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
No we shouldn’t stand outside churches because we can’t stop them (nor are encouraged to) stop them from worshipping (even under Shariah) so ofcourse not. But we still hate the act of shirk that they do and that can’t change.
Oh, and legal prostitution is a lot safer as well. I’m not condoning prostitution in general, but at least it has a lot less risks than the illegal kind. And if legalized sin is so bad, then why don’t we protest the existence of Las Vegas? Why are states that have legalized same-sex marriage (like my state, Massachusetts) still standing? Please, think about these things.
Interesting http://t.co/yNNW7eK1
I don’t think animals can love back, lol. That analogy has never worked, because animals cannot reason in the same way humans can. That would constitute animal abuse, which I am vehemently against. As long as the two involved are consenting adults, same-sex marriage is not the same as marrying an animal. It’s a poor argument, and we really shouldn’t say anything since we are one of the few faiths in the world that still practices polygamy. WE know that it’s not wrong, but others use that as an argument against Islam.
And banning alcohol in this country was a complete fail, because at least the production and sale is regulated when it’s legal. The stuff that people made and drank during the Prohibition was so unstable that it made people get sick and sometimes die. Therefore, believe it or not, it is actually better that there’s no countrywide ban on alcohol. And I see no issue with alcohol being legal in this country, because I’m not purchasing or drinking it. Similarly, if you’re not going to get married to a man, that’s fine; no one is saying that same-sex marriage will become mandatory.
I really just do not see the big deal with letting other people live their lives. Should we start picketing outside churches because Christians worship Jesus? We know that shirk is the worst sin imaginable, so why are we focusing on same-sex marriage? It’s funny how even Muslims seem to pick and choose what they think is important to the faith when a specific issue pops up.
^I think everyone knows it’s happening, the issue is why is it being legalized? Especially by a President who just flip-flopped on his views when election season is around the corner. There are a lot of things happening (that shouldn’t) should the government just legalize it? Drugs, Prostitution, what about when the ban on alcohol was lifted, would we have been saying “Oh well people were drinking anyway what’s the big deal”. It’s a matter of principle.
Homosexuality was seen EVEN in this society egregious but now is being normalized. If bestiality becomes more common and people want to start marrying animals should we just sit back and let that happen too? Seems like an improbable scenario right? Well so was a man marrying a man not too long ago.
You guys can speak out against it all you want. Meanwhile, I’m trying to worry about myself and perfect my own Islam. I do, however, think that using the account of an organization to post such things is detrimental to our image in this country, which is already pretty bad (and mostly due to things that aren’t even true).
Uhhh . . . there are more than just people of Abrahamic faiths living in this country. And in case you missed it the first time, this is a legal issue. Gay people are already in relationships and have “marriage”-type ceremonies regardless of whether or not their marriages are legally recognized. Where is the harm in letting them have the legal benefits of these partnerships? I truly think this would qualify as not focusing on the important issues.
Besides, look at how often straight people in this country abuse the “sanctity” of marriage. Adultery is rampant, and most marriages end in divorce anyway (which, while Islamically permissible, is never the ideal end when one gets married). How would legalizing same-sex marriage change ANYTHING? It’s not going to deter gay people from being gay, so I say we not even worry about it.
@brother hamza..we are not required to merely stay away from sin, rather to speak out against it and have a dislike for it also. To have a love for seeing all of Allahs creation worship him and to dislike seeing His creation disobey Him. I do agree this is more about the benefits of a relationship versus actually having the relationship in private, however this would be a step in the direction of normalizing it altogether.
Br. Hamza Dawud Flanagan, so we have to wait till there’s an attack on “Islamic Marriage” for us to be concerned? Marriage is something sacred in the Abrahamic faiths, and is a bond between a MAN and WOMAN. We should express our concerns with an injustice no matter what form it comes in.
The Prophet (saw) said if you see something wrong change it with your hands, if you’re unable than change it with your tongue (speak out against it) and if you’re unable to do that AT LEAST hate it in your hearts. Also, the people of Lut (as) weren’t just destroyed for committing the act but even those who said “what’s the big deal” and did nothing were destroyed.
May Allah (swt) protect us all.
this is the reason that i withdraw my support for him
sad sad stance you are taking and the wrong side of history.
the countries governed by religious law are the exact opposite of flourishing civilizations.
the greatest times of the muslim world were when we didn’t regulate morality via law.
if you don’t learn from history you are doomed to repeat it.
I have to agree with Sis Hadaiya & bro Humza. Who cares! Too many pressing issues that actually affects us. Its not like Pres O. is Muslim & saying he is goin along with the foolishness. Doesnt change who we are one way or another. I say this repsectfully, despite my exclamation points. :-) ICNA does a lot of great work, Al humdulilah. Look forward to seeing/hearing more of their work.
I actually find this posting rather pointless. Obama is not talking about Islamic marriage, he’s talking about state-regulated marriage. Even if a law was passed for same-sex marriage to be allowed across the country, how would it affect us (straight people, Muslims, etc.) in any way? I could not care less if gay people want to get married. If they weren’t married, they’d still be in relationships anyway. This issue is about the benefits one receives from being in a legal marriage.
So yeah, not sure why ICNA is even taking a stance on the POTUS’s position on something. It’s not like legalizing same-sex marriage would have any effect on opposite-sex marriage. And it certainly wouldn’t force us to officiate same-sex Islamic marriages (i.e. nikah). Getting involved and commenting on things like this is probably just adding more fuel to the fire of those who believe we’re trying to impose Shari’a on the United States. Just a thought.
ICNA’s Stance on President’s Support for Gay Marriage « « Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Is http://t.co/q9cbuzkC
Mr. Baig, your attempt to speak with authority while at the same time talking through both sides of your mouth provides ample proof to many Muslims who live in the West that you are out of touch with Quranic teachings…you should not depend upon Quranic Cliff Notes to base your theories. As human kind has evolved, so has their thinking from the Islamic jurists lies of medieval times. Allah’s truth beams through the darkness you promote to continuously harm Muslims. Shame on your head and organization.
LOL, insh’Allah.
Hadayai Majeed, we’ll take it one subject at a time. Thanks:)
good!
Since you are weighing in on this subject how about weighing in when Muslim women are murdered. Like Shaima Alawadi, etc. Since homosexuality is haram it does not matter if they marry or not. Due to the whole lifestyle is contrary to what Allah reveals in the Quran, Torah and Injil.