Islamic Center of Omaha

Press Releases

Feb 15 2024 -- Press statement issued at the Lincoln Capitol Building, Lincoln NE.

 Press statement issued by Mr. Adnan Waheed (Chairperson - Islamic Center of Omaha)

I want everyone to imagine for a moment that I took you and your family (loved ones) and LOCKED you in a room and then, I cut off any access to food, water, and electricity…..tell me, what would be going through your mind? You would think that I left you for to die. This is the scenario/experience that the people of Gaza have been and are in till TODAY.

Gaza has been referred to as the largest open air prison in the world with over 2 million people and facing 50 years of occupation by Israel. Since October 7th, Israel has attacked Gaza from the air and on the land with the excuse that they are after Hamas. The victims of these bombings are innocent civilians. Take for example when bombs were dropped on hospitals and ambulances. No one in their right mind would ever allow or agree to the bombing of an entire hospital even if a member of Hamas were to be hiding within it. 

Since October 7th, the death toll from the Israeli attack on Gaza has surpasses 28,000 people. On behalf of Islamic Center of Omaha, We condemn and any just human will condemn the oppression/the genocide that is happening in Gaza today.  We join here today to stand for justice for the oppressed. As a Muslim, Allah tells in the Holy Quran in chapter 4 verse 135 to stand firm in justice even if it be against ourselves, parents or relatives.

I encourage anyone listening to this to study about the oppression and genocide that the people in Palestine have been undergoing and THEN to take action, even if it is to speak a few words to create awareness. Your few words may be the difference that saves lives. 

I will conclude with words from Imam Hussain, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who said "Those who are silent when others are oppressed, are guilty of oppression themselves." 

Thank you for listening

 

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted. (4:135)


Nov 1 2023 --  Gaza Palestine crisis

Islamic Center of Omaha (ICO) condemns the violent attacks that continues to kill innocent children and families in Palestine. Families are cut off from food, electricity and even escape while bombs are being dropped from above. Our hearts are in pain with the images and news that continue to develop from the Palestinian genocide. Palestine, you are all in our prayers and know that above all, Allah is on your side. 


Ibrahim 14:42


وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَٰفِلًا عَمَّا يَعْمَلُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَۚ إِنَّمَا يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ تَشْخَصُ فِيهِ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ 


English - Sahih International


And never think that Allāh is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them [i.e., their account] for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].


#FreePalastine #GENOCIDEGAZA #PrayForPalestine


25 Mar 2021 -- Atlanta GA and Boulder CO Incident


We offer our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the violent attacks that took place in the cities of Boulder and Atlanta. 


The Islamic Center of Omaha and the wider Omaha Muslim  community stand with the victims and their families in condemning such violence. The life of every human is both precious and sacred. This unprovoked loss of life is a cause of sorrow for us all. We hope and pray for a safer world that is free from hate and violence. Also we pray for the survivors and their families. During this tragic moment we call on all community members of different faiths and ethnicities to stand together and condemn such violence and work towards establishing peace and harmony. 


"Verily, with every hardship there is relief. Therefore, when you are freed [from distress], remain steadfast, and turn all your attention toward your Lord."

 [The Holy Quran, 94:6-8]

15 Mar 2019 -- New Zealand Incident

Our prayers and hearts go out to the victims of this despicable terrorist act in New Zealand that represents the worst of humankind. Such acts of terror has no place in Islam or any religion.

1 Nov 2017 -- New York Incident

Islamic Center of Omaha (ICO) and the Omaha Muslim community condemns the act of terror that took place in New York. Our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. May God give them patience to overcome this difficult time.

Such acts of terror has no place in Islam. On Nov 11 at 2 PM ICO will be hosting Open House. We will cover the basics of Islam and answer any questions.

2 Oct 2017 -- Las Vegas Incident

With our collective hearts on behalf of other mosques here in Omaha ICO stand with the victims of Vegas and their families in this time of horrible tragedy that took place on Sunday October 1, 2017. This is totally against the humanity and ICO always and will stand up with humanity.

Our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims.

12 Jun 2016 -- Orlando Incident

The Islamic Center of Omaha and the Muslim community strongly condemn the massacre which occurred in Orlando, Florida. Our prayers are with the families of those affected by the shooting and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.

The Muslim community denounces, without exception, violence motivated by hate. This incident has nothing to do with the religion of Islam or with Muslims in general; this incident was perpetrated by a lone, deranged individual and should be treated as such. At this difficult time, ICO is also apprehensive about this incident in relation to the spread of Islamophobia. We hope that with open dialogue our community relations will grow stronger with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Again, our thoughts and prayers are with those who are mourning and those who were injured. Incidents like these should have no place in our society. The Islamic Center of Omaha condemns this incident and denounces the violence against our fellow Americans.

16 Nov 2015 -- ICO stands against ISIS

Omaha, Neb.Islamic Center of Omaha (ICO) and the Muslim Community view the actions of ISIS and other terrorist organizations -- who commit appalling crimes against humanity in the name of Islam – as un-Islamic and morally repugnant. In strongly denounce the attacks in Paris and stand together with the world against ISIS and terrorism. Islam does not condone abuse of women and children, beheading of innocent civilians, or desecration of houses of worship. We condemn the actions of ISIS, Boko Haram and reject its assertion that all Muslims are required to pay allegiance to its leader. ISIS and Boko Haram’s action against religious minorities violate the Quranic teaching, “Let there be no compulsion in religion' (Quran - Surah al-Baqara 2:256).” The Holy Qur'an also says, “Whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as though he had killed all of mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.”(Quran - Al-Mai'dah 5:32).”

Islamic Center of Omaha (ICO) and the Muslim Community in general are also apprehensive of the spread of Islamophobia. When individuals feel threatened, vandalism against religious places, when groups receive negative labels, and when entire population is demonized, free and open exchange of ideas become impossible and democratic rights of people are violated.

We, therefore, oppose hate speech, and believe that it has no place in a civilized society.  Moreover, we encourage inclusion, diversity, respect, religious freedom and open exchange of ideas as our faith professes.


9 Apr 2015 -- ICO condemns terrorist organizations

Omaha, Neb. –– Islamic Center of Omaha (ICO), on behalf of the Omaha Muslim Community, repudiates the actions of terrorist organizations using the banner of Islam.

These organizations have committed appalling crimes against humanity, which are un-Islamic and morally repugnant. Islam does not condone abuse of women and children, innocent civilians, or desecration of houses of worship. We condemn the terrible actions of ISIS, Boko Haram, and similar organizations. We reject their assertion that all Muslims must pay allegiance to their leaders. Furthermore, we encourage our congregants to speak out against terrorist organizations and their deviant ideologies.

The actions of terrorist organizations are contrary to the teachings of the Qur’an that instruct the Muslim community to preserve and respect lives. Murder is strictly forbidden in the Qur’an. “...and do not kill a soul that God has made sacrosanct, save lawfully. (Qur’an, 6:151)”“Whosoever kill a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as though he had killed all of mankind, and whoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind. (Qur’an, 5:32)” It is forbidden for Muslims to coerce individuals and communities to adopt Islam. “There is no compulsion in religion. The right way has become distinct from error. (Qur’an, 2:256)”

ICO is also apprehensive of the spread of Islamophobia. When individuals feel threatened, when groups receive negative labels, and when an entire population is demonized, free and open exchange of ideas become impossible and democratic rights of people are violated.

We, therefore, oppose hate speech, and believe that it has no place in our society. Moreover, we encourage inclusion, diversity, respect, religious freedom and open exchange of ideas as our faith professes.