Home > Press Releases > ISNA, Muslim Advocates Welcome Government’s Assurance on Alavi-Owned Mosques
ISNA, Muslim Advocates Welcome Government’s Assurance on Alavi-Owned Mosques
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Plainfield, IN – November 14, 2009) The
Islamic Society of North America and
Muslim Advocates today welcomed the Justice Department’s assurance that mosques operating on property owned by the Alavi Foundation are free to operate. Both organizations, however, are concerned about the continued operations of the affected mosques and Muslim institutions in the event that forfeiture proceeds.
Like other houses of worship in America, mosques serve communities and families whose lives would be deeply disturbed by their closure. Referring to the mosques, schools, law firms, businesses and other tenants of Alavi-owned properties, the
U.S. Attorney’s Office said, “there are no allegations of any wrongdoing on the part of any of these tenants or occupants.” ISNA and Muslim Advocates ask that the government not deny communities the valuable services provided by mosques that authorities have publicly stated are blameless in the asset forfeiture case against the Alavi Foundation.
ISNA and Muslim Advocates recommend that all mosques and nonprofit organizations adopt best practices to ensure that their business transactions are in compliance with the law. We also urge mosques and nonprofits to adopt policies and procedures for
strengthening charities recommended by Muslim Advocates. Visit the Muslim Advocates website to learn more about best practices and the
Muslim Charities Accreditation Program.
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The
Islamic Society of North America is the largest Muslim umbrella organization in the United States and Canada. Its mission is to provide a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs, and for fostering good relations with other religious communities, civic and service organizations.
Muslim Advocates is dedicated to promoting freedom, justice and equality for all, regardless of faith, by providing leadership through legal advocacy, policy engagement, and civic education, and by serving as a legal resource to promote the full and meaningful participation of Muslims in American public life.
Contact: John Showalter,
Muslim Advocates
415.336.1868 (c)
415.692.1512 (o)
Louay Safi, Director
ISNA Communications and Leadership Development,
louay@isna.net (317) 838-8130(o)