OPOW: MANA, ISNA, CAIR, Islamic Circle of North America(ICNA) ... strongly condemns the New York Post’s ...

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Islamic Circle of North America(ICNA) strongly condemns the New York Post’s reckless attempt to smear Imam Siraj

Wahhaj, a nationally respected leader and servant of his community.

Dragging up discredited allegations from decades ago, with zero evidence, is not journalism, it’s Islamophobic fear-mongering.

Imam Siraj has spent over 40 years building safer neighborhoods, uplifting the marginalized, and advocating for justice. His legacy speaks louder than sensational headlines ever could.

We won’t stay silent while our leaders are attacked.

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

https://files.constantcontact.com/a5f29264901/69e64c84-25cf-4274-83..." alt="" class="CToWUd a6T"/> MANA'S STATEMENT IN DEFENSE OF OUR BELOVED IMAM SIRAJ WAHHAJ "O you who believe! If a rebellious person comes to you with news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance and then regret what you have done." (Al-Ḥujurāt 49:6) As salaamu alaikum , We pray that you and your loved ones are in the best of health, faith, and protection by the mercy of Allah. The Board of Directors of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) is issuing this public statement in defense of Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a deeply respected American Muslim leader who has faithfully served his Brooklyn community — and the broader nation — for over four decades. This response comes amid recent defamatory media attacks that have sought to revive long-discredited and misleading associations, targeting Imam Siraj and others by name. For over 40 years, Imam Siraj has been a beacon of faith, justice, and tireless service to our communities. His leadership in neighborhood upliftment, prison outreach, interfaith bridge-building, and spiritual revival is not only commendable — it is foundational to the moral fabric of the American Muslim experience. And yet, his name has been unjustly resurrected on a decades-old list of so-called “unindicted co-conspirators” — a term with no legal standing, widely criticized by legal scholars and courts as prejudicial and baseless. The use of such language today is not only misleading — it is deceptive, Islamophobic in nature, and corrosive to the integrity of our public discourse. Let us be absolutely clear: Imam Siraj Wahhaj has never been charged with any crime. His record speaks unequivocally for itself — a legacy of impeccable character, unwavering public service, and a heart shaped by prophetic adab and sincere compassion. As the first Amir of MANA, Imam Siraj helped lay the very foundation of our organization, which is dedicated to the spiritual, social, and economic upliftment of African-American Muslims in particular, and to justice for all. His wisdom and humility continue to be a source of guidance and inspiration to this day. To assail the reputation of such a man is not merely a distortion of history — it is an attack on righteous leadership, an affront to Muslim dignity, and a betrayal of the broader struggle for equity and truth in America. We call upon all people of conscience — interfaith allies, civic leaders, public servants, and members of the press — to speak truthfully, report responsibly, and to reject the politics of smear directed at faithful public servants like Imam Siraj Wahhaj. May Allah, Al-Ḥaqq (The Absolute Truth) and Al-‘Adl (The Most Just), guide our hearts, protect our leaders, and elevate all who stand for justice with sincerity and ihsān. The Board of Directors Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA)

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Statement from the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

United Against Injustice: ISNA’s Commitment to Justice and Dignity

Plainfield, IN
October 22, 2025

We, at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), stand resolutely in solidarity with Imam Siraj Wahhaj and the broader Muslim community in the face of hateful rhetoric and fear-mongering that seeks to undermine our dignity and justice.

The recent attempt to label Muslims as “unindicted co-conspirators” reflects a disturbing trend of targeting individuals based on their faith and activism. Such actions are not only un-American but an affront to the values of justice and equality upon which this nation was founded.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj has devoted his life to uplifting communities, advocating for social justice, and promoting peace. For over four decades, he has been a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to create safer neighborhoods and supporting the marginalized. His commitment to our society cannot be diminished by unfounded accusations rooted in Islamophobia.

We unequivocally condemn the sensationalism propagated by media outlets that perpetuate these discredited narratives. The rise of Islamophobic rhetoric harms us all including families, communities, and the fabric of our shared humanity.

As we remember the repercussions of similar tactics that have tarnished the lives of too many, we are reminded that justice is the foundation of our faith. ISNA is committed to standing with our leaders, ensuring that their legacies are honored, and advocating against any form of discrimination that threatens the rights of our community members.

We call upon all to reject fear and embrace understanding. Together, we can counter these hateful narratives with compassion and unity.

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Kofi Bilal Mahmud Eid AlFitr 1443 A.H.

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[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

CAIR strongly condemns these dishonest and defamatory attacks on Imam Siraj Wahhaj.

Imam Siraj is a widely respected faith leader and advocate for peace and justice who has been a pillar of New York City for decades. He and the historic mosque he leads are also renowned for cleaning up neighborhoods once racked by drugs and other crime, creating a safe environment for all.

The dishonest attacks on Imam Siraj by the New York Post, a racist propaganda outlet masquerading as a news outlet, are ludicrous. If Imam Siraj or anyone else had something to do with the 1993 WTC attack, they would have spent the last 30 years in a jail cell, not leading a house of worship in New York City. Unindicted co-conspirator is a label that the government has repeatedly used to smear American Muslims who have done nothing wrong (and of course, the Post and others considered the label meaningless when it was used against the President).

We call on the political, community and faith leaders of New York who have worked with Imam Siraj for decades to condemn these dangerous and defamatory attacks on him. The constant use of anti-Muslim hate in politics must end.

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

Stand With Our Leader And Brother Imam Siraj

[Bilal Mahmud المكافح المخلص]

MCN is in New York, NY.

October 20 at 10:51 AM ·

WE STAND WITH IMAM SIRAJ AND MASJID TAQWA

Imam Siraj Wahhaj has spent over four decades serving New York City and guiding Masjid Taqwa as a space of faith, justice, and community care. His leadership has inspired generations and strengthened the fabric of our city.

Recent attacks against Imam Siraj and Masjid Taqwa are part of a larger pattern of Islamophobia that seeks to silence Muslim leaders and distort their work. We refuse to allow hate and misinformation to define our communities.

MCN stands firmly with Imam Siraj, with Masjid Taqwa, and with all Muslim New Yorkers. Together, we will continue to build a city grounded in truth, dignity, and solidarity.

#TruthOverFear #FaithAndJustice