FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 26, 2011

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati expresses its deep grief and solidarity with the people of Norway over the bomb blasts and shootings which shook us all last Friday. The whole world mourns the dead and prays for the injured. These attacks in Norway which killed 76 people in Oslo and on the island of Utoya, site of a Labor Party youth camp, have brought us face to face again with another vile act of cold blooded mass murder which defies comprehension. The question 'why' stares us in the face. The accused, Anders Behring Breivik, a young Norwegian had posted a 1500 page manifesto on the internet . In it he is reported to have justified his murderous plot as an attempt to end the centuries long Muslim colonization of Europe and send a warning to the ruling Labor Party!

Some may dismiss this episode as the work of a madman and others would blame his right wing ideology, fed by the likes of Geert Wilders in Holland and the well known anti-Muslim messengers of hate and bigotry, Robert Spencer, Daniel Pipes, Walid Shoebat and Pamela Geller, to name just a few in this country. While there may be merit to these assertions, it is imperative for all of us who are concerned about the future of this world , to indulge in a critical objective analysis. We have talked about the leadership in the Muslim world needing to be concerned about the genesis of ideologies like those of Al Qaida which are fringe groups misusing the name of Islam and wreaking havoc in the world. Similarly, the thoughtful in the West need to focus on the destructive ideologies being promoted by some in our midst. It is true that the freedom of expression is and should be important to all of us. However when destructive bigoted ideologies are promoted, even by a fringe minority,it is imperative that the majority speak up and prevent these ideologies from misleading others and even causing tragedies like the one Norway is grappling with. It is our collective responsibility to join hands in this effort, if we want to see our world and future generations survive and prosper in peace.

Sincerely,
Inayat Malik M.D.
President, Islamic Educational Council.
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.
Contact #513 755 3280

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9, 2010

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati strongly condemns the barbaric murders of humanitarian relief workers, including former Clermont County resident Cheryl Beckett, in Badashshan province in Afghanistan over the weekend. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for this despicable act and have thus, once again, shown their utter disregard for the fundamental teachings of Islam. Murder of unarmed innocent civilians of any faith, not only runs counter to religious teachings , it also violates even the simplest rules of civility in any human society. We are deeply indebted to the brave humanitarians who gave their lives in their noble quest of improving others lives. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the families of those affected by this heinous crime.

Sincerely,
Inayat Malik M.D.
President, Islamic Educational Council.
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.
Contact #513 755 3280

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

May 6, 2010

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati fully endorses the statement and stance of ISNA , the leading Muslim organization in the United States, on the attempted bombing in New York. We are thankful for the excellent law enforcement work, leading to the apprehension of the alleged culprit.
We urge all Muslim Americans to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the authorities. It is heartening to note that a Senegalese Muslim immigrant vendor in New York, Aliou Niasse, was one of the individuals who alerted the authorities, just like Matt Savino, the only Muslim militia member in Michigan, who brought the Hutari activities to the notice of police, in March this year.

Sincerely,
Inayat Malik M.D.
President, Islamic Educational Council,
Islamic Center or Greater Cincinnati.
Tel# 513 755 3280


Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 21:17:11 -0400
Subject: ISNA Commends Efforts of Law Enforcement, Condemns Attempted Bombing at Times Square, and Lauds Alert Citizens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ISNA Commends Efforts of Law Enforcement, Condemns Attempted Bombing at Times Square, and Lauds Alert Citizens

Source: ISNA
(Plainfield, IN 05/04/2010) - The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) joins the Muslim American community and the rest of our fellow citizens in expressing its appreciation of the outstanding work done by the various law enforcement agencies in investigating and apprehending the alleged perpetrator(s) of the botched attack on New York and its residents.

At the same time, ISNA condemns in the strongest terms the planned attack on innocent city-dwellers of every race and creed. The attack, described by the alleged sponsors as a sort of "pay-back" or "revenge", is "inexcusable and without any justification in Islam or authentic Muslim tradition", said Dr. Ingrid Mattson, president of ISNA. "Even the murder of a single innocent person is abhorrent and in direct contradiction to the clear and unequivocal teachings of our faith (Quran Chapter 5,Verse 32), let alone the mass murder of unsuspecting innocent bystanders in a crowded square", she added.

ISNA is thankful to the vigilance of alert and loyal residents of New York city including Senegalese Muslim Aliou Niasse, who first noticed and pointed out the suspicious smoke coming from the vehicle, Lance Orton, who called the police, and Officers Wayne Rhatigan and Pam Duffy for acting swiftly and courageously to contain the damage and prevent the loss of life and limb of fellow Americans.

ISNA asks Muslim Americans to stay true to their faith in rejecting any ideas or actions that tolerate or attempt to justify the use of terrorism for any purpose or by any group. ISNA also calls on them to stand with their fellow Americans in securing the homeland against any terrorist acts.

PRESS RELEASE

November 6, 2009

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati expresses its deepest grief and shock at the horrific shooting of our soldiers at the Army base in Fort Hood, Texas. Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with those injured and with families of those killed. Many brave men and women in our military have sacrificed their lives in combat and now we are faced with a wanton bizarre incident claiming innocent lives, in a place where you would least expect it. Even though the initial reports are sketchy about the alleged shooter, Army Major Nidal Hasan, nothing short of total insanity would appear to explain such an act of mass murder.

The American Muslim community is extremely proud of the young men and women who have volunteered to dedicate their lives to the defense of this nation and uphold its ideals. Cincinnati Muslims share these feelings and several have served in our armed forces. We will be asking the worshippers, at our mosque, to offer special prayers for the victims of this national tragedy.

Inayat Malik M.D.

President Islamic Educational Council,

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.

West Chester, Ohio.

513 755 3280

November 30, 2008

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:


The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and the local Muslim Community condemn the terror attacks at various sites including hotels, railway station and the Chabad Center in Mumbai, in the strongest terms possible.

We share the grief and sorrow of those whose dear ones lost their lives or were injured in these brazen, yet cowardly attacks. We are united in our common humanity, with those striving to eliminate this scourge of terrorism, regardless of their faith or citizenship. As the attacks on civilians in Mumbai and before that in Islamabad with the suicide bombing of the Marriot hotel show, the terrorists have no regard for the sanctity of human life, any particular religion or particular state. They cannot claim to be followers of any legitimate faith community.

We reaffirm our commitment towards realizing our goal of making Cincinnati a model community, respectful of all faiths and ethnicities. Our prayers are with all those affected by this immense tragedy.

Inayat Malik M.D
President Islamic Educational Council,
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
Tel. 513 755 3280

July 30, 2006

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

8092 Plantation Drive

West Chester, Ohio

Contact Person: Inayat Malik, MD

Telephone: (513) 755-3280

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and the local Muslim community are horrified to learn of the shooting at the Jewish Federation Office in Seattle, killing one employee and injuring several others. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Jewish community and condemn this heinous act as a crime against all human beings, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or otherwise.

We are glad to see the Muslim community in Seattle to reach out in sympathy to their Jewish neighbors. Islam teaches respect for all innocent human life and freedom for all to practice the religion of their choice. Episodes of violence against individuals or places of worship need to be condemned by all in the strongest possible terms. Having been the victims of bombings at a local mosque last December, Cincinnati Muslims remember with gratitude, the broad support they received including the show of solidarity from our Jewish friends.

We stand firm in our conviction that peaceful dialogue and respect for differing viewpoints and religions are key for our coexistence and progress as a multi-ethnic society. We need to continue our work in improving interfaith relations and promote mutual understanding.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF GREATER CINCINNATI

RE: MIDDLE EAST CRISIS

CONTACT PERSON: INAYAT K. MALIK, M.D., 513.755.3280

The recent events in the Middle East again point out the importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict remains the root cause of all the violence we see going on in the region. It is very easy to focus on individual events. The Israelis can be rightfully outraged at the suicide bombings and can point as provocation, to the recent attacks on the two Israeli military units resulting in casualties and the abduction of Israeli soldiers. The Palestinians can point to an endless list of grievances including targeted killings, incarcerations, and ongoing occupation of Palestinian lands.

It is quite easy to hurl blame back and forth. It does not, however, alter the fact that in the recent exacerbation, scores, if not hundreds, of innocent civilians, including children, are being killed. Thousands are living in fear of losing their lives, not to speak of the immense loss of property.

The world community is watching helplessly. The United States, which is the only superpower in the world with a chance to influence events in the area, has, thus far, decided not to intervene and to let the events play out. In our opinion, this is short-sighted and reinforces the false perception in the Arab world that Arab blood is cheap in America’s eyes.

A cease-fire needs to be earnestly arranged in the current conflict. There is no military solution to the Middle East conflict. A negotiated political settlement is imperative. The United States must not abandon its leadership and must broker a deal to bring about an end to the escalating crisis. We must not let distractions in the rest of the world get in the way of this important task. The senseless cycle of bloodshed must be brought to an end. As Muslims, we believe in the sanctity of all innocent life. As Americans, we call upon all our fellow citizens, and in particular, all people of faith, to work towards promoting peace in the world.

Inayat K. Malik, M.D.

President, Islamic Educational Council

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

Intercommunity Prayers for peace in Darfur

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Shakila Ahmad

513-755-3280

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati aligns with Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur consisting of numerous community organizations to hold an interfaith prayer service calling for peace in Darfur, Sudan, on Sunday, April 30, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The service at the educational building of the Islamic Center, 8092 Plantation Drive, West Chester, will include prayers from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions.

Darfur is the center of tragic chaos, where at least 400,000 people have been killed, 90 percent of the villages have been destroyed, and more than two million people displaced.

The service, which is open to the public, is cosponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur including the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Social Action Office, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, the Isaac M. Wise Temple Political Advocacy Committee, the American Jewish Committee, Council on American Islamic Relations-Ohio, St. Monica/St. George Parish Newman Center, Muslim Mothers Against Violence, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

All are encouraged to come and be engaged. The Islamic Center will also offer short guided tours. The West Chester prayer service will take place at the same time as a national rally in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Save Darfur Coalition.

To: Christian Peace Makers

From: Muslim Mothers against Violence

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the cruel and senseless murder of Christian peacemaker Tom Fox.

May he rest in eternal peace.

We stand with you and support you in your quest for world peace.

From,

Saba Chughtai, Shakila Ahmad and other members of

Muslim Mothers Against Violence.

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

Westchester OH

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, on behalf of the local Muslim community, expresses its deep sorrow on hearing the news about the killing of Tom Fox, a Christian peace activist, held hostage in Iraq. The Islamic Center had joined many other Muslim organizations in the U. S. and the world over, in December last year, in condemning his abduction and seeking his release. We continue to pray for the safety of his Canadian colleagues, who are still in captivity. Our sympathies are with Mr. Fox's family

March 11, 06

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

Contact person-

Inayat Malik M.D.

513-755-3280

West Chester, Ohio

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati Statement on Clifton Mosque Bombing (December 21, 2005)

By now, I am sure you are all aware of the bomb explosions that occurred at the Clifton Mosque on the evening of December 20^th. Although structural damage was sustained, no one was hurt. We are thankful to Allah (SWT) for this. No such incidents have occurred in Cincinnati in the past, even in the days immediately following the horrendous attacks of September 11^th.

When a community’s place of worship becomes the subject of a bombing, it naturally raises grave concerns regarding the physical safety of its members. It is reassuring to see the city’s religious, civic, and political leaders, as well as law enforcement officials all come together in support of the community. I have spoken to Tom Streicher, Cincinnati Police Chief, and Stan Borgia, Agent in Charge of the FBI. They both assure me that everything possible is being done to investigate the crime and apprehend the culprits. I have also spoken with John Bruce, West Chester Chief of Police. He has increased security around the Islamic Center campus. We shall work closely together to ensure safety so that all activities can continue as usual.

Unfortunately, in our world, violence has become an easy option for those who choose to use it as an expression of their hatred. The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati has consistently and steadfastly spoken against the use of violence in all its forms. Cincinnati, and for that matter, our nation, must find ways to express and resolve differences in a peaceful way if we are to claim moral leadership of the world.

America has a long tradition of welcoming people of different faiths and ethnicities. The nation has used its diversity as a source of strength, enrichment, and progress. We must not permit the few hateful ones amidst us to force us to abandon our cherished values and tarnish our image.

To members of our Muslim community, I will say, do not let the bombings intimidate you. Go to West Chester, Clifton, and other mosques in the area to worship God and assert your right to practice your religion.

To those who committed the evil acts at Clifton, I would say look within your hearts to find the innate goodness that God has placed in everyone. Only mutual understanding and respect, not hate, can redeem you. Hate is your enemy and will end up destroying you if you surrender to it. Let our differences define us but let our common humanity unite us. May God Almighty help and protect us all.

With Peace,

Inayat K. Malik, M.D.

President

Islamic Educational Council

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati