Code of Conduct for Members and Guests of the ICP

These rules and guidelines have been drawn up to guide those unfamiliar with the etiquette of the Houses of Allah and to preserve the traditional and welcoming culture of this masjid, reflective of the whole Muslim world.

General rules

· Worshipers should treat all guests, uncultured, and newcomers, whether Muslim or not, with kindness and respect.

· All worshipers and guests are encouraged to dress in their best modest clothing, conduct themselves in a friendly and considerate manner, strictly avoiding expletives, yelling, aggression, and unpredictable or agitated behavior. Anyone behaving in a threatening or erratic manner will trigger security responses. Failure to listen to any staff may be perceived as a threat.

· Security, board, and staff should be notified about suspicious persons or behavior.

· All complaints and disputes should be brought to the ICP Board or appropriate directors. Members should avoid approaching each other with correction, but directing them to the religious director or imam for education, or board or security as appropriate.

· To assist masjid presentability, members should not leave any personal belongings in common areas.

· Members should strictly avoid playing music or anything religiously repugnant on ICP property or during any ICP functions.

· Men should at least wear a short sleeve shirt and shorts that cover their knees. Izars may be provided for prayer. Member and worshiping women should wear loose fitting clothing covering all but their hands, face, and feet. Guests should wear “church clothes” of long dresses, loose trousers, and cover arms and chest, and wear a headscarf. Guests may see visitor’s guidelines for more info.

Prayer Hall Rules & Etiquette

· The adhan should be called on time every time. The iqamah must be held for the religious director imam if present. This is emphasized during special functions or lessons taking place in the prayer hall. Any late congregations or late prayer leaders should keep a low voice if other programs are being held.

· Miḥrāb space of the imam is reserved for him only to use, whether for his professional or personal effects. Prayer spots behind the imam or in the front row are not to be reserved.

· No one may use the microphone except for masjid board, staff, or those appointed. No religious instruction or programming may take place without the permission of the religious director.

· Within 10 minutes of any prayer beginning or ending, worshipers should engage in dhikr, recitation, and nawaafil, while avoiding social media, loud communications, and antics.

· At ALL times, members should be respectful and considerate to anyone engaged in worship, so as not to be at fault for distracting them and decreasing the value of their worship at the House of Allah.

· Pets are not allowed. Small children who follow the good instruction of their parents and staff are welcome. Whenever babysitting is provided, all eligible children must be registered and follow sitter instruction until picked up by guardian.

· Worshipers should keep phones silent during sermons and prayers and avoid speaking, using their phones, or giving in to any distractions during sermons.

· All pubescent males must stay [and pray] with the men, without mixing with the women when they are present, and without ogling at them. All women should avoid the men’s area, except to pass through along the side, or during functions in designated areas.

· It is discouraged to use the prayer hall as a pathway between the two exits, or lobby and offices.

· Women’s partition may be opened completely during large gatherings, and halfway during jumuah or other presentations to allow viewing for some and privacy for others. Partitions may be drawn across at all other times, with a sufficient opening to allow following prayer movements.

Long Version

ICP Code of Conduct & Member Handbook – Long Version

The ICP Code of Conduct serves as a member handbook in addition to the Bylaws. Employees and those in trusted positions may have additional responsibilities and codes to abide by.

This document serves as the short version for many policies, procedures, and agreements that the ICP operates with in practice. For many aspects, there are additional and more detailed forms and agreements.

The ICP prides itself on being a uniquely diverse and inclusive masjid that every Muslim can come to without feeling alienated. We are not labeled with any of the labels that other masajid carry, whether Tableeghi, Ikhwani, Sufi, Salafi, conservative, liberal, etc. Nor do we have any dominant ethnic majority. We are a Sunni masjid, and the message from the minbar pulpit will be entirely traditional scripturalist Sunni and mainstream theology.

Our membership and regular worshipers are of diverse national origins as well as native converts.

The ICP culture is made up of elements that reflect those who attend our center, whether for daily prayers, or seasonal functions.

We aim to preserve a delicate balance between Muslims of different ideological and juridical backgrounds, levels of practice and understanding, social levels, etc.

As for the general rules and policies that the ICP adopts, the highest concern is placed on the undisputed consensus of the Muslim scholars throughout history. After that, we may adopt one opinion over another, based on what the Religious Director sees or allows, often looking at prevalent practices of other American masajid in light of the unique dynamics of the ICP, physically and socially.

While we strive to be welcoming without being pedantic, there are many guidelines that are necessary to preserve the integrity of the masjid.

These rules and guidelines have therefore been drawn up to guide those unfamiliar with the etiquette of the Houses of Allah and to preserve the welcoming yet traditional culture of this masjid. They also serve as a reminder and reference when necessary.

The code applies to everyone who visits the ICP building and property or sponsored events, from members to the general public.

From here on, “ICP Officials” or “ICP Management” will be used to refer to the board and staff.

ICP Officials are responsible and followed when directing worshipers or guests in the masjid. All directions must be followed, to ensure a safe and orderly environment, as the Prophet ﷺ said:

فَإِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُ كَالْجَمَلِ الأَنِفِ حَيْثُمَا قِيدَ انْقَادَ

“For the true believer is like a nose-ringed camel; wherever he is steered, he goes.”

Enforcement of policies and procedures

Like any system of rules, code enforcement will not be perfect. All patrons should assume the best of Management. Leadership decisions are largely subjective and ijtihadi. Some slip ups and lack of uniformity are to be expected as enforcement is a human endeavor. Officials may view infractions differently, not agreeing that all are worth addressing. And it is from the good manners of the Prophet ﷺ not to speak up on every minute faux pas, as al-Hasan described.

يَتَغَافَلُ عَمَّا لا يَشْتَهِي

He would pretend not to know of some things he didn’t like.

General welcoming and policies

· Worshipers should treat all guests, uncultured, and newcomers, whether Muslim or not, with kindness and courtesy.

Disability accommodations: the main lobby is handicapped accessible with the ramp on the north-east side of the building, the Parkman side of the Bigelow-Parkman intersection. There is a collapsible ramp that allows wheelchairs to enter the prayer hall. Contact ICP Officials before your visit if you expect to need assistance before coming into the prayer hall. Staff and volunteers are very few in number and hard to gather at off times.

There is currently no wheelchair access to the basement.

· All worshipers and guests are encouraged to dress in their best modest clothing,

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِنْدَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ [7:31]

O children of Adam, take your adornment with you to every masjid.

· … and conduct themselves in a friendly and considerate manner, strictly avoiding expletives, yelling, aggression, and unpredictable or agitated behavior. Anyone behaving in a threatening or erratic manner will trigger security responses. Failure to listen to any staff may be perceived as a threat.

· Notify security, board, and staff about suspicious persons or behavior.

· All members and guests are expected to comply with all written policies and agreements for using the Center’s personnel, spaces, services, equipment, etc.

· All complaints and disputes should be brought to the ICP Board or appropriate directors. Members should be careful about approaching each other with religious correction, but directing them to the religious director or imam for assessment and education if necessary.

· To assist masjid presentability, members should not leave any personal belongings in common areas.

· All patrons should clean up after themselves in the social hall, library, youth room, kitchen, lobby, restrooms and wherever they use services, eat or drink, and not leave things behind.

· ICP declines all donations of books, clothing, appliances, furniture, etc. Please send to any other organization that may accept it. For religious books, you may speak to the Religious Director if he sees fit to accept any.

· Masjid utilities should be used responsibly, especially water for ablution wudu.

· Lost and found is the responsibility of ICP security. ICP is not liable for any personal losses or damages.

· Members should strictly avoid playing music or religiously repugnant media on ICP property or during any ICP functions, whether on site or off site (e.g. Eid festival, street fair, coordinated events, rented facilities).

· The following are strictly limited to ICP board and staff and whomever they task of volunteers or contract:

o Modifying any of the permanent structures of the ICP.

o Adding, subtracting, modifying, or moving any furnishings. This includes the women’s partition.

o Adding, subtracting, modifying, or moving of posters, whether business ads, program flyers, etc.

o Adding or removing religious paraphernalia. As a note, congregants of a variety of backgrounds may attend the ICP. Some practices and symbolism might be common in some cultures but considered innovation or heresy by others. Religious Director and or Resident Scholar has been appointed to make the ultimate decision in such matters as to what may be accepted or what should be removed.

o Adjusting the fuse boxes, lights, electrical equipment and wiring, heating and cooling systems and settings, audio and visual equipment and settings, and windows.

· Due to the sensitivities of worshipers and guests, no incense should be burned without Management permission.

· Food preparers should avoid salad with raw onions, or garlic sauce sides, so as not to offend others with bad breath.

· Worshipers and guests should respect the entire property of ICP and its surrounding environment and neighborhood. They should strive to uphold the center’s good reputation. They should not loiter suspiciously, be loud or disruptive to our neighbors, block their cars or driveways, or litter. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

إِيَّاكُمْ وَالْجُلُوسَ فِي الطُّرُقَاتِ

Beware of sitting idly in the pathways.

وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلَا يُؤْذِ جَارَهُ

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm their neighbor.

· The ICP Management welcomes honest feedback and suggestions for how we can improve our facility and policies for best practices. All criticism will be taken seriously and weighed with the weights that the Sharia provides.

· The ICP reserves the right to disinvite, ask to leave, or even ban individuals from the masjid indefinitely if they demonstrate a willful disregard for any of the guidelines in this manual.

Prayer Hall Rules and Etiquette – أحكام المصلى ومروءته

· The musallā prayer hall receives all the Sharia rulings of a masjid, including the prohibition of buying and selling therein, or acting as a podium for the lost and found.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ is narrated to have said:

إِذَا رَأَيْتُمْ مَنْ يَبِيعُ أَوْ يَبْتَاعُ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَقُولُوا لاَ أَرْبَحَ اللَّهُ تِجَارَتَكَ وَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمْ مَنْ يَنْشُدُ فِيهِ ضَالَّةً فَقُولُوا لاَ رَدَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ

When you see someone selling or buying in the Masjid then say: ‘May Allah not profit your business.’ And when you see someone announcing about something lost then say: ‘May Allah not return it to you.’

· Voices should be lowered therein out of respect for all seen and unseen worshipers. Yelling and screaming are not allowed. Debating about religious topics or polemics about secular or political topics is strictly prohibited, as these are considered signs of the End Times.

· Sport activities, running, and jumping are only allowed for staff supervised times and events, like Sunday School, sleepovers, etc.

· Do not remove any books or Qurans from the musalla prayer hall or library. Such literature may be read during your visit to ICP. If you would like to purchase a book or donate for or acquire a mushaf, ask ICP Officials.

Welcomeness

All non-Muslims are welcome to visit the center with pre-approval from ICP Management to properly coordinate their visit. They are welcome to be respectfully curious as long as they respect Muslim customs.

All Muslims are welcome to worship Islamically in the ICP, whether male or female, young or senior, Sunni or Shii, regardless of race or madhab, as long as they abide by general decent conduct and these guidelines.

The ICP Management reserves the right to ask any member or guest, Muslim or non, to leave the premises if the presence of such individual or group is deemed threatening to the culture of the masjid. The Management further reserves the right to disallow any individual from returning to the Center if their conduct, on or off site, has been deemed especially offensive, volatile, unpredictable, anti-Islamic, or making other worshipers uncomfortable.

We are following Prophetic precedent, as he expelled al-Hakam ibn Abil-`Aas and the effeminates from Medinah; Uthman ibn `Affan expelled Abu Dharr for preaching an anomalous fiqh; and Imam Malik expelled the one who asked about Allah’s rising.

Gender Interactions

While Islam does not forbid interactions between unrelated men and women, such interactions must be reduced to an as needed basis, especially in the House of Worship. This is to protect the respectable nature of the masjid so that worshipers and guests may come to the center without the expectation of flirtatious interaction nor needing to protect themselves from such and especially not being tempted to procure such attention. It is expected that men and women, married or single, will respect the privacy of each other and limit their interactions as necessary, and not adorn themselves with clothing, perfume, or behavior designed to attract or arouse the opposite gender.

· Men and women should each use the facilities and spaces designed for their own gender as defined by their reproductive anatomy.

· As per Islamic guidance, gender is set at birth based upon reproductive anatomy, male or female. All members must present themselves and move socially according to their first assigned gender.

· Children 10 and older are expected to behave as adults without mixing unnecessarily with the opposite gender.

· Children under 10 may be excused if they lack a guardian of their gender in the masjid except for prayer times.

Attire

· Men should at least wear a short sleeve shirt and shorts that extend to their knees. Izars may be provided if their shorts do not adequately cover their thighs.

· Member and worshiping women should wear loose fitting clothing covering all but their hands, face, and feet.

· Female guests should wear “church clothes” of long dresses, loose trousers, and cover arms and chest, along with a headscarf covering their hair and neck. They may not wear any perfume to the masjid or indoor Islamic events. Headscarves and loose abayahs may be provided as needed.

· Shoes may be worn throughout the building except for the prayer hall and red-carpet areas before the prayer hall or the wudu area. Shoes should be placed on the racks in orderly fashion.

Ritual Worship services

· Miḥrāb space of the imam is reserved for him only to use, whether for his professional or personal effects. At times of masjid congestion, during jumuah or iftar, spillover is to be expected. No one who is not imam should position themselves in a presumptuous manner.

· The adhan should be called on time every time. Timing for the adhan is tawqeefi (based upon revelation) and should not be advanced or delayed.

· The iqamah must be held for the religious director imam if available. The iqamah is not tawqeefi but up to the good discretion of the imam. The times that are established and propagated will generally be honored with exceptions of the imam’s readiness if within a feasible timeframe, or masjid events. Hence, this is emphasized during special functions or lessons taking place in the prayer hall.

· Adhan callers and back-up prayer leaders are chosen or acknowledged by the Religious Director and ICP Officials. Should anyone wish to nominate themselves or others or even complain about any of those chosen, they should speak to the Religious Director. They should expect to recite to the imam and review basic fiqh of prayer. They may be requested to send a recording of their recitation for further guidance, respectfully.

· Late congregations, prayer leaders, and worshipers should keep a low voice if official programs are being held.

· Prayer spots behind the imam or in the front row may not be reserved. “First come first serve”.

· No one should unnecessarily occupy the hallways or natural walking paths to the prayer hall, doorways, and access ramps.

Religious instruction in the Masjid

· No one may use the microphone except for masjid board, staff, or those appointed. No religious instruction, programming, speeches, fundraising, public address, or announcements may take place without the permission of the religious director and or ICP Officials.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

لاَ يَقُصُّ إِلاَّ أَمِيرٌ أَوْ مَأْمُورٌ أَوْ مُخْتَالٌ.

“No one instructs except the leader, their appointee, or the presumptuous.” [Abu Dawud & Ibn Majah, hasan]

· ICP Management may approve or deny any guest speakers for Khutbah, lectures or classes based upon speaker or organizational religious orthodoxy, reputation, etc. The ICP board shall consult with the Imam and or ICP management to help make suitable decisions in favor of the community’s benefit.

Maintaining a worshipful prayer hall

The prayer hall is where people come to get closer to Allah and reflect. That is the primary purpose of the masjid. All other activities are secondary and must respect the rights of worshipers to engage their Lord with contemplation, dhikr, duaa, recitation, and salaat.

The only detractions allowed from the worshipful atmosphere are by ICP Officials conducting their necessary duties in the most feasible manner. This includes the preparation and conducting of events in the prayer hall, lectures, announcements, and other necessary logistics so that the Center efficiently perform the multiple duties that the community expects of it.

· Within 10 minutes of any prayer beginning or ending, worshipers should engage in dhikr, recitation, and nawaafil, while avoiding social media, loud communications, and antics.

Other religious services

· Weddings, funerals, and other stage of life events may conducted at and through the Center with Management and Religious Director/Committee approval. All applicants should respect the Center’s final decision and comply with any conditional adjustments, whether that is logistical or religious in nature.

Children in the Houses of Allah

· Small children who follow the good instruction of their parents and staff are welcome. Whenever babysitting is provided, all eligible children must be registered and follow sitter instruction until picked up by guardian. The ICP will not be held responsible for the consequences when families ignore guidelines and direction.

Imam Malik (rh) was asked about bringing children to the masjid and he said, “If they do not cause disturbance by playing around, and will stop when told to, then there is no harm. However, if they play around and disturb others, then they should not be brought to the masjid.” [Al-Mudawwanah 1/195]

· Children should be accompanied by their parents in the restroom to ensure they clean up after themselves.

· Children are not to be distracted with phones and tablets in the prayer hall during prayer time.

· ICP reserves the right to charge families whose children have broken or damaged anything belonging to Masjid. ICP also reserves the right to prevent families or individuals from bringing disruptive children to Masjid.

· If your child requires assistance, please exit the lecture and prayer halls immediately.

· Pets are not allowed, whether free or leashed or in a cage.

· Worshipers should keep phones silent during sermons and prayers and avoid speaking, using their phones, or giving in to any distractions during sermons.

· It is discouraged to use the prayer hall as a pathway between the two exits, or lobby and offices.

Other rules

Parking

Vehicles should be parked between the two white lines of a parking space and not double-parked. All visitors and attendees should not park in spaces designated for

1. People with special needs (Handicap).

2. Fire lanes.

3. Places with NO PARKING sign.

4. DO NOT block the driveways of the masjid neighbors at any time.

5. All other reserved or prohibited areas as noted by the ICP, especially the leased spots on the Bigelow entrance, and the staff spaces on the Parkman entrance.

Overnight parking requires the approval of the management. Vehicles parked illegally or parked overnight without prior approval will be towed at the owner’s expense and may be reported to local police.

At present, the ICP does not allow anyone to park overnight.

Equipment

Exercise care when you use any equipment, facility or items belonging to Masjid. All properties and items belonging to the ICP should not be moved or removed from the ICP. Destruction or malfunction of items and equipment is the responsibility of the user.

The management has a right to demand payment to replace the item and will contact local authorities if necessary. Do not tamper with any equipment of the ICP. This includes, but is not limited to the lighting facilities, sound equipment, doors, furniture etc.

Distributing, Selling, or Donation collection

No individual is allowed to distribute or sell on the premises of the ICP, which includes the parking lot, unless approved by the ICP management. ICP does not allow individuals to distribute anything without the express permission of the management. This includes, but is not limited to the selling or the distribution of paraphernalia, literature, pamphlets, flyers, books, brochures, advertisement ads, goods, food, etc.

All donation collection effort on the Masjid premises must be pre-authorized by the ICP management. Any unauthorized donation collection boxes will be promptly removed. All funds collected in the Masjid premises must be processed through the ICP accounting.

Overnight Stay

Other than annual Ramadan i`tikaf, the ICP does not allow any individual or group to stay overnight on ICP property without the explicit approval of the Management. All relevant rules and regulations apply.

At present, the ICP does not entertain such requests.

Food and beverages

Food and drinks are not allowed in the main prayer halls, except in Ramadan or other Management coordinated events. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Smoking

This is a no smoking facility. In compliance with the Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act, Act 27 of 2008 (CIAA).

Smokers are free to smoke by the dumpsters in the back. They are not to discard their cigarette butts on the lawn or sidewalk.

Technology Ethics

At no time shall attendees bring TVs, VCRS, DVD players, game consoles, or any entertainment equipment into the ICP except with express permission from Management. Attendees are not allowed to browse the Internet or utilize the wireless Internet for leisure purposes in the prayer halls. The use of electronics is allowed outside of the prayer halls with the following conditions:

 The internet shall be reserved for educational purposes. Individuals who view unacceptable materials online will be asked to stop immediately and forever or leave.

 Kids should not be allowed to use the wireless Internet unless supervised by a parent in line with observance of all technology related ethics. The parent is responsible for any technology or internet usage by their children.

 All internet usage must be used for appropriate, halal and educational purposes. Visiting music or inappropriate websites are not tolerated. The ICP reserves the right to interpret the nature of “appropriate halal and educational purposes.”

 Individuals who wish to use their laptops or mp3 players must always use headphones. The volume of the headphones must not reach a level where other attendees are bothered.

 Observe cell phone etiquette in the prayer halls. Cell phones and electronics should be placed on “SILENT.” Cell phone conversations are not permitted in the prayer halls. No cell phone loudspeakers are allowed in the building.

 For event filming and photography, please contact the ICP management for an appointment.

Safety Standards

ICP meets all fire codes and other safety standards approved by the Fire Marshal, city and state regulations. All events held at Masjid must meet line with the city and fire department regulations, as well as reflect the policies hereby stated in this document. Due to the ICP being an historical building in an historical neighborhood, much leeway is offered by the city, hence there is no elevator.

1. Weapons Policy

No weapons or ammunition are permitted at any time. All violations of this will be reported to the police immediately. Only approved security personnel are allowed to carry firearms on the premises.

2. Illegal Activity

Any illegal activity by any individual or group will be reported immediately to the Police. Any unknown or unattended packages will be removed from the ICP or turned over to law enforcement if necessary. No personal items should be left outside or inside the ICP.

3. Food Safety

While Masjid does provide refreshments to attendees from time to time, all individuals are requested to be responsible and aware of the food content offered in the ICP. If you are allergic to any food or chemicals, please notify the ICP. ICP will make sure that your safety is first addressed. ICP is not responsible for any medical-related allergies or accidents resulting from the negligence of attendees.

In the event where food is offered or sold at the ICP, vendors must furnish adequate information to prevent food allergies. Failure to do so will result in the revoking of the vendor’s license. ICP is not liable for the food sold by any vendors.

Community members occasionally bring leftover food from events or home cooked meals to seek reward and duaa from those who partake. ICP is not responsible for

Zakaat collection and distribution

The ICP collects zakaat money and is entrusted in keeping it accounted for so that it may be distributed properly.

The ICP sees its responsibility in primarily giving money to those poor fuqarā’ and masākīn who do not have the ability to make ends meet. In keeping due diligence, the sadaqah committee may investigate the situation of applicants to determine their eligibility.

The ICP also uses zakat funds for mu’allafi qulūbuhum, winning the hearts, by especially giving hadiyyah and material to new Muslims.

The ICP follows the opinion of AMJA which holds the validity of using zakaat money for the Houses of Allah in America as falling under the umbrella of fī sabīli-llāh. In keeping with the general spirit of zakat, uplifting the poor, masjid expenditures would be limited to 12.5% of the incoming zakat, except when the masjid needs are not being met from general donations, in which case the ICP may expand zakat usage to fulfil organizational needs.

The ICP does not currently allot any share of zakat for al-`āmilīn `alaihā, as the sadaqah committee is entirely volunteer and staff run. Nor does the ICP use funds for al-riqāb.

The ICP does not have any specific policy for indebted al-ġārimīn. As for cut off travelers ibn al-sabīl, the ICP may, at committee discretion, assist or withhold based on veracity of the petitioner’s needs. Assistance for those in the middle of travel will often be in the form of non-refundable bus tickets to their home.

ICP and the Community

The ICP strives to be a valuable and treasured addition to the greater Pittsburgh community. That includes first and foremost, the neighborhood of Schenley Farms Historic District.

Extending beyond, the ICP may occasionally make agreements with various organizations and government departments in ways that serve the community – the Muslim community, or the greater Pittsburgh community. These agreements will often reflect the talents, know-how, and passions of ICP’s own human resources. No such relationships will be made which compromise our Islamic values.

Interfaith participation

The ICP recognizes the immense benefits of interfaith networking and multifaith organizing, especially to educate others about Islam, expose them to the Muslim community and our traditions, break down barriers, and to accomplish greater projects that would be harder with our resources alone.

Allah set precedent and challenge to interfaith dialogue saying:

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَى كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلَّا نَعْبُدَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَلَا نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضًا أَرْبَابًا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَقُولُوا اشْهَدُوا بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ [3:64]

Say, "O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah." But if they turn away, then say, "Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]."

That being said, the ICP will carefully vet any interfaith opportunity that the organization, the building itself, or any of its staff, especially religious, are invited to participate in. This is to ensure that none of the masjid’s name or resources are used or perceived to be used in any manner that would betray its primary purpose of being an Islamic house of worship.

Social justice campaigns and causes

Allah ﷻ says:

... وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ... [5:2]

And cooperate together upon righteousness and piety and do not cooperate upon sin and transgression – and keep your duty to Allah.

Being a house of worship first and foremost, the ICP will work to preserve this identity and cause of the center and organization as the highest priority. Therefore, the ICP may refrain from official participation in any statements or actions that could conceivably threaten the primary objective as a house of worship.

Individual members and staff may do so at their own discretion, if contract does not forbid. They may not advocate on behalf of the masjid without explicit Board approval.

Whenever the ICP learns of a political or social cause that is in agreement with its values and there is only “upside” estimated from participation, without risk to its primary mission, the ICP may use its available resources in strengthening that cause, whether officially signing a letter, organizing community action, hosting an event, or offering support for third party organizers.

The ICP will strictly vet any such offerings to protect its own reputation as an Islamic house of worship. As such, the ICP is not obligated to sponsor, host or participate in any events, no matter who presents it, or the direness of the cause. In cases where the ICP declines official involvement, participation may be encouraged in its unofficial channels and word of mouth.

Political advocacy and involvement

The ICP is politically unaffiliated and does not endorse candidates or referenda. The ICP may invite candidates or government officials, whether local, state, or national, to address the congregation and field questions or to observe and participate in our regular events.

No such actions should be seen as endorsements. Fair opportunity shall be offered to any political candidate or official that wishes to meet the Muslim community.

Final note on community involvement and participation

The ICP must never willingly ignore or distort any of the agreed upon and inviolable values of Islam to realize community objectives, except in a manner that qualified scholars would exclude in the spirit of Allah’s Words:

... إِلَّا أَنْ تَتَّقُوا مِنْهُمْ تُقَاةً ... [3:28]

Except taking enough allegiance with them to protect yourself from their harm.

And all true success and protection is only from Allah.

Comments and Feedback

ICP management welcomes any questions, feedback, comments, and suggestions.

We are humans and are prone to error, miscalculation, personal biases, and weaknesses. Only with community accountability can we improve. And the community culture and needs will evolve over time, and our policies with it.

Feedback and questions may be directed to office@icp-pgh.org or visit the ICP website at www.icp-pgh.org. Please submit these in writing to the ICP management making sure to include your contact information (name, email and phone number) as further understanding may be required.

And with Allah Alone is all perfection and success.

And may He exalt the mention of His Messenger Muhammad, and his family, companions and followers, and grant them peace.