PRESS RELEASE: May 13, 2007

Islamic Organization of North America signs Muslim Code of Honor

In light of recent sectarian tensions in the Middle East which threaten to spill over to Muslim communities in the United States, the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) has joined other prominent Muslim communities in Southeast Michigan in signing the Muslim Code of Honor.  This groundbreaking agreement commits the Muslim leaders of Southeast Michigan to emphasize the unity of the Islamic community of believers (Ummah) – whether Shia or Sunni.

The Muslim Code of Honor has been signed by the leaders of 28 Muslim communities in Southeast Michigan from both the Shia and Sunni traditions.  Among the leading signatories include the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI); the Detroit chapter of the Muslim American Society (MAS-Detroit); the Islamic Center of America; and the Islamic House of Wisdom.  With endorsements from nearly all Muslim communities in Southeast Michigan, the agreement is expected to have wide acceptance in the Muslim community.  This effort was spearheaded by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM).

The Agreement defines the community of Muslims as those who:

  • Believe in the Oneness and Supremacy of Allah (SWT)
  • Believe in the prophethood of Muhammad (SAW) as the last and final messenger of Allah (SWT)
  • Believe in the reality of the Day of Judgment
  • Believe in the authenticity of the Qur’an
  • Face the Ka’aba in the City of Mecca during their daily prayers.

 

The signatories commit to respect the authority of the leaders of each community, and to respect diversity in modes of worship (‘ibadat) and schools of Islamic thought (madhahib).  Additionally, participating organizations agree that they will not use, spread, or tolerate the rhetoric of takfir (slandering others as non-believers) against any Muslim that meets these criteria.

Notably, the agreement further commits the signatories to work towards mutual understanding and reconciliation by establishing scholarly study groups (halaqas) to objectively examine Muslim history, creed, and law; and appoint representative Muslim scholars, from both Shia and Sunni traditions, to adjudicate areas of contention.

Islamic Organization of North America
586-558-6900