isna

ISNA Shares in Grief with Fellow Americans: El Paso and Dayton Tragedies

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) shares in grief with its fellow Americans over the tragic and senseless loss of life in two hate inspired mass shootings this weekend in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio.

In a statement, ISNA President Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed said: “Our sincere and fervent prayers are with the individuals and families who have had their lives forever impacted by these senseless tragedies. ” 

We stand together with our fellow citizens in calling for sensible gun reform laws. 

Like America our membership is diverse: consisting of all ethnicities, socio-economic classes and political affiliations.  It is this diversity in our membership that makes us strong, similar to our great nation. It is a platform where card carrying NRA members, gun control supporters, republicans, democrats, conservatives and liberals find commonality in common sense and unity in belonging. However the xenophobic hate speech continues to divide our nation and its communities by fanning the flames of racial, ethnic and religious hatred in this country. It is time to stop the epidemic of gun violence once and for all and address the root cause of this senseless violence.   ISNA supports and reaffirms the constitutional right of all citizens to bear arms, and calls for sensible federal policies to ensure that guns stay out of the hands of those who pose a risk to society. 

Both shootings occurred during a time of year that Muslims believe to be especially important in our faith, the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, or ten days leading to Hajj.  Malcolm X, when writing about his Hajj experience shared, “”There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist.”

ISNA calls upon its fellow Americans to join with us and create unity around the idea that no American should be fearful of stepping out of their home, engaging in day to day activities, and being impacted by gun violence.

  • Start today with a random act of kindness.  
  • Amplify the call: like and share content on social media. #NeverAgain
  • Reach out to your elected officials: www.ContactTheCongress.org 
  • Donate blood: If your not in El Paso or Dayton, you can still help. Every 2 seconds someone is in need of blood.
  • Support organizations working with victims and for gun control legislation