CAIR-MO

(SAINT LOUIS, MO., 12/19/14) – On Sunday, December 21, Humanity Against Terrorism and Solidarity for Peace (HATSP) and the St. Louis chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-St. Louis) will hold a prayer vigil for the victims of the Peshawar school attack.

WHAT: Pray Vigil for Peshawar
WHERE: Shaw Park, 27 South Brentwood Blvd, St. Louis MO, 63105
WHEN: Sunday December 21, 12:45 – 2:30 p.m.

The vigil will consist of speeches by community leaders and the general public. There will be several moments of silence to remember the victims and their families followed by prayers for peace and an end to violence.

"This brutal attack is against all of humanity and must be condemned by people of all faiths and backgrounds," said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-St. Louis.

"What happened in Peshawar is a big reminder to not only Pakistan, but the whole world," said Sarah (Laila) Ali HATSP co-coordinator for the vigil. "We cannot let terrorist groups continue to hurt our children, families, and friends. We request all peoples of conscience to stand in solidarity for the victims, pray for peace, and stand against terrorism."

"In times of tragedy vigils like this allow us to show our common humanity," said Sana Rehman another co-coordinator of the vigil. "I want to give people an opportunity to mourn the deceased, show our humanity, and pray for an end to violence everywhere."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalition that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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Contact: CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., CAIR National Communication Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Committee Member of HATSP Sarah Ali, 314-814-0877, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Committee Member of HATSP Sana Rehman, 330-607-8616, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Committee Member Ayesha Bajwa, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 314-608-9600; Committee Member Abida Farooqui, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 713-818-9556

(SAINT LOUIS, MO, 2/11/15) – The Muslim Student Association of Saint Louis University (SLU MSA) and the Saint Louis Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-St. Louis) are holding a prayer service vigil for the three young Muslims who were shot in the head yesterday in Chapel Hill, N.C.

WHAT: Memorial Gather at the Clock Tower
WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: 1 North Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis MO, 63103

SEE: Prayer Service for Chapel Hill Victims
https://www.facebook.com/events/853637421341400   

“In light of this devastating story, I believe it is our duty as American-Muslims to provide some form of solace for our students and community members,” said Adil Husain Co-President of SLU MSA.

“The news of their murders sent chills into the hearts of our community across the country,” said Faizan Syed Executive Director of CAIR-St. Louis. “We are horrified by the brutal murders and frustrated by the limited media coverage of this incident compared to other violent extremist acts.”

The alleged killer, 46-year-old Craig Stephen Hicks, has been arrested and charged three counts of first-degree murder. He is accused of shooting Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife Yusor Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Abu-Salha, 19 at the University of North Carolina. Both female victims are pictured online wearing Islamic head scarves (hijab). No motive for the shootings has been released.

"Based on the brutal nature of this crime, the past anti-religion statements of the alleged perpetrator, the religious attire of two of the victims, and the rising anti-Muslim rhetoric in American society, we urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to quickly address speculation of a possible bias motive in this case," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Our heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the local community." 

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.​

(SAINT LOUIS, MO, 11/5/13) -- On Saturday, November 9, the St. Louis Islamic Center Nur (STLICN), the St. Louis chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-St. Louis) and the Bosnian community will gather for the ground breaking ceremony for a new Islamic center for the city's 77,000 Bosnians.

WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for St. Louis Islamic Center, Masjid Nur
WHEN: Saturday, November 9, 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: 9528 Reavis Barracks Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123
CONTACT: CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Imam Ahmed Serdarevic, 314-327-7814,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read more: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Islamic Center for Nation's Largest Bosnian Community

MEDIA ADVISORY

CAIR-St. Louis to Co-Sponsor 1st Interfaith Youth Ramadan Iftar

(ST. LOUIS, MO., 7/10/2014) – On Thursday, July 17, The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-St. Louis) and Interfaith Quest will host the city's first-ever interfaith youth Ramadan fast-breaking (iftar) dinner in an effort to promote mutual understanding.

WHAT: Interfaith Youth Iftar Dinner
WHEN: Thursday July 17, 7:45 p.m.
WHERE: Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis Gym, 517 Wiedman Road, Ballwin, MO, 63011
CONTACT: CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, 314-330-2946, E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
EVENT PAGE

Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. The fast is performed to learn discipline, self-restraint and generosity, while obeying God's commandments.

At each sunset during Ramadan, Muslims have "iftar," a meal that breaks the fast. It is a time for food, community, prayer, and fellowship. This year, the interfaith community is working to build bridges of peace and mutual understanding by encouraging high school and college students of various faiths and backgrounds to join together in the breaking of the fast with Muslim youths.

Fasting (along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca) is one of the "five pillars" of Islam.

"We are all very excited to have young people of various faiths participate in the iftar," said Beth Damsgaard Rodriguez, an interfaith consultant and director of Interfaith Quest. "The best way to build peace, tolerance and understanding within a society is for people to interact with one another and understand what is sacred to each faith. What better way of doing that then having young people participate in the breaking of the fast?"

The evening will include informal discussion with young people before the breaking of the fast, followed by the sunset Muslim prayers and then dinner.

"We've been hosting iftars for years," said Sara Beg, one of the key organizers of the event and whose family is sponsoring the meal. "This year, we decided to host it specifically for young people to add to the recent interfaith youth activities that we have organized within the last couple of years."

"Sharing Ramadan with others is a part of our faith," said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-St. Louis. "What better way of building friendships with others than by sharing in a meal?"

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, 314-330-2946, E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.