Our New Logo
Logo Elements
Tree
The Tree is a powerful symbol in the Quran, particularly in relation to Humankind’s beginnings when Life began, where we are told of the existence of the tree of immortality.The Quran also mentions the Tuba tree of blessedness in Jannah (paradise) - the ultimate abode of Sakinah (tranquility) and peace.
But another key moment of the tree's power and symbolism is also in the sanctuary, refuge and source of nourishment it provides for Maryum (peace and blessings be upon her) during the *birth of Issa* peace be upon him. This parallel with the ISSA acronym fit perfectly as the exemplary compassion and goodness Jesus (Issa)(peace be upon him) showed to humanity- a model which our social services must follow.
Trunk & Branches
In the Quran in Surah Ibrahim (14) 24-25 Allah asks, "Do you not see how God lays out the comparison of a goodly word to a goodly tree? Its root is firm and its branches reach the sky, always yielding its fruit in every season by the permission of its Lord.... “ The trunk has 2 parts that are intertwined , depicting the balance of male and female in a marriage and home, as well as the general concept of combining family along with community, supporting one another and always interlinked. The branches are the separate families with the circles and leaves giving a sense of individuals and their humanity while also being the fruits the tree bears.
Hands & Arch
Beneath all that are the nurturing and loving hands of what Social Services, our religious institutions and mental health partners can and should do- which is uplift, carry and bolster our families. The arch symbolizes our Islamic faith, our Deen, and the sanctuary and security it provides as God’s blessing and mercy for all of us in Islam. The *overArching* reminder of what our lives, our struggles and efforts are focused on- God alone, and nothing else- glorified and exalted is He.
Leaves
Not least of all are these falling leaves which symbolize those who are especially impacted by trauma and various hardships. Struggling with a sense of disconnectedness, and who do not feel secure in attachment to family but are still among those cared for by ISSA (thus the hands catching them). With our attention to mental health and “broken” or troubled families and individuals , we can demonstrate that they still remain under that Arch that shelters and grants protection , and they do not have to feel rejected nor abandoned.
And yet- there is even more to this new logo -
There is the message of growth and renewal here too
We can see how in this additional perspective the symbolism of the natural process of leaves falling represents those that pass but as the hands show- their wisdom, teachings and values are embraced and used as soil, nurturing and promoting the growth of the ones who are still in developmental phases. And the cycle continues.