—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
NEW YORK, NY (September 2nd, 2021) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. No doubt, his death is a great loss to this Ummah and particularly for the people of Kashmir. Muslims in Kashmir, under his leadership, have been resisting a brutal Indian occupation of their homeland.
This brave soul has returned to Allah SWT but his lifelong sacrifices will not be forgotten and the quest for freedom, justice, and basic human rights will continue. May his generations live to witness the freedom! Ameen. He was a symbol of determination and courage against illegal Indian rule in Kashmir and had been under house arrest for more than a decade by the fascist government. He died at his home in Srinagar at the age of 92.
What made Geelani the undisputed leader of Kashmiris all over the world was his unparalleled determination, vision, faith, courage, and consistency— his lifelong sacrifice for the just cause of Kashmir. He did not entertain fear, harassment, and brutality of the oppressive regime nor did prolonged imprisonments deter him. Age did not diminish his resilience and determination. Kashmiris around the world are mourning this devastating loss and his steadfast guidance against the odds.
Not so long ago we grieved the death of another freedom fighter of Kashmir, Br. Ashraf Sehrai who died in Indian custody during the month of Ramadan. May Allah SWT write them both amongst the martyrs and raise them on the Day of Judgment with The Prophets, The Truthful, The Martyrs, and the Righteous.
At this moment, ICNA’s thoughts and prayers are with the Kashmiri people. He SWT will give victory as He promises “And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love, help from Allah and a near victory. And give glad tidings to the believers. (61:13)
“ICNA wants our Kashmiri brothers and sisters to know that help from Allah SWT surely will come and that they are not alone in their struggle for self-determination. ICNA joins hands with the World Kashmir Awareness Forum in appealing all the Mosques and Islamic centers around the world to observe this Friday as a day of mourning and to hold funeral prayers for the great leader after the Friday prayers. May Allah SWT grant victory to the oppressed people of Kashmir” – Mohsin Ansari, MD, President – ICNA.
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
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Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail: ICNA PR Email
Office: (718) 658-1199