TILI DECLARATION

As members of The Institute for Lived Islam, we submit our loyalties, habits, and ambitions to Allah. We commit to practicing what we affirm and correcting ourselves when we fall short.

 

1. We denounce silence that protects wrongdoing.

We affirm truthfulness, protection of the vulnerable, and accountability—even when wrongdoing involves our friends, families, or leaders.

 

2. We denounce sexual exploitation and sex outside marriage.

We affirm chastity, fidelity, and marriage grounded in mutual rights, affection, and responsibility.

 

3. We denounce earning through deception, exploitation, and the destruction of our communities.

We affirm lawful provision, honest enterprise, shared ownership, and helping one another earn with dignity. Injustice against us does not authorize injustice by us.

 

4. We denounce retaliation, intimidation, and violence as measures of manhood.

We affirm courage through self-command, protection of others, reconciliation, and the pursuit of justice.

 

5. We denounce parental neglect and the belief that providing money fulfills every family obligation.

We affirm faithful marriage, present fatherhood, consistent care, and responsibility for our children regardless of our relationship with their mother.

 

6. We denounce contempt for learning and the belief that knowledge matters only when it produces money.

We affirm lifelong education, skilled work, religious understanding, and the obligation to put knowledge into practice.

 

7. We denounce intoxication as recreation, celebration, or escape.

We affirm sobriety, care for the body and mind, and gatherings that strengthen fellowship without impairing judgment.

 

8. We denounce treating bodies, brands, jewelry, and possessions as measures of human worth.

We affirm modesty, cleanliness, beauty without extravagance, and distinction through character, generosity, and service.

 

9. We denounce fame as proof of excellence and the belief that sports and entertainment are our only paths to opportunity.

We affirm many forms of achievement and honor those who teach, build, heal, provide, and serve with integrity.

 

10. We denounce the belief that seeking help is weakness or that faith excuses us from addressing psychological wounds.

We affirm repentance, honest self-examination, qualified professional care when needed, and the courage to receive correction.

 

These commitments bind our teachers and leaders as fully as our members. We accept correction, repair the harm we cause, and return to these commitments through action.