ICNA’s Stance on President’s Support for Gay Marriage
—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
JAMAICA, New York (May 11, 2012) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) expressed dismay at President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage.
Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam views marriage as a sacred bond between a man and a woman that serves as the basis for the family and thereby society. We believe that sexual relations can only be between a man and a woman within the context of marriage; indeed the family itself can only be formed from these relations. This traditional structure has allowed communities to flourish for thousands of years. The push to redefine the established institution of marriage and embrace homosexuality can only lead to the deterioration of the very structure of our communities and society as a whole.
President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage is a violation of God’s laws as spelled out in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. God Almighty states, “And among His signs is that He has created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may live in tranquility with them” (Chapter 30, The Romans; Verse 21). These laws can also be found in other religious texts including the Bible, which states, “But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2).
Islam regards homosexuality as a sin, but also supports the belief that God Almighty created every human being equally and that He alone will hold them responsible for their deeds. As Muslims and people of faith we must also remember that God has directed us to defend all people equally against bigotry, violence and abuse.
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
—END—
Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail: 
Office: (718) 658-1199
Thank you ICNA. I couldn’t agree with you more. Allahu Akabar.
Same sex marriage Man+Man
Woman+Woman
What’s next
Man+animal ,truly man has lost his way
Truly now I believe that Islam the Quran is the
Way.
Thank you ICNA, for taking the step!!! I would also strongly say that President Obama’s support for Gay-marriage is a threat for the human ecology and social well-being.
In Islam, Gay Marriage is regarded as a terrible sinful act. A whole nation was perished during the time of Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) for homosexuality of his people. Family growth, human generation and moral values will all be degraded if we support President Obama who is supporting the Gay Marriage.
@Kelly Kaufman I will give a more direct answer: Yes the US has laws against polygamy and these should stand.
Position of Islam and Muslim on the issue of homosexualism in all its meaning and social ramification must be made clear: religiously, socially and politically. Muslim leadership should also speak clearly about the potential consequence of such homosexual behavior in reference to what happened to the people of same kind in the past, e.g. people and society of Lot, so that people are informed about it by Muslims. However, Muslim participation in the US election and voting system is crucial and they must take part in it, in which they must also vote for Obama for number of other reasons and this issue of same sex marriage may not stop Muslim from voting for Obama in the current context.
Please stop making statements. A lot should go in before a statement should come out. I dont think you fit in USA.
I learned that some years ago you also made a statement that Muslims/ Muslim countries should recognize Israel.
Cant Mullahs do a better job? Or may be that is why some belive that religion ad politics must be separate.
I think it is important that we don’t get caught on this slippery slope. Of course, in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, homosexual relationships are seen as sinful, and against religious law. We can’t change that, God will judge those who sin, whether it be fornication like homosexuality, or adultery, or drunkenness.
But the part of this whole thing that makes a lot of non-Muslims, and even non-religious in this country fearful is the idea that Muslims want to eventually impose Islamic principles through Islamic law.
For me, a Muslim, if I wanted to live in a country that practiced some form of Islamic law, I would do so. I don’t. I live in, and love my country. I do not want the liberties of non-religious violated, as I do not want my liberty to practice my religion openly by wearing hijab, or telling people about the beautiful message of the Qur’an, and our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings on him, and those preceding him.
To deny homosexuals equal protections under the law, like protection of property and assets (which is all “marriage” according to the government does); would be against the principles of this country.
If civil unions or “marriage” was available to homosexuals, it does not change the law or words of God. It does not mean imams, priests, or rabbis will be forced to perform these “marriages.” All the legalisation of such practice WOULD do, is allow those in these relationships to get a document from the government that says they are protected.
Salaam: I think all Muslim national and regional organizations even university MSAs and every islamic Center should have a clear stand on many social issues, and we should support those who have similar values. We also should know that we cannot change our religious belief. There are many good organizations which have similar values and we should work together and help each other. Mothers against drunk driving (MADD); recycling/Green initiatives; feeding the poor/soup kitchen; helping the orophans and needy; etc. Standing for our rights and having a clear stand even against the President’s position is a form of da’wah. We do not have to please everyone.
@ICNA This why #RonPaul is the only viable candidate for Muslims in 2012 #MuslimsVote http://t.co/doANMt4b
Salaam, I’m appalled at some of the comments. Yes its up to every Muslim to give da’wah in islam. What is da’wah? Conveying the message of Islam. Our beloved PROPHET MUHAMMAD (saw) said: “whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to that one who follows it” … Just because we live in USA doesn’t mean one will forget about our religion. Have you heard about or read about the story of hazart Lut? His era of people were gay… So by Allah (swt) order hazart jibril took the land they were on & raised it to the heavens & turned it upside down. audhubillah! Please fear Allah (swt) …we all have to answer him one day. May ALLAH (swt) have his mercy on the rightly guided. Allah huma ameen.
“We believe that sexual relations can only be between a man and a woman within the context of marriage…”
…or by owning a concubine, as countless Muslim men have done throughout Muslim history.
Well, not only is this morally repugnant. Leaving morality aside (as Muslims, or just humans, we should be fighting for equality and inclusion of all our fellow citizens), it is also strategically and politically idiotic.
LGBTQ community has been at the forefront for fighting for social justice- fighting against wiretaps, deportations, intimidation of Muslims, wars etc. Do we want to alienate one of our biggest allies and be in line with the position (and rhetoric) of far-right, fundamentalist Evangelicals who hate us?
Again, morality comes first. But even ignoring that for a second and how inhumane this stance is, it is also just strategically a dumb move and I hope we do not alienate our LGBTQ allies as not all of us hate them and most of us are supporting them in their cause to equality along with those of all other oppressed groups
I also like to mention that I like your WhyIslam work ICNA, very good organization, was the gateway for me and my wife to Islam. Thanks for the great work!
I love this stance by ICNA, but I also like how one person here states that this page does not represent the organization and its members…funny coming from a commoner. It’s like me stating that facebook does not belong to Mark Z…who am I?
Obama’s stance on gay marriage denounced as un-Islamic, http://t.co/Y1TFlZKA
Islamic Circle of North America expresses dismay at President Obama’s embrace of gay marriage: http://t.co/ptETJHmj
I thought ICNA was supposed to speak for all Muslim Americans. As a child, I have been to many ICNA events, I have fond memories of looking up the ICNA site for start of ramadan or day of the eid. Yes, I am gay.
First of all, there is a clear separation of church and state in the United States. You fall into the same trap as the Evangelicals. Just because bible makes it a sin or quran doesn’t mean we need to be against it. Why don’t you advocate against alcohol or pork? we are a country built on equal rights, and I am shocked that as Muslims, being the receiving end of oppression and persecution, you would act to make such a hateful statement against another minority group. How about some solidarity?
And secondly, to say “homosexuality is a sin in islam.” Perhaps by your interpretation. Bigotry is a sin in Islam too and as is passing judgement. I shall be boycotting any donation to ICNA from now on and all your events. You have extremely hurt me, and I am sure many other Muslim Americans.
“We believe that sexual relations can only be between a man and a woman within the context of marriage”
ICNA is mixing it with another issue of sexual relations outside wedlock. Not carefully worded!
“family itself can only be formed from these relations.”
Ok. Dont call Homosexual unions as ‘marriage’.
This traditional structure has allowed communities to flourish for thousands of years.
“add: along with homosexuality throughout those thousands of years”
The push to redefine the established institution of marriage and embrace homosexuality can only lead to the deterioration of the very structure of our communities and society as a whole.
“But it has exited along with ‘established’ institution already!
President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage is a violation of God’s laws as spelled out in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
“Is this the first and/ or only violation of Quran and Sunnah here?”
I think this IndoPak organization just wanted to say something to take advantage of the current issue.
It is the job of every muslim to try to emulate the Prophets and follow their example.
Qasim, I hope you’re not comparing ICNA admins to any of the prophets. That is a poor analogy IMO. Just because ICNA refers to itself as an Islamic organization does not mean that it or any of its members have authority over the Ummah, and they’re certainly not bringing any new messages. The intention of the prophets/messengers was to bring people to God. We do not know the intentions of anyone living nowadays, so please watch how you formulate your comparisons and contrasts.
FYI ICNA fb page admins are both members and volunteers who have been entrusted with handling ICNA’s social media presence.
^Correct, the original linked statement is ICNA’s official response. For any of the admins, when we visit the page it has us post as “ICNA” so the response could be from any one of the admins of the facebook page from our social media team.
This facebook group does not represent the views of ICNA leadership, membership, scholars, scholarship students, or volunteers.
All posts are the opinions of the web managers.
Though I’m sure everyone appreciates their work, I just wanted to make that clear.
We as muslims should not support “gay rights” in any matter if I’m not mistaken if you look to the islamic rulings on gay people is that they are stoned to death…burned…. or thrown off the highest mountain Allahu Akbar
I guess I can’t be terribly surprised that my post was glossed over. Let me be more direct — how does this at all benefit me as a Muslim in North America? What even called for this? I can’t imagine that your phones were ringing and your doors were being knocked down hoping for a reaction to Obama’s recent stance.
I can’t imagine that this will be beneficial for our community. You’re taking an incredibly simplistic approach to understanding Islamic law, and I expected much more out of this organization.
I don’t care! RT @RaquelEvita: folks who support & fundraise for @icna. Your response to #ICNA on same-sex marriage?? http://t.co/XmXne8Nw
JJ, London
We don’t care what homosexuals do in their bedrooms but why do they want to call their union a marriage and force us to accept it as a marraige. They can call it a civil union or any name they want. Marriage is a religious institution and laws of any land have nothing to do with it.
We should be happy a Muslim organization is talking about this matter (in a gentle manner of course) and shouldn’t discourage them.
Br. Hamza Dawud Flanagan, “The point is simply that posting this decree of sorts will do absolutely nothing to deter the POTUS from making any decisions in the future, so what’s the point of even posting it?” SubhanAllah does that mean we shouldn’t speak out against something even if others think “it won’t do anything”? Can you imagine the Sahaba telling the Prophet (saw) there’s no point in talking to the Quraish about leaving their worship of idols, it’s not like they’re going to listen? Or if Nuh (as) who spent 950 years preaching but only ended up with a handful of followers, said to himself “no one is listening so I should just stop” ? Or if Musa (as) said the same about Pharoah?
ICNA – OK I will give a more direct comparison: Do you think the U.S. should have laws against polygamy?