The Birmingham Islamic Society unequivocally condemns the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless others whose lives have been mercilessly taken as a result of ongoing struggles within our nation related to issues of systemic and institutional racism, power dynamics, and disregard for Black and Brown lives. At this time, we specifically appeal to the Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, to expedite the conclusion of a thorough inquiry to Mr. Floyd’s murder. Yet again, through a needless tragedy, we are reminded of the systemic oppression and racism faced daily by Black and Brown Americans. We, the people of the United States, are obligated by our constitutional duty to form an ever more perfect union, establish justice and insure domestic tranquility. This can only be accomplished by addressing the prevalent structural racism both at an individual and organizational level. Therefore, we must do our part by speaking out and actively working within our communities to overcome systemic and institutional racism. Only with the humble realization that all men and women are created equal will we treat each other with dignity and respect. The BIS grieves with the family of George Floyd and countless others, we pray and ever remain optimistic of a positive change for justice at all times.
Sept 25, 2020
Allah SWT says in the Quran in Surah AlMaeda verse number 32:
“whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
“Say Her Name; Breonna Taylor” initiative: Our prayers are with Breonna Taylor’s loved ones. As they continue to grieve for the loss of Breonna Taylor, this week the Kentucky Grand Jury decided to not bring charges against any of the officers involved in her murder. While the grand jury acted based on the evidence presented, an innocent black woman was killed. As an organization dedicated to providing racial justice education and resources to advance racial justice, it is our ethical and Islamic duty to condemn the perpetuation of violence and persecution of Black women and to establish weight with justice. We raise our voices in solidarity and call for police reform to help protect innocent lives and to better promote justice. What might seem as police following policy, it is resulting in the brutal killings of Black Americans in the United States. This Is why we call for police practices reform. To learn more about the case and action steps you can take, please refer to the following article by “Muslim Anti-Racist Collaborative”. https://www.muslimarc.org/say_her_name_breonna_taylor
