(New York, NY, 4/9/15) – Representatives from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and Azzad Asset Management announced today that Azzad will join ICCR as its newest member—the first Islamic firm to be affiliated with the group. As the premier member organization focused on corporate social responsibility and environmental advocacy, ICCR leverages the influence of its shareowner members to enact change. Azzad’s addition to the growing list of members is a testament to ICCR’s universal appeal for collective action on issues of importance to people of all faiths. The two organizations expressed optimism about the opportunities this collaboration affords.
In a statement, ICCR Executive Director Laura Berry said:
We are delighted to announce that Azzad Asset Management has joined the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR). For more than forty years, ICCR has been a faithful voice for justice, engaging in shareowner advocacy with the goal of encouraging greater corporate responsibility on a host of social and environmental concerns. ICCR members include religious organizations, universities, unions, banks, foundations, asset management companies and other institutional investors who believe companies with more just and sustainable operations are more profitable over the long term. We are pleased to count Azzad Asset Management among the ranks of our members and look forward to partnering with them to advance the cause of conscientious capitalism for the benefit of all members of society.
Azzad representatives reportedly hope to bring a fresh, Islamically inspired perspective to the many corporate and social issues confronted by ICCR. The firm is a staunch advocate of a socially responsible, halal investment strategy and regularly educates the American Muslim about the importance of shareholder advocacy and proxy voting as an expression of Islamic investing, which calls for the responsible allocation of capital and promotion of the common good.
About Azzad Asset Management
Azzad is a socially responsible financial services company dedicated to creating financial solutions in accordance with Islamic principles. The firm was founded on the philosophy that a sound investment considers both its social and ethical consequences. Since 1997, Azzad has worked to deliver innovative, ethical financial products and services that help clients achieve their dreams in harmony with their values.
Azzad is investment advisor to the Azzad Funds and sponsor of the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program. The Azzad Funds are professionally managed equity and fixed income mutual funds registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Azzad Ethical Wrap Program is a turnkey wealth management solution for individuals and businesses, including retirement planning, college savings, and managed accounts. Azzad is headquartered in the suburbs of Washington, DC and serves clients nationwide.
About the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)
Currently celebrating its 44th year, ICCR is the pioneer coalition of active shareholders who view the management of their investments as a catalyst for change. Its 300 member organizations with over $100 billion in AUM have an enduring record of corporate engagement that has demonstrated influence on policies promoting justice and sustainability in the world. More at www.iccr.org.
ICCR members and staff engage hundreds of multinational corporations annually to promote more sustainable and just practices because they believe that in doing so they will secure a better future for their employees, their customers and their shareholders.
Please consider a Fund’s objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The prospectus contains this and other important information. For a hard copy, please call 1-888-350-3369. Read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. The Azzad Funds are self-distributed. Azzad Asset Management serves as the Investment Advisor.
Contact: ICCR Director of Communications Susana McDermott, 212-870-2938, smcdermott@iccr.org; Azzad Investment Communications Director Joshua Brockwell, 703-207-7005, ext. 109, joshua@azzad.net; Azzad Chief Compliance Officer Manal Fouz, 703-207-7005, ext. 115, manal@azzad.net.
