ISNA Clarifies its Position on ISNA Canada

 

Recent news reports about ISNA Canada may have confused some readers. ISNA has issued a clarification.

 

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We at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) are saddened and disturbed by news of alleged misappropriation of funds by our namesake organizations in Canada. We understand that the Canadian government's investigation is still ongoing and no conclusion has been reached yet.

 

ISNA Canada and Islamic Development Foundation (IDF) in Canada are federally registered charities in Canada. It is important to note that the leadership and management of both of these organizations in Canada are separate from ISNA and its IDF (a department of ISNA), registered in the United States. There has been no links of authority or responsibility between the United States and  Canadian  organizations for a few decades, despite the similarity of names.

 

The bylaws of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) do allow Canadians to become its members and elect an officer designated as vice-president (Canada) who sits on the executive council of ISNA, headquartered in Plainfield, Indiana. However, these members are individuals and have direct relationship with the Indiana-based ISNA and its IDF. No communication or relationship with them flows through the Mississauga-based ISNA Canada or its IDF.

 

The finances and financial records of ISNA, including those of its IDF, are maintained at its headquarters in Plainfield, Indiana. They are annually audited by certified public accountants, and annually published in its report to its members. The executive council and the board (Majlis ash Shura) of ISNA are fully committed to due diligence, transparency and accountability in managing all donations it receives, and to comply with all financial laws and regulations.

 

We do hope that the government investigation of our namesake Canadian organizations will soon conclude with whatever action that may be needed to restore the confidence of Canadian citizens in the worthiness of their charitable work.