Press Release:
Maryland Muslims Launch New Statewide Crisis Response Working Group Representing 350K+ Community Members
(BALTIMORE, Md., 1/18/2024) - Today, nearly thirty Maryland mosques and community organizations have united to announce the launch of the Islamic Maryland Action Network (IMAN), a newly formed statewide crisis response working group that serves over 350,000 Muslim residents in the state.
SEE: IMAN Network
The IMAN Network’s mission is to “foster a coordinated, compassionate, and effective response to crises, uniting diverse Muslim communities” across the state.” Rooted in principles of faith, inclusivity, justice, and preparedness, IMAN aims to “activate communities, facilitate collaboration, enhance preparedness, provide timely communication, mobilize resources and empower local leadership” while assessing and adapting processes based on feedback and experiences to improve its ability to serve the community.
“During these volatile times, it has become visibly apparent how necessary it is for the Muslim community to organize and mobilize to make sure our voices are heard by our elected leaders,” said IMAN Network Co-Founder Dr. Samya Mohammad. “Our goal with IMAN Action Network is to be that vehicle that allows for Maryland Muslims to address important issues impacting our local community.”
“We can no longer afford to rely on processes and systems that aren’t designed, equipped or applied to meet the priorities and interests of our communities,” said IMAN Network Co-Founder Dr. Zainab Chaudry. “As we confront growing challenges including an unprecedented surge of hate and bias against Muslims, Palestinians and Arabs, IMAN was established to harness our collective voices and organize for positive change.”
“The crisis in Palestine and its impact on our communities here in Maryland demands a response,” said IMAN Network Co-Founder Hena Zuberi. “This is why we need IMAN. We will not be marginalized in our own homes, in our own neighborhoods, in our own state. The time for taking the Muslims in Maryland for granted is over.”
“Unity in purpose and action is critical for the Muslim community in all matters including advocating for just public policies,” said IMAN Network Co-Founder Jameel Aalim-Johnson. “The formation of Iman is a key step in achieving that unity.”
“As a Muslim, my religion instructs me to stand up for justice, alleviate the suffering of the oppressed and elevate the marginalized,” said IMAN Network Co-Founder Dr. Yassine Daoud. “IMAN Network is meant to give Maryland Muslims a voice and representation in the wider community to achieve such goals.”
Mosque and member organizations are growing and currently include the following:
Statewide Organizations:
American Muslim Educator Network
Council on American-Islamic Relations - CAIR Maryland
ICNA Council for Social Justice
ICNA Relief
Islamic Leadership Institute of America
Justice For All
Muslim American Society MD/Noor Ctr.
Muslim Voices Coalition
United Maryland Muslim Council
Anne Arundel County:
Islamic Society of Annapolis
Baltimore City:
BAM Baltimore Area Muslims
Beats Rhymes & Relief
Baltimore County:
Islamic Center of Owings Mills
Islamic Society of Baltimore
Masjid Fatima
Frederick County:
Frederick County Muslim Council
Islamic Society of Frederick
Harford County:
Harford Islamic Center
Masjid Al Falaah
Howard County:
Dar Al Taqwa
Howard County Muslim Council
Montgomery County:
IMAAM Center
Islamic Center of Maryland
Islamic Society of Washington Area
Montgomery Co. Muslim Council
Prince Georges’ County:
Dar Us Salaam
Diyanet Center of America
Prince Georges’ Co. Muslim Council
Mosques and Muslim organizations based in Maryland are invited to apply to become a member of the IMAN Network by emailing samya@imanaction.org.
The mission of IMAN Network is to foster a coordinated, compassionate, and effective response to crises, uniting diverse Muslim communities across Maryland.
The vision of IMAN Network is to cultivate resilient, engaged, thriving communities through a unified statewide response to crises.
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