...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 non-profit fraternal organization established in 2006 to support Muslim uniformed and non-uniformed employees of the New York City Department of Correction.
Rooted in faith and guided by consultation (Shura), MECCA is committed to strengthening its membership, uplifting families and youth, and contributing positively to the broader community.
MECCA serves as a professional, spiritual, and communal resource for its members while promoting integrity, service, religious accommodation, collaboration, and excellence within the workplace.
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
MECCA is a faith-based fraternal organization grounded in the principles of Islam. Our work is guided by sincerity, justice, compassion, consultation (Shura), service to others, and professional excellence.
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
MECCA traces its roots to the Islamic Community of Law Enforcement Officers (IC/LEO), founded in 1975 during a period when the religious needs of Muslim correctional staff were not widely understood or formally addressed. IC/LEO became the New York City Department of Correction’s first Islamic fraternal organization and played a pivotal role in advocating for religious observance, workplace accommodation, and policy development.
As the pioneers of IC/LEO retired and the needs of Muslim employees evolved, the organization entered a new chapter. In September 2006, Muslims Employed in City Corrections Association, Inc. was formally established to preserve and continue this legacy with renewed purposed, broader engagement, and structured framework rooted in consultation (Shura).
Today, MECCA continues to honor its history while serving the present and preparing for the future.
Our Logo
MECCA’s logo features the Declaration of Faith (Shahadah) rendered in Arabic calligraphy and designed in the shape of a masjid. The masjid is encased within a shield, symbolizing protection unity, and service. The blue and gold color scheme reflects professionalism, integrity, and MECCA’s affinity with all ranks within the New York City Department of Correction and the broader law enforcement community.