Statement on the Announced Ceasefire Between Hamas and Israel
January 19, 2025
Islamic Center of Southern California Statement on the A****nnounced Ceasefire Between Hamas and Israel
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
O you who believe! Be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah (Surah An-Nisa 4:135)
The Islamic Center of Southern California expresses cautious optimism regarding the announced ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, hoping it will pave the way toward ending the genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza. However, we remain deeply troubled by reports that leading figures in Israel still have designs to restart a war, leading to the fragility of this ceasefire.
As Muslims in Southern California, a community situated at the heart of this diverse and vibrant region, we feel both the weight of this crisis and the shared humanity that calls us to action. The words of Allah in the Quran remind us:
Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity. (Surah Al-Maidah 5:32)
This guiding principle compels us to speak against injustice and pray for the safety of all lives. The plight of the Palestinian people, both Muslim and Christian, resonates deeply with us, as their suffering touches every corner of our global ummah.
We, as American Muslims, are aggrieved by the role our government has played in enabling and funding policies that have contributed to this ongoing tragedy. While we acknowledge the influence of powerful lobbying groups, we reaffirm our commitment to the prophetic tradition of standing firmly for justice:
We call on our elected officials to dedicate resources to the well-being and safety of all Americans, particularly in times of local crises, such as the recent fires in Los Angeles. These resources should be used to heal and strengthen our communities rather than being sent to perpetuate violence abroad.
Our prayers are with the people of Gaza and all who suffer under oppression. We pray for an end to violence, for the restoration of dignity and hope to the Palestinian people, and for a moral awakening in our nations foreign policy.
Indeed, with hardship comes ease. (Surah Ash-Sharh 94:6)
May Allah guide us toward peace and justice, strengthen our resolve to work for what is right, and unite us in the shared pursuit of a world free from oppression.
We are an independent organization whose primary goal is the development of a vibrant American Muslim identity through spiritual, educational, and recreational activities. \