What is the IIC?
After the events of 9/11, Islam has come intense scrutiny throughout the world and especially in America. There is a great demand and interest in understanding and acquiring knowledge about Islam. To this effect, seminars discussions and workshops are being and a number of books have been published on Islam, but most of them are based on some pre-conceived agendas. Therefore, there was a very vital need to establish an Islamic Information Center to provide and disseminate information about Islam as defined by the Prophet of Islam (Peace Be Upon Him), the teachings of Holy Quran as interpreted by the Holy Progeny (Peace Be Upon Them) of the Holy Prophet.
At IIC we believe because of the focus on religious freedoms in the United States, Muslims are provided with a unique opportunity to worship and pray as they please. With this, however, it becomes important for Muslims to engage the government. Integration into the pluralist American society requires Muslims to gain a place in American culture to and politics so the wisdom of Islam can affect important moral aspects. To accomplish this IIC has focused on three main areas of American society:
Political:
This country has a wide variety of public officials, and at every level of the government, these officials are expected to interact with and serve the public. The first task IIC should accomplish is to determine which, if any of these officials, may be friendly or positive towards Islam and try to work with them on projects of mutual interest.
Media:
To attempt to improve the image of Islam in the media, the goals are simple. Identify local, national and international newspapers, and invite them to attend IIC events and programs. Also we strive to pursue relationships with television news stations. IIC’s goal is to become a major source of information for media agencies, so that they can have accurate information regarding Islamic views on a variety of current topics..
Interfaith:
There are many churches, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship that are very positive towards the idea of working with Muslims to foster peace and harmony. Contacting major religious groups and specific “Interfaith” organizations throughout the nation and maintaining positive relationships is an important part of IIC’s work. After establishing warm ties between different religious groups, it is the goal of IIC to create an Interfaith Network so that members of different faiths can work together towards common goals. An interfaith network might best be able to effect social changes in our society, by appealing to a wide base.
Program Initiatives
IIC Internship Program
The Islamic Information Center has one of the nations top internship programs, that runs year round. The gemstone of this program is the summer internship in our Washington DC office, located at the National Press Club, and international media hub. Typically, students from around the world, including Canada, the UK, and the Middle East apply for this coveted internship. During the Summer Internship, the interns are immersed in the DC atmosphere, regularly meeting with international news agencies, organizing seminars, and interacting with federal officials. By the end of the internship, the students are well versed in what it takes to be a Muslim activist in this day and age!
United Nations NGO Official
Recognition
In 2008, the Islamic Information Center is starting a project to become an officially recognized United Nations Non-Governmental Organization. Such a recognition will greatly help IIC’s humanitarian efforts world wide, and will give the Islamic Information Center the type of prestige required to “open doors” at the highest levels of government and media agencies. By achieving this “NGO” status, IIC hopes to begin various international aid projects with charitable organizations. IIC would also like to help the poor and destitute in the Middle East, who often times are faced with starvation and inadequate medical care. Later this year, the Islamic Information Center will unveil its Iraqi Orphan project, a program devoted to helping the rising crisis in Iraq, as families continue to lose one or both parents on a regular basis..
