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."
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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.