Assalamu’alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
اَلسَلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اَللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ
May peace, mercy, and blessing of Allah be upon you,
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ ۚ إِن يَكُنْ غَنِيًّا أَوْ فَقِيرًا فَاللَّهُ أَوْلَىٰ بِهِمَا ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا الْهَوَىٰ أَن تَعْدِلُوا ۚ وَإِن تَلْوُوا أَوْ تُعْرِضُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا
O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate from justice. If you distort testimony or refuse to give it, then know that Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do. (Qur’an 4:135)
Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand (authority). If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue (advice). If he is unable to do so, then with his heart , and that is the weakest level of faith.” (Prophet Muhammad PBUH)
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white- except by piety and good action.” (Prophet Muhammad PBUH)
The Islamic Society of Greater Portland (ISGP) condemns the brutal killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other victims of violence and unfair treatment due to racial discimination experienced by our African American brothers and sisters in communities across the nation. The violence perpetrated by law enforcement and/or other civilians is a symptom of hate, and ISGP does not tolerate or condone these hateful actions.
We offer our sincerest condolences, prayers, and support to the victims’ families and also to the communities impacted by racism and social injustice. We stand with our African American brothers and sisters as well as other communities of color to protest against the violence, unjust treatment, and discrimination that has historically plagued our nation and is currently retraumatizing our community members.
Every time an innocent life is taken, we feel the same outrage and share the same pledge to do something to change the current events in our country. ISGP calls upon our community members to take action and renew their commitment to denounce systemic racism and oppression. ISGP stands in solidarity with all people of conscience who stand for dignity, equality, and justice for all human beings.
May 31, 2020
Islamic Society of Greater Portland
