Petition by the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH) Members to its Board of Directors (Majlis-e-Shura)

بِسْمِاللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Arguably, for the Islamic community, no time has it been more important to speak in a united voice as it is now. Our people are harassed, communities fragmented, rights disfranchised and our way of life misunderstood. As the ISGH tries to provide a united voice and find its relevancy among the Muslim community in Houston, its unyielding mode of operation, indifference to its members needs or interests, inept leadership, and attitude adopted by some on its Board have done all but confirmed its uselessness to deal with the challenges facing the community. Nowhere is it more evident than the Boards unjust handling of recent events, see details here .

For too long we have been made to believe that confronting injustices by fellow Muslims is tantamount to fitnah (trial). That, our leaders may not be challenged! Moreover, we should generally be resigned to fate if confronted with tyranny. However, the latest actions by some on the Board are compelling community members to seriously question and consider withdrawing their support and participation (donations, contributions, association) in ISGH.

We, the undersigned Greater Houston Muslim community (ISGH Natural Members), are deeply concerned about the direct and long term impact of these recent issues, how they transpired and the way they were handled. We are therefore calling for the following:

* The recent episode of police activity at the Darul Arqam School in the Masjid Abu Bakr Siddque (Hwy3) put our children in danger and caused an embarrassment to the Muslim community. The intense situation involving police squads with guns drawn could have been an understandable response had it not been done under a false pretense. To make matters worse, President Aziz Siddiqui falsely implicated an elected Area Representative and an innocent community member as the perpetrator. Both of these are irresponsible and malicious acts, unbecoming of a President of ISGH. Moreover, the subsequent Shura resolutions leave a lot to be desired from a Muslim institution. When resolutions which are supposed to be contemporaneous are introduced in scripted form and the rights of accused to testify were denied, the council made mockery of our religious rights and laws of the land we live in. Repeated appeals to the President and the other members of the Shura to postpone the resolutions until the accused could give their side of the story were refused and the council ramrod a vote to approve the unjust and unconstitutional resolutions.

The Greater Houston Muslims stand united with the parents and the community members of Hwy3 Masjid and demand that the President of ISGH addresses the concerns of the community in an open session.

* Sheikh Zoubir has been a pillar of the Houston Muslim community. His contribution and mentoring have touched almost every man, woman, and child over the years. It saddens us to imagine the possibility of losing an icon like Sheikh Zoubir over matters that should not take precedence over establishing, nurturing, and propagating our beautiful religion. We unequivocally and vehemently disapprove the vote conducted by the ISGH authority to withdraw support for Sheikh Zoubirs I-360 petition. Therefore, we demand that Sheikh Zoubirs I-360 petition be immediately reinstated.

* Additionally, following the commandments of Allah (SWT) in Surat Hujurat, ayat: 9, Hence, if two groups of believers fall to fighting, make peace between them; but then, if one of the two [groups] goes on acting wrongfully towards the other, fight against the one that acts wrongfully until it reverts to Gods commandment; and if they revert, make peace between them with justice, and deal equitably [with them]: for verily, God loves those who act equitably!, the community demands that a dialogue between ISGH authorities and Sheikh Zoubir over his immigration issues be held in the presence of an audience. In the past, both parties have voiced their desire to talk openly so, it is time we act on it.

* Allah (SWT) mentions in Surat Baqara, ayat: 114, And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah's name should be celebrated?... Therefore, we abhor the notion and outright reject any attempt by elected officials to prevent anyone from attending a Masjid, and we demand that the Shura does it as well.

* Additionally, we reject any attempt by any elected officials to prevent our scholars from utilizing the Masjid for the benefit of the community, and we demand that the Shura does it as well.