Statement Concerning Participating in the US Census
All praise is due to Allah, the lord of all mankind. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the best of creation and leader of all the prophets, Muhammad (ﷻ), his companions, and those that are satisfied with his example. May that blessing be complete upon them all until the day of judgement.
One of the most important things that Muslim society in the United States can focus on is those positive endeavors that contribute to American society. Those endeavors that contribute to societal well-being and preserving the rights of the people. One such endeavor is the census that happens once a decade sponsored by the US government.
It is an extremely important project that benefits all facets of society based on the precision of the project in terms of people counted. It can help cater to all subcultures in their cultures, languages and religions.
The Tri-State Imam Council encourages participating in this census, as it does in all projects that benefit American society, following Allah -the most praised- command,
((إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ))
((I only want to put things right as far as I can.))
To reinforce the importance of taking advantage of the time we, as Muslims, have now to preserve, through this project, our religion, our culture and our children in American society.
The Council states that participating in this census is an obligation in order to seek that which benefits our lives. The Council warns from falling short in that obligation as the Prophet would seek to organize society based on the data presented to him. In the two sahihs’ (this being Muslim’s wording) it is narrated on the authority of Hudhaifah that he said, “We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷻ) and he said, “Count those that claim Islam”.” Based on this Imam Bukhari titled the chapter, “Government Registration of the People”.
The Council calls the imams of the Muslims and heads of different organizations to encourage their constituents to participate in the census. The Council also encourages them to open their doors to US Census employees during this Census. The Council also encourages the general Muslims to take part and participate.
We ask Allah to bless all that has good in it for His slaves and His land and to guide the mistaken to that which He loves and is pleased with. He is the best defender and supporter.
