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Abdikadir Ibrahim

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Assalamu Alaikum brothers and sisters, welcome to this event sponsored by the Islamic Civic Society of America and Sr. Organizations to host a distinguished Islamic Scholar.

The purpose of this event is to connect the fine lines between faith, service, cooperation, co-existence and mutual respect between people of the same faith, different faiths, and society in general.

In June 1998, a group of scholars and community leaders became aware of the influx of Muslims, primarily from East Africa resettling in the state of Minnesota. As many immigrants have done in the past, these scholars and leaders yearned for a place to preserve the community’s identity, culture, religion, and values. They established the Riverside Islamic Center in the heart of the West Bank in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. As the services and needs of the community grew, the name changed to Dar Al-Hijrah Cultural Center to be inclusive and accommodate more services. Al-Hamdu Lillah, in April 2006, the Muslim community purchased the building with community effort. Then, the space was renovated and expanded to accommodate additional services. Later, the center re-evaluated its mission and goals, leadership roles, and services. In 2007, the name was changed to Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Civic Center to reflect a comprehensive civic approach.

The organization grew into a full and viable grassroots organization that works towards civic engagement to address individual, collective, and public concerns. The organization strategically incorporated core Islamic, civic and democratic principles, to develop the moral capacity of the people to produce a just society.

The next phase of the organization became the Islamic Civic Society of America (ICSA). This is to allow the organization to develop a civic infrastructure, capacity to accommodate and to provide better services to the larger society for the common good with high moral standards. ICSA welcomes any ideas and contributions that enhance its work.  The organization has transitioned from its previous position. Now it is under new leadership, facing increased accomplishments, and a new growth that will lead generations of Muslims working for peaceful co-existence among the people of Minnesota.  ICSA’s various programs include mosque, education, youth, health, publication, and counseling services.

According to Islamic teachings, human beings are God’s representatives on earth. They have been endowed with intellect to think and contribute to human advancement in all areas in an ethical manner. We are commanded to be responsible stewards of the planet for all of its creatures. However, this noble endeavor is often diminished by the voices and actions of bigotry and division that create tension and enmity. People of goodwill must work together to overcome the challenges we face as a society. This event strives to build that bridge of understanding among the people of Minnesota.

Wasssalamu alikum and May peace be with you all.

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