...And your Lord treats no one with injustice! Al-Kahf 18:49
Who We Are
Muslims Employed in City Corrections Association, Inc. (MECCA) is a nonprofit fraternal organization dedicated to supporting Muslim uniformed and non-uniformed
professionals of the New York City Department of Correction through fellowship,
professional development, service, and community engagement.
Rooted in the ethical principles of Islam and guided by consultation (Shura), MECCA is committed to strengthening its members, supporting families and youth, and contributing positively to the broader community.
MECCA serves as a professional, spiritual, and community resource for its members, supporting fellowship, workplace advocacy, religious accommodation, collaboration,
and professional growth.
Our Mission
MECCA’s primary objectives are:
1) To establish a strong presence of a viable, healthy, and dynamic organization for its members within the New York City Department of Correction.
2) To promote pluralism through interaction with Departmental staff of various cultures and faiths.
3) To serve the spiritual, social, educational, and professional needs of our members.
4) To provide mentoring for newly hired staff members.
5) To advocate and work for just remedies to grievances and problems impacting our members.
6) To create effective Programs, Educational Seminars and Workshops that will educate people about Islam.
Our Faith & Values
Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)
The Muslim members of Muslims Employed in City Corrections Association, Inc. affirm and uphold the Declaration of Faith (Shahadah):
“Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah.”
“I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah (a.w.j.), who is One without partners, and I bear witness that the Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (s.a.w.) is the last and seal of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them).”
This Declaration of Faith guides MECCA’s values, conduct, decision-making, commitment to fairness, righteousness, and compassion. The Qur’an and Sunnah serve as the primary sources of belief and ethical guidance for the organization.
Our History
In 1975, the first Muslim law enforcement fraternal organization within the New York City Department of Correction was established by a distinguished group of African American Muslim Correction Officers as the Islamic Community of Law Enforcement Officers (IC/LEO). Among the earliest organizations of its kind in New York City and the United States, IC/LEO played a pivotal role in advancing religious observance, securing workplace accommodations, and helping shape policies that created a lasting impact within the Department. Its influence also extended to uniformed agencies throughout New York City and across the country.
In September 2006, the organization revised its name and mission as Muslims Employed in City Corrections Association, Inc. (MECCA), preserving this legacy while expanding its outreach to serve uniformed and non-uniformed Department of Correction employees from diverse cultures and faiths.
Today, MECCA honors its historic foundation while actively serving its members and responding to the evolving needs of the Department and the broader community. MECCA continues to advance a proud tradition of faith, service, education, leadership, professional excellence, and community engagement.