Shia and Sunni New York Area Declaration

For the Protection of Nations and Societies in the Face of Sectarian Violence Shia Sunni Declaration Signed at ICLI

A declaration entitled "Sectarian Violence: Its Origins, Results & Solutions," was signed by major religious leaders of Sunni and Shia tradition during the annual ISNA convention on the fourteenth of the month of Shawal, 1434 A.H. - the first of September of 2013 in the capital city of Washington D.C. As a follow up Islamic Center of Long Island(ICLI) mobilized and arranged for a duplication of this effort on Long Island and at a well attended gathering, the declaration was signed by many Sunni and Shia leaders at ICLI on Saturday November 2, 2013. The group was guided by the holy verse, "And hold steadfastly to the rope of Allah collectively and do not be separated," and taking heed of the advice of the holy Prophet, his holy household and noble companions to the pilgrims of the sanctified house of Allah who said,"…For your blood and wealth are sacred to you as is the sanctity of this day in this month in this land of yours," as well as his other statement, "The believer is the brother of another believer, together they are like a strong building, one supports the other." Therefore, based on our religious and ethical responsibilities towards our religion, communities and nations, we reproduce key excerpts from the declaration:

All Muslims are one nation, even if the schools of thought are diverse. 2)It is forbidden by Islam to use unethical and unjustified methods of negative propaganda in the name of religion and/or sect.3) It is forbidden by Islam to support such acts financially, with weapons and with media coverage.4) It is forbidden to violate those things sanctified by man and man's rights, and to judge based on theistic beliefs, sect, and thought. 5)It is important to understand the role of religion in the life of the public and the role of decent religious scholars whose role is to spread knowledge, tolerance and brotherhood within society. 6)It is important that Islamic organizations and centers be attentive to the youth by raising them and guiding them both religiously and intellectually to be pious, ethical, knowledgeable and moderate without deficiency or excess.

In closing, the attendees ask Allah Almighty to support them in their service to Islam and Muslims, to establish security and peace and to bless this milestone that serves as a message of peace, tolerance, and content for all Muslims. The signators ask that it becomes a spring-board to forging the required relationships between all and may the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you. The signators represented leadership of mosques from Queens, Nassau and Suffolk.