April 21, 2021
Plainfield, Indiana

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) welcomes yesterday’s verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. On Tuesday afternoon, Chauvin was convicted on all three counts by a jury of 12, for his role in the murder of George Floyd.

The verdict was greeted with relief by the Floyd family and millions of Americans across the country. And it marked a rare moment in police accountability. President Biden called yesterday’s verdict “a step forward,” and emphasized the need for both government and law enforcement officials to act, so to address the systemic racism and racial disparities that persist in America’s policing and criminal justice system.

“This can be a moment of significant change,” said Biden, and we at ISNA hope so as well. Comprehensive police reform is desperately needed in America. Too often, police officers are shielded from accountability, and this must change. People of color continue to bear a disproportionate burden due to aggressive law enforcement and overuse of force.

ISNA President, Brother Safaa Zarzour said, “while yesterday’s verdict is a victory for Justice, it should not lead to complacency. There is work that needs to be done, and we urge our nation’s leaders to act.”

As Muslim Americans, we must be part of this quest for justice which the Quran reminds us repeatedly.

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.”