Shia Muslim Foundation Attends High-Level Interfaith Engagement Event

CHANTILLY, VA, July 12, 2023 — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) was honored today to attend a special event promoting intra-interfaith dialogue, community engagement, and effective countering of extremism. The event was hosted by Sayyid Kashmiri, the Official Representative of Grand Ayatollah Sistani and the Al Crescent Center, and was organized by Dr. Hasan Abbas, the course director of the NESA's "Community Oriented Policing and Countering Violent Extremism"

The gathering, hosted by the Crescent Islamic Center in Chantilly, VA, welcomed a distinguished group of 30 senior experts from 13 countries, specializing in various aspects of policing, law enforcement, and countering extremism.

"We are deeply honored to be part of this significant event. This is a clear affirmation of our commitment to fostering peace, understanding, and co-existence within the broader community," said Rahat Husain. "This gathering of experts allows us an opportunity to learn from diverse experiences and engage in crucial dialogue to further our mission."

The meeting offered a valuable platform for expert attendees to share their experiences, discussing various aspects of policing, law enforcement, and countering extremism. There was a strong focus on the importance of intra-interfaith dialogue for religious harmony and peace-building.

The invitation to participate in the event came in recognition of SMF's work in supporting the rights of Shia Muslims in the U.S. and globally, in addition to fostering understanding and acceptance of the Shia faith within the broader American community.

Husain added, "We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with these esteemed individuals, and we look forward to applying the knowledge gained in our ongoing efforts to advocate for the Shia Muslim community."

As the SMF continues to engage in such important dialogues and advocacy work, the foundation invites public support to enhance its initiatives. Donations can be made here.

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About the Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF)

Founded in 2020, the SMF is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its primary mission is to support the civic rights of American Shia Muslims and advocate for them on social and political issues. Through various initiatives and programs, the SMF addresses the unique challenges faced by the Shia Muslim community, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the Shia faith and its followers.

Inspire Retreat: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

At the Shia Muslim Foundation, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of our community members and empowering them to become confident leaders. We are thrilled to announce our upcoming event, the Inspire Retreat, designed to unlock the leadership potential and foster personal growth among high school and college-aged students. Presented by the Shia Muslim Foundation and the Mainstay Foundation, this transformative retreat promises to be an enlightening and empowering experience for all attendees.

Discovering the Power Within

The Inspire Retreat, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at a venue that fosters a conducive learning environment, offers a day filled with engaging workshops, insightful discussions, and practical training sessions. The focus of the retreat is to develop essential skills such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, and self-awareness, all vital for young leaders navigating their way through academia, professions, and personal lives.

Building Connections and Support

One of the key highlights of the Inspire Retreat is the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who share a passion for personal growth and community impact. By forging connections and forming a supportive community, attendees will not only gain valuable insights but also build a network of individuals who can inspire and motivate each other throughout their journeys.

A Nominal Fee for Maximum Value

To ensure accessibility for all interested individuals, the registration fee for the Inspire Retreat is set at an affordable $40. This nominal fee covers breakfast, lunch, and other refreshments, making the event both enriching and inclusive. We believe that the value derived from the retreat far exceeds the cost, making it a worthwhile investment in one's personal and leadership development.

A Pathway to Empowerment

By attending the Inspire Retreat, participants will gain a deep understanding of their own strengths, refine their leadership skills, and acquire the tools and inspiration needed to create positive change in their communities. Our goal is to empower the next generation of leaders to become catalysts for inclusivity, compassion, and progress in their respective spheres of influence.

Secure Your Spot

Space is limited, and we encourage all interested individuals to register for the Inspire Retreat as soon as possible. Visit Here to secure your spot.

Conclusion

The Inspire Retreat is a rare opportunity for high school and college-aged students to embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and leadership development. Presented by the Shia Muslim Foundation and the Mainstay Foundation, this event aims to unlock the potential within each participant, equipping them with the skills, mindset, and connections necessary to become confident leaders and make a positive impact in their communities. We invite you to join us on July 15th for a day filled with inspiration, empowerment, and personal growth at the Inspire Retreat.

Together, let us inspire, empower, and shape a brighter future!

Shia Muslim Foundation Meets with Biden Administration Officials to Discuss Visa Issues

Washington, D.C. - May 3, 2023 - The Shia Muslim Foundation announced today that its Executive Director, Rahat Husain, met with key Biden administration officials, including Stephen Keith Benjamin, Director of the Office of Public Engagement; Douglas Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States; Ambassador Susan Rice, Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council; and Joshua Geltzer, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for the National Security Council. The meeting took place at the White House on May 2, 2023.

Mr. Husain presented the concerns of the American Muslim community regarding the immigration challenges faced by imams, sheikhs, and religious scholars invited to the U.S. for religious events. He highlighted the obstacles, such as unexplained visa denials and years-long delays in administrative processing, that hinder the ability of these religious leaders to serve the spiritual needs of the American Muslim community.

The Executive Director emphasized the reliance of American Muslims, particularly the Shia community, on international scholars due to the limited number of resident Shia scholars and imams in the U.S. He expressed the community's concerns about the impact of these immigration issues on their ability to practice faith, celebrate holy days, and foster spiritual growth.

The Shia Muslim Foundation appreciates the opportunity to engage with the Biden administration officials and looks forward to collaborating with the White House to address these pressing issues and protect the religious rights of the American Muslim community.

About the Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of the Shia Muslim community in the United States. The Foundation strives to promote a better understanding of the Shia faith, foster interfaith dialogue, and work collaboratively with various stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the Shia community.