020
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its leadership and constituents, welcomes and celebrates the re-election of U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson in the 2020 elections. First elected in 2008, U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson has since championed health care reforms, economic growth, the creation and protection of good paying jobs and has always fought for the best interest of the Indiana’s 7th Congressional District.
As a pioneer of public service and an active member of the Indiana Muslim community and Central Indiana at large, Congressman Andre´ Carson left his mark on many of the day to day lives of Indiana residents. He is an influential leader and a prominent political figure, who has galvanized Indiana Muslims and further engaged them in the political process. His long contributions to the betterment of our nation is the inspiration to many Muslim Hoosiers, including State Senator-elect Fady Qaddoura, recently elected to serve in the Indiana General Assembly.
The organization and its leadership congratulate Congressman Carson for his long record of outstanding leadership and public service, and wish him success in his 7th full term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its leadership and constituents, welcomes and celebrates the re-election of U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson in the 2020 elections. First elected in 2008, U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson has since championed health care reforms, economic growth, the creation and protection of good paying jobs and has always fought for the best interest of the Indiana’s 7th Congressional District.
As a pioneer of public service and an active member of the Indiana Muslim community and Central Indiana at large, Congressman Andre´ Carson left his mark on many of the day to day lives of Indiana residents. He is an influential leader and a prominent political figure, who has galvanized Indiana Muslims and further engaged them in the political process. His long contributions to the betterment of our nation is the inspiration to many Muslim Hoosiers, including State Senator-elect Fady Qaddoura, recently elected to serve in the Indiana General Assembly.
The organization and its leadership congratulate Congressman Carson for his long record of outstanding leadership and public service, and wish him success in his 7th full term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network Welcomes the Historic Win of Fady Qaddoura
November 4, 2020
"(Indianapolis, IN) The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its leadership and constituents, welcomes and celebrates the historic win of Fady Qaddoura (D) in the 2020 Indiana State Senate race. State Senator-elect Qaddoura is a proud Muslim who symbolizes the meaningful contributions of Muslim Hoosiers in the increasingly diverse landscape of American politics. The organization and its constituents congratulate his outstanding leadership and service.
According to IndyStar’s 2020 State Senate Election Results, Fady Qaddoura garnered 52.4% of State Senate District 30 votes. He wins this seat with 3,812 more votes than Republican incumbent Senator John Ruckelshaus.
“This is a monumental moment in history as Fady Qaddoura becomes the First Muslim American to serve in the Indiana State Senate,” said Syed Ali Saeed, Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network President of Directors. “Fady is a thoughtful leader, whose measured decision making and diverse religious background will be an asset to the Indiana General Assembly. He has a strong track record of reaching across the aisle and will undoubtedly serve his district with dedication and sincerity. I hope this win heralds a new age of diversity within the Indiana State House.”
“This is a historic moment for the Indiana Muslim community indeed.” said Hiba Alami, Executive Director of Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network. “Since the announcement in mid 2019, the Indiana Muslim community rallied behind Fady’s candidacy and actively participated in creating a momentum for his campaign. They are extremely proud to witness his win and celebrate the reelection of U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson, which will further galvanize them in the political process on the local and national levels.”
Formed in 2017, the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that strives to provide an educated, organized and amplified political voice to Indiana Muslims, advocating for positive civic and political changes in the State of Indiana. In the 2020 Election, the organization engaged tens of thousands of Muslim voters across the state through its candidate forums, voters’ guides and phone and text banks to mobilize their vote. To learn about the organization, visit www.imanassociates.org.”
"(Indianapolis, IN) The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its leadership and constituents, welcomes and celebrates the historic win of Fady Qaddoura (D) in the 2020 Indiana State Senate race. State Senator-elect Qaddoura is a proud Muslim who symbolizes the meaningful contributions of Muslim Hoosiers in the increasingly diverse landscape of American politics. The organization and its constituents congratulate his outstanding leadership and service.
According to IndyStar’s 2020 State Senate Election Results, Fady Qaddoura garnered 52.4% of State Senate District 30 votes. He wins this seat with 3,812 more votes than Republican incumbent Senator John Ruckelshaus.
“This is a monumental moment in history as Fady Qaddoura becomes the First Muslim American to serve in the Indiana State Senate,” said Syed Ali Saeed, Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network President of Directors. “Fady is a thoughtful leader, whose measured decision making and diverse religious background will be an asset to the Indiana General Assembly. He has a strong track record of reaching across the aisle and will undoubtedly serve his district with dedication and sincerity. I hope this win heralds a new age of diversity within the Indiana State House.”
“This is a historic moment for the Indiana Muslim community indeed.” said Hiba Alami, Executive Director of Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network. “Since the announcement in mid 2019, the Indiana Muslim community rallied behind Fady’s candidacy and actively participated in creating a momentum for his campaign. They are extremely proud to witness his win and celebrate the reelection of U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson, which will further galvanize them in the political process on the local and national levels.”
Formed in 2017, the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that strives to provide an educated, organized and amplified political voice to Indiana Muslims, advocating for positive civic and political changes in the State of Indiana. In the 2020 Election, the organization engaged tens of thousands of Muslim voters across the state through its candidate forums, voters’ guides and phone and text banks to mobilize their vote. To learn about the organization, visit www.imanassociates.org.”
Indiana Muslim Community Joint Statement
Indiana Muslim Community Condemns Anti-Catholic & Anti-Muslim Comments
October 30, 2020
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, Muslim Alliance of Indiana, and the Muslim Community Center, on behalf of their leadership and constituents, strongly condemn past anti-Muslim and anti-Catholic remarks posted on Facebook by John Jacob, the Republican candidate vying to represent Indiana State House District 93.
The remarks posted on the personal facebook page of Republican candidate John Jacob attack two religious groups that have the right to freedom of religion, a fundamental principle in our constitution. His posts sow bigotry and division in our Hoosier state. In such a divisive time, we expect candidates from all political parties vying to serve in the Indiana General Assembly to champion the cause of unity and fight against hatred and bigotry. We expect them to be representatives of ALL Hoosiers and we call on Mr. Jacob to renounce the hateful comments.
The two organizations, along with multi-faith organizations and allies across the state, stand firm with the Indiana Muslim community and the Catholic parishioners and assert that such bigotry and hatred has no place in our Hoosier state
Signed in unity,
Hiba Alami
Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network
Muhammad Safder
Shura Member
Muslim Community Center
Fatima Hussain
Board President
Muslim Alliance of Indiana
Hydre Abdullah
Shura Member
Muslim Community Center
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, Muslim Alliance of Indiana, and the Muslim Community Center, on behalf of their leadership and constituents, strongly condemn past anti-Muslim and anti-Catholic remarks posted on Facebook by John Jacob, the Republican candidate vying to represent Indiana State House District 93.
The remarks posted on the personal facebook page of Republican candidate John Jacob attack two religious groups that have the right to freedom of religion, a fundamental principle in our constitution. His posts sow bigotry and division in our Hoosier state. In such a divisive time, we expect candidates from all political parties vying to serve in the Indiana General Assembly to champion the cause of unity and fight against hatred and bigotry. We expect them to be representatives of ALL Hoosiers and we call on Mr. Jacob to renounce the hateful comments.
The two organizations, along with multi-faith organizations and allies across the state, stand firm with the Indiana Muslim community and the Catholic parishioners and assert that such bigotry and hatred has no place in our Hoosier state
Signed in unity,
Hiba Alami
Executive Director
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network
Muhammad Safder
Shura Member
Muslim Community Center
Fatima Hussain
Board President
Muslim Alliance of Indiana
Hydre Abdullah
Shura Member
Muslim Community Center
MEDIA ADVISORY: Indianapolis Muslim Community Calls for Hate Crime Investigation of Shooting Targeting Mosque
The Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network (IMAN) and Masjid E-Noor, a local Indianapolis mosque, are planning to hold a press conference regarding a shooting that targeted Masjid-E-Noor on Sunday, May 24, which was Eid ul-Fitr, one of the holiest days of the Muslim calendar marking the end of Ramadan. We intend to share the surveillance video with the attendees at the press conference.
WHAT: Press conference regarding hate crime shooting at local mosque, Masjid-E-Noor
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday May 28, 2020, at 10:30 am
WHERE: Outside Masjid-E-Noor; 5355 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
WHO: Eyewitnesses, mosque and local community leaders
Live Video will be streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/IMANAssociates/
CONTACT: IMAN Executive Director Hiba Alami at 317-798-0688 or halami@imanadvocates.org
On May 24, 2020, Muslim Hoosier families gathered across the state to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the holiest days in the Muslim calendar. That Sunday evening, Masjid-E-Noor was closed due to coronavirus precautions. However, a few members of the mosque were gathered in prayer to mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, when bullets penetrated the windows and nearly struck some of the congregants, in an apparent hate crime against the mosque and an act of attempted murder against those inside. Fortunately, there were no casualties, primarily because an overwhelming majority of the mosques’ attendees had stayed home due to the pandemic.
Hoosier Muslim community leaders are calling on local law enforcement to vigorously investigate a possible hate crime motive for the shooting, to increase patrols directly in front of Masjid-E-Noor and other local mosques, and are calling on elected officials to publicly condemn such an overt act of violence.
In a statement, Syed Ali Saeed, the President of IMAN, said:
"Shootings like the one at Masjid E. Noor have increased recently, with mosques and synagogues being the primary subjects of these hateful crimes. While the Muslim community does not currently have the benefit of any investigation results, we strongly suspect that the violence was motivated by hate and bigotry and urge the IMPD to run a transparent and thorough investigation. We will not tolerate bigotry in our Hoosier state and will continue to work with our allies to ensure that worshippers in Indiana can practice their faiths safely and peacefully."
---
Masjid-E-Noor is an Indianapolis mosque that has been serving Northwest Indianapolis Hoosiers since 2013.
IMAN is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that strives to provide Muslim Hoosiers an educated, organized and amplified political voice advocating for positive civic and political changes in the State of Indiana. https://www.imanassociates.org/
WHAT: Press conference regarding hate crime shooting at local mosque, Masjid-E-Noor
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday May 28, 2020, at 10:30 am
WHERE: Outside Masjid-E-Noor; 5355 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46254
WHO: Eyewitnesses, mosque and local community leaders
Live Video will be streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/IMANAssociates/
CONTACT: IMAN Executive Director Hiba Alami at 317-798-0688 or halami@imanadvocates.org
On May 24, 2020, Muslim Hoosier families gathered across the state to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the holiest days in the Muslim calendar. That Sunday evening, Masjid-E-Noor was closed due to coronavirus precautions. However, a few members of the mosque were gathered in prayer to mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, when bullets penetrated the windows and nearly struck some of the congregants, in an apparent hate crime against the mosque and an act of attempted murder against those inside. Fortunately, there were no casualties, primarily because an overwhelming majority of the mosques’ attendees had stayed home due to the pandemic.
Hoosier Muslim community leaders are calling on local law enforcement to vigorously investigate a possible hate crime motive for the shooting, to increase patrols directly in front of Masjid-E-Noor and other local mosques, and are calling on elected officials to publicly condemn such an overt act of violence.
In a statement, Syed Ali Saeed, the President of IMAN, said:
"Shootings like the one at Masjid E. Noor have increased recently, with mosques and synagogues being the primary subjects of these hateful crimes. While the Muslim community does not currently have the benefit of any investigation results, we strongly suspect that the violence was motivated by hate and bigotry and urge the IMPD to run a transparent and thorough investigation. We will not tolerate bigotry in our Hoosier state and will continue to work with our allies to ensure that worshippers in Indiana can practice their faiths safely and peacefully."
---
Masjid-E-Noor is an Indianapolis mosque that has been serving Northwest Indianapolis Hoosiers since 2013.
IMAN is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that strives to provide Muslim Hoosiers an educated, organized and amplified political voice advocating for positive civic and political changes in the State of Indiana. https://www.imanassociates.org/
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network Statement on Police- Engaged Shooting in Our Community
Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, on behalf of its staff and constituents, sends its thoughts and prayers to the family of Sean Reed who was involved in a tragic and fatal incident involving a police action shooting on May 6th, 2020. Given that critical questions remain unanswered regarding the fatal shooting of Mr. Reed, we stand in solidarity with other community members and organizations in seeking a thorough and transparent investigation of this incident.
Unfortunately, incidents and reports of police brutality and use of excessive force against victims of color have become far too common. These incidents fracture the public’s trust in law enforcement agencies and tarnish the image of many valiant and compassionate officers serving their communities. Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network demands for our lawmakers to act swiftly and assess and institute if feasible measures, such as mandatory body cameras, to restore the fractured public trust.
Unfortunately, incidents and reports of police brutality and use of excessive force against victims of color have become far too common. These incidents fracture the public’s trust in law enforcement agencies and tarnish the image of many valiant and compassionate officers serving their communities. Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network demands for our lawmakers to act swiftly and assess and institute if feasible measures, such as mandatory body cameras, to restore the fractured public trust.