August 17, 2007

The Islamic Information Center (IIC) would like to express their condolences to the families of the victims in the Al-Qaeda suicide bombings in Northern Iraq on Tuesday. The bombing, aimed at a minority group of Kurds killed a total of around 500 innocent victims. Al-Qaeda accuses the Yazidi minority of being infidels and attempts to drive these people out of Iraq . The Yazidis have previously been targeted in suicide bombings by Al-Qaeda as well but never so many as this. Islam places inherent value in each human life, as

August 27, 2007

The Islamic Information Center condemns the terrorist attack that occurred this past weekend in Hyderabad, India. The killing of innocent civilians is an attack on humanity and must be vehemently deplored, and IIC extends its condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the tragedy. On Saturday, August 25, 2007, two bombs were set off in the city of Hyderabad, leaving over 60 people wounded and 41 dead. Explosives were found in 16 other locations surrounding the city. Because the bombs exploded at approximately the same time, in 

September 11, 2007

On the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Islamic Information Center (IIC) would like to pass on its condolences to the victims and their families of this great tragedy. Words cannot express IIC's empathy for all those who have been affected, throughout the years, by this horrendous act of terrorism. Even today, the world feels the effects of terrorism. The people of Iraq suffer from terrorism, as countless Muslims are hurt or killed indiscriminately daily, by people who are supposedly acting in the name of religion.

September 21, 2007

The Islamic Information Center condemns the recent call to violence by Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. Recently, he called on members of his terrorist cell to attack Pakistani Government officials, to cause violence and unrest, and cause harm to innocent Pakistani individuals, regardless of whether they are Muslim or not. The notion of hurting innocent individuals, or killing government officials because they do not follow a particular violent ideology, is completely abhorrent to the religion of Islam, and directly contradictory to the message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be

September 27, 2007

The Islamic Information Center condemns Congressman Peter King's statement claiming that there are "too many mosques" in the country. Such a statement directly contradicts American values, and the ideals upon which this country was founded upon. Basic religious freedoms are the cornerstone of American culture, and for a Congressman to make such a statement is reprehensible. Each individual or group is allowed to establish their own centers of worship in this country, and it is not the place of any politician to limit religious expression amongst peaceful law abiding individuals.

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It's time to confront the threat from within

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Throughout the world, there are a myriad of religions and belief systems that countless followers adhere to, and these religions cover a variety of spiritual topics and concerns that seem to satisfy the billions of religious adherents. It is, however, an injustice to simply state that Islam is a "religion" of this type, offering only spiritual advice, and ignoring the matters of the "real world". Islam, simply put, is more than a religion, it is a way of living life. Amongst the teachings of Islam, established are such religious matters as prayer, charity, helping the poor, promoting good, and so forth, but there are also such practical matters as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, as well as social issues including politics, form of government, and there are even teachings about preserving the environment.

In Islam, the regard for environment can initially be traced back to the Qur'an, the Holy Book of all of the 1.2 billion Muslims around the world. The Quran says: "Verily in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who believe. And in the creation of yourselves and the fact that animals are scattered (throughout the earth), are Signs for those of assured Faith. And the alteration of Night and Day, and the fact that God sends down Sustenance from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the change of the winds,-are Signs for those that are wise." Qur'an, 45:3-5

n this "ayah", or verse from the Qur'an, the notion that God has created everything as a modicum to worship him is explained. The environment, plants, animals, and even the Earth itself are created as signs and symbols to recognize the existence of God. As such, if there is any harm or destruction to the environment, the plants, animals, Earth's atmosphere, or anything of the like - it is akin to destroying the signs of God. For a Muslim, to destroy one of the signs of the existence of God, even without knowing it, is the worst kind of sacrilege. In order to protect its followers, Islam has thus emphasized protection of the environment and maintenance of ecological systems throughout its teachings.

An example of preservation of the environment can be traced back to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, the successor to Prophet Muhammad (May God grant peace upon them). There was a time when Imam Ali was performing a job for another individual, which involved some sort of transcription of texts, and to do this job he would work by candle light. As Imam Ali was a well known source of Islamic information, and was perfectly versed in all teachings and rulings of Islam, countless Muslims would often solicit him in an attempt to obtain his advice. Of course, Imam Ali was always able to oblige, even if it meant that he had to halt his work for a few moments. However, before he conversed with the individuals that came to see him, he would always extinguish the candle.

The purpose was twofold: he did not want to use his employer's property (the candle) for reasons unrelated to work, and secondly he wanted to preserve the materials available at the time. This demonstrates the degree to which environmental preservation is taught by Islam. A candle, which has seemingly little environmental impact, was something that Imam Ali took care not to waste. In simpler terms, he was using a system that has only evolved in America in the past twenty years: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. The 3 "R" rule has been something that ecologists have been trying to promote since the early 1980s, however, has been in effect since Islam's inception more than a thousand years ago.

The Prophet's successor attempted to teach, (by example and by word), the need to reduce waste, to save resources, and preserve the environment as far back as 700 C.E.
Of course, the Islamic discourse on the environment is further discussed throughout the Qur'an. As mentioned before, the explanation that all of reality was created to worship God is something that appears constantly throughout Islam. This idea extends through humans, angels, jinns, to plants, animals, and even inanimate objects. Though we do not understand how, everything in the universe, including the components of the environment, participates in making remembrance [dhikr] of God: " The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare his Glory: There is not a thing but celebrates His praise; and yet ye understand not how they declare His Glory! Verily He is Oft-Forbearing; Most Forgiving." Qur'an, 17:44 . There are many verses that mention specific beings that praise God; including the following: "Nay, thunder repeateth His praises, and so do the angels, with awe ." Qur'an, 13:13 and ".It was Our power that made the mountains and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David." Qur'an, 21:79.

The environment is one of the many issues that have arisen in today's society, which has been painstakingly covered by Islam centuries before most scholars began considering the issue. For Muslims, saving the environment is more than a clever coffee table conversation topic, it is a spiritual responsibility. Islam is more than a religion; it is a way of living; a way of thinking; a way to create a better life for all of Earth's inhabitants. 

October 6, 2007

October 6, 2007

IIC hosts monthly Round Table Series in order to provide a forum for various Muslim individuals and groups to connect and provide assistance to one another. We believe that there are a large amount of professional Muslims in positions in the DC Metropolitan area that either have access to a valuable resource and are willing to share it, or are in need of a resource that another individual or agency has access to, and would like to request its use.Salaam Alaikum,

After a previously successful year of Intern Round Table discussionsthe Islamic Information Center (IIC) is proud to announce that we will
be hosting another session this month. For those new to the program,the Round Table discussions are aimed at facilitating communication
between DC Area Muslim Interns & Young Professionals with Islamicgroups who can provide resources and benefit from their professional
association.

The IIC's mission is to be a resource of accurate and credibleinformation concerning Islam, and to supply the media and governmentalagencies with this material. Our organization hopes to foster positiveperception of our religion, and to increase awareness on issuesconcerning Muslims today.

The goal of the DC Area Muslim Round Table is to create a medium whereyoung professionals can aid the cause of Islam and network with other
interested individuals like themselves.

This month's Round Table will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday June 29 at East West Grill in Arlington, VA. Please contact Tasneem Anjarwalla
at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to RSVP for this event. IICwill be paying for the meal. To learn more about the IslamicInformation Center, please visithttp://www.islamicinformationcenter.org/. Please forward this messageto any interested individuals.

Sincerely,

Tasneem Anjarwalla
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Islamic Information Center

IIC hosts monthly Round Table Series in order to provide a forum for various Muslim individuals and groups to connect and provide assistance to one another. We believe that there are a large amount of professional Muslims in positions in the DC Metropolitan area that either have access to a valuable resource and are willing to share it, or are in need of a resource that another individual or agency has access to, and would like to request its use.Salaam Alaikum,

After a previously successful year of Intern Round Table discussionsthe Islamic Information Center (IIC) is proud to announce that we will
be hosting another session this month. For those new to the program,the Round Table discussions are aimed at facilitating communication
between DC Area Muslim Interns & Young Professionals with Islamicgroups who can provide resources and benefit from their professional
association.

The IIC's mission is to be a resource of accurate and credibleinformation concerning Islam, and to supply the media and governmentalagencies with this material. Our organization hopes to foster positiveperception of our religion, and to increase awareness on issuesconcerning Muslims today.

The goal of the DC Area Muslim Round Table is to create a medium whereyoung professionals can aid the cause of Islam and network with other
interested individuals like themselves.

This month's Round Table will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday June 29 at East West Grill in Arlington, VA. Please contact Tasneem Anjarwalla
at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to RSVP for this event. IICwill be paying for the meal. To learn more about the IslamicInformation Center, please visithttp://www.islamicinformationcenter.org/. Please forward this messageto any interested individuals.

Sincerely,

Tasneem Anjarwalla
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Islamic Information Center

October 6, 2007

The Islamic Information Center (IIC) would like to condemn the recent remarks by John Bolton, former UN Ambassador, supporting any decision to take pre-emptive measures against Iran. Bolton criticized the EU and UK for failing to negotiate with Iran and suggested that striking nuclear facilities in Iran was a viable option.  Further, Bolton also supported the notion of state engineering similar to Iraq, as a follow up to any pre-emptive strike. The IIC strongly disagrees with the views held by John Bolton.  Military measures taken with out proof cannot be

The IIC Monitor Summer 2008 Issue is to publish by mid-August. Topics include the recent political, social, and technological events as related to Islam.