Cultivating Islamic Values
in Young Minds.
Our Mission
Mission of ICNA is to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) through the struggle for Iqamat-ud-Deen (application of the Islamic system of life) as spelled out in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Our Vision
Vision is to be a truly representative grassroots organization of diverse Muslim Americans inclusive for all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses.
ICNA will be an innovative, agile, and credible source of institutional support for connecting with Allah (God), with other individuals, and with the community.
Any Muslim brother or sister can become a member of ICNA if he/she agrees with our goal and program :
ICNA leadership is elected through a democratic ballot process and decisions are made through the process of shura. ICNA does not solicit or accept funds from any government or their agencies.
The Creed (basic belief) of ICNA Canada is: La ilaha illallahu, Muhammaadur Rasulullah, that is, there is no deity (ILAH) except Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.
La ilaha illallah means that Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta˜ala (SWT), alone is the Creator, Sustainer, Lord, and Sovereign of the whole universe.
Muhamrnadur Rasulullah implies that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallarn (SAW), is the last Prophet sent by Allah (SWT), with the final and authentic guidance, and that he was entrusted with establishing a model society based on this guidance.
The goal of ICNA Canada is to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) by total submission to HIM and through the propagation of true and universal message of Islam, which was revealed by Allah (SWT) in the last book, Al-Quran and through His last messenger, Muhammad (PBUH), and by inviting Muslims to establish Islam in all aspects of their lives.
- Strengthening the bond of humanity by serving all those in need anywhere in the world, with special focus on our neighborhoods across Canada.
- Inviting mankind to submit to the Creator by using all possible means of communication.
- Motivating Muslims to perform their duty of being witnesses unto mankind by their words and deeds.
- Organizing those who agree to work for this cause in the discipline of ICNA Canada.
- Offering educational and training opportunities to increase Islamic knowledge, to enhance character, and to develop skills of all those who are associated with ICNA Canada.
- Opposing immorality and oppression in all forms and supporting efforts for socio-economic justice and civil liberties in the society.
- Establishing community centers and places of worship for Muslims.
- Cooperating with other organizations for implementation of this program.
To attain its goals, the methodology of ICNA Canada shall be based on the following :
- The Quran and the Sunnah shall be the primary source of guidance.
- ICNA Canada shall never utilize means that violate the Islamic principles and the law of the land.
- ICNA Canada shall utilize only democratic, legal and peaceful means according to the Islamic principles.
- ICNA Canada shall disseminate the message of Islam, provide intellectual and moral training to build the Islamic character and conduct, and educate the public opinion about ICNA Canada s objectives.
Established on September 1st, 1968
The Islamic Circle of North America was a response to the growing need for a supportive Muslim community in North America. The organization initially focused on educating its growing membership about Islam, the goal being to adhere to Islamic values amongst a religiously diverse community.
In the early 70s, ICNA members, the majority of whom were of South Asian descent, focused their efforts on education and personal/spiritual development.
In November of 1977, nearly a decade after its formation
ICNA members met and discussed the need for Islamic work based in North America. After drafting and adopting a new detailed constitution, the organization formally became known as the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA).
With a new name and new direction, members of ICNA were determined to become an inclusive, diverse organization, and adopted English as their official language. ICNA’s work towards establishing a place for Islam in America began.
More branches were formed throughout the following years to cater to the needs of the American Muslim community. Along with the national convention, clusters of ICNA chapters across North America hosted annual regional conferences; Neighbor Nets were formed for members of local chapters to meet on a consistent basis. 1993 marked a milestone in ICNA’s history, as it’s Charter and By-Laws were approved and adopted.
In the past decade, ICNA has expanded its reach across the US while maintaining an active presence in local communities. Muslim Family Day, first hosted at Six Flags New Jersey in the year 2000, now attracts nearly 50,000 a year at several parks nationwide.
The ICNA Council for Social Justice, a branch of ICNA dedicated to representing the Muslim voice on matters of social justice was formed in 2009. ICNA has worked to establish connections between Islam and the public, collaborating with numerous Muslim organizations to reach this end. ICNA also works closely with many national interfaith organizations for the betterment of society. By focusing on self-development, education, outreach and social services, ICNA has cemented its place as a leading grassroots organization in the American Muslim community.
In the past decade, ICNA has expanded its reach across the US while maintaining an active presence in local communities. Muslim Family Day, first hosted at Six Flags New Jersey in the year 2000, now attracts nearly 50,000 a year at several parks nationwide.
The ICNA Council for Social Justice, a branch of ICNA dedicated to representing the Muslim voice on matters of social justice was formed in 2009. ICNA has worked to establish connections between Islam and the public, collaborating with numerous Muslim organizations to reach this end. ICNA also works closely with many national interfaith organizations for the betterment of society. By focusing on self-development, education, outreach and social services, ICNA has cemented its place as a leading grassroots organization in the American Muslim community.