Islamic Circle of North America

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), founded in 1968, is one of the largest grass roots Muslim organizations in North America. Having spread its chapters in almost all the major cities, towns and neighborhoods, ICNA is actively involved in the development of the American Muslim community and the society at large.

While the largest numbers of the members of ICNA have South Asian origins, it is a non-ethnic, non-sectarian, open to all, independent Muslim organization. Among its programs are: inviting and encouraging people to understand Islam; providing opportunities for them to increase their knowledge and enhance their character; speaking out against immorality and oppression of all forms; extending supports for protecting civil liberties and socio-economic justice in the society; building bridges among different ethnic-religious groups and organizations, and strengthening the bond of humanity by serving all those in need anywhere in the world, with special focus on our neighborhoods across North America.

ICNA runs “Feed the Hungry” program in Manhattan, New York. It, also, runs a shelter home for Muslim sisters in Jamaica, New York. After the terrorist attack of 9/11, ICNA was very active in World Trade Center disaster relief, escorting survivors to family assistance centers, cutting through confusion and red tape, and making direct donations. As a faith-based organization committed to service delivery, ICNA Relief thus has been chosen to represent the Muslim community on the board of NYDIS, the newly created New York Disaster Interfaith Services.

ICNA maintains contacts and cordial relationship with other American Muslim organizations and almost all the inter-faith organizations. Among the interfaith groups it is currently working with are: The Organization of Catholic Bishops, National Council of Churches for Christ, Religions for Peace - USA, and The Interfaith Center of New York.