In the Name of Allah (SWT), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

We pray that you and your families are fine and in the best of health and Islamic spirits, Ameen.

We live in difficult times as peace continues to elude the human race, and human lives are being sacrificed at the altar of greed and a lust for power. The illegal war in Iraq continues to rage, as innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of this conflict.

The news from the war front can only be described as heart wrenching. Thousands have been killed or wounded, and countless others have been displaced and dispossessed, on account of a conflict purportedly being waged to "liberate" them. The carnage being inflicted on the Iraqi people, including attacks on hospitals and market places, is a stark reminder that this war is being fought with the same lack of principles with which it was begun.

Our country has pushed tens of thousands of young Americans to fight an illegitimate war, and caused America to lose its prestige in comity of nations. The vast majority of people across the world have actively opposed this conflict, including the leaders of major religious faiths. Indeed, this war has caused a humanitarian disaster, and has been rightly opposed by people of conscience all over the world.

In these difficult times, we need to remember that all power and strength is with Allah. It is time for us all to reaffirm our commitment to our Creator, and realize that it is a time for proactive struggle, and not passive despair.

Brothers and sisters, our Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us to exhort one another towards good through sincere "naseeha". In this spirit, we would like to make some suggestions:

a. Make fervent duas for the suffering in Iraq to end. Recite "Qunoot e Nazila" and engage in dhikr. The Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him), used to recite the following supplication after each of the daily prayers:

"Allahumma antas Salamu wa minkas salamu wa ilaika yarjius Salam,
Hayyena Rabbana bis Salame tabarakta ya DhalJalali wal Ikram"
Oh Allah, You are the source of peace; peace flows back and forth from You;
Our dear Lord bless us with peace, exalted You are, Oh Lord of Majesty and Honor.


b. Participate actively in anti-war demonstrations, and interfaith peace gatherings that call for an immediate end to the war. As American Muslims, it is our duty to ensure that we speak out against an oppressive and inhuman war that is also detrimental to long-term American national interests. Plan to attend the National March "STOP THE WAR ON IRAQ" on Saturday, April 12, 2003, in Washington DC. Call the President, and your elected representatives to urge an immediate end to the conflict (Web: www.whitehouse.gov Phone: 202-456-1111).

c. Raise the awareness in your communities, about the need to work with organizations seeking to protect our civil liberties. As Muslims, it is our duty to work for the improvement of the society in which we live. We need to increase our participation in volunteer efforts at libraries, fire brigades, boards of education, etc.

d. The Glorious Qur'an says:
"Allah does not change a people's lot unless they change what is in their hearts." [Surah Al-Rad 13:11]

Lastly and most importantly, we need to do some serious introspection, and reflect on our individual and collective condition. If we seek the remedy with a sincere heart, with the Qur'an and Sunnah as our guide, Insha Allah we will see a better tomorrow.

"O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy." [Surah Yunus 10:57]

May Allah alleviate the suffering of oppressed people, and may He guide us to strive harder to establish peace. Ameen.

Islamic Circle of North America
166-26 89th Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432
718-658-1199
www.ICNA.org