Statement of Principles

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)

The Islamic Society of Akron & Kent (ISAK) is a community dedicated to upholding the core tenets of Islam and serving all who enter our space—both members and visitors—regardless of background or belief. We believe in fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and compassion. We are dedicated to providing a spiritual haven, educational resources, and charitable support to empower individuals and strengthen our community.

ISAK’s Core Values:

The following is a list of ISAK’s core values meant to be a holistic view of Islamic core values, ensuring the balance between faith, ethics, social justice, and personal development.

1. Faith & Devotion to God (Tawheed)

• Belief in the oneness of Allah and submission to His will.
• Worshiping Allah through prayer, supplication, and daily actions.
• Seeking closeness to God through sincerity and devotion.

2. Peace & Harmony (As-Salām & At-Ta’āluf)

• Seeking peaceful resolutions to conflict.
• Promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.
• The greeting “As-salamu alaykum” (Peace be upon you) is a fundamental expression of this value.

3. Mercy & Compassion (Ar-Raḥmah wal-Mawaddah)

• Embodying kindness and compassion in all interactions.
• Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was sent as a “Mercy to all creation” (Qur’an 21:107).
• Treating others—including animals and the environment—with gentleness and care.

4. Justice & Fairness (Adl & Musāwāh)

• Upholding truth and fairness in all dealings.
• Advocating for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed.
• Following the Qur’anic command: “Stand firm for justice, even against yourselves” (Qur’an 4:135).

5. Patience & Perseverance (As-Ṣabr wal-Muthābara br)

• Enduring hardships with trust in Allah’s plan.
• Exercising self-restraint in times of anger and difficulty.
• Emphasizing perseverance in faith and righteous deeds.

6. Trustworthiness & Integrity (Amanah)

• Keeping one’s promises and fulfilling obligations.
• Being honest and transparent in business and personal matters.
• Recognizing that everything we have is trust (Amanah) from Allah.

7. Knowledge & Wisdom (Ilm & Hikmah)

• Seeking knowledge as a lifelong pursuit.
• Applying wisdom in making decisions and giving advice.
• The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Ibn Majah).

8. Gratitude & Contentment (Shukr & Qana’ah)

• Recognizing and appreciating Allah’s blessings.
• Expressing gratitude in words and actions.
• Living with contentment and avoiding greed.

9. Forgiveness & Reconciliation (Al-‘Afw wal-Iṣlāḥ)

• Practicing forgiveness toward others as Allah forgives us.
• Seeking reconciliation in conflicts rather than escalating tensions.
• The Qur’an encourages: “Pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you?” (24:22).

10. Humility & Modesty (Tawadhu’ & Haya)

• Avoiding arrogance and pride.
• Recognizing that all achievements come from Allah.
• Upholding modesty in behavior, speech, and dress.

11. Charity & Social Responsibility (Zakat & Sadaqah)

• Helping the needy through required almsgiving (Zakat) and voluntary charity (Sadaqah).
• Caring for orphans, widows, and those in distress.
• Engaging in community service and uplifting others.

12. Islamic Bond/Kinship (Al-Rabitah Al-Islamiyyah)

• Strengthening bonds within the Muslim community.
• Promoting mutual support, kindness, and understanding.
• Following the teaching: “The believers are but brothers” (Qur’an 49:10).

13. Good Character & Ethics (Akhlaq)

• Embodying honesty, kindness, and respect in all interactions.
• Speaking truthfully and avoiding speaking ill of others and spreading unverified or harmful rumors.
• The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best among you are those with the best character” (Bukhari, Muslim).

14. Stewardship & Responsibility (Al-Wajib Wa Al-Takleef)

• Caring for the Earth and its resources responsibly.
• Protecting animals and the environment as part of our duty to Allah.
• Living in a way that benefits future generations.

15. Sincerity & Intentions (Ikhlas & Niyyah)

• Acting with pure intentions for the sake of Allah.
• Avoiding hypocrisy and seeking approval from people over God.
• The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Actions are judged by intentions” (Bukhari, Muslim).

16. Hard Work & Excellence (Al-‘Amal Wa-‘Al-Jād )

• Striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
• Being diligent in work, studies, and responsibilities.
• The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah loves when one of you does a job, he does it with excellence” (Baihaqi).

 

ISAK’S Commitment to Serving the Community:

ISAK is dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all who engage with our community. We offer a range of programs and services to meet the spiritual, educational, and social needs of our members and guests, including:

• Regular congregational prayers and religious services.
• Educational programs for children, youth, and adults.
• Community outreach and interfaith initiatives.
• Charitable services and support for those in need.

What ISAK Stands Against:

ISAK unequivocally condemns all forms of bigotry, hate, and violence. We believe that these actions are contrary to the teachings of Islam and have no place in our community or society. We condemn all forms of discrimination and injustices, including Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, and oppression based on religion, ethnicity, or background. We believe in a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or any other characteristic. Our values call for upholding justice, equality, and respect for all people, and we are committed to building a more just and compassionate society. .

An Open and Welcoming Community:

ISAK is an open and welcoming community for all. We recognize that individuals may hold diverse opinions and perspectives, and we encourage respectful dialogue and engagement. While we are committed to fostering open discussion, we emphasize that the views expressed by individual members or guests do not necessarily reflect the official stance of ISAK.

These principles guide ISAK in cultivating a society rooted in justice, compassion, and the shared dignity of all people, and reflects our unwavering commitment to these values in all that we do..

– Jazak Allah Khair