SMF Condemns New Orleans Attack, Denounces ISIS, and Calls for Unity Amid Rising Threats

January 2, 2025—The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) strongly condemns the tragic attack in New Orleans that claimed the lives of innocent civilians and injured many more. We grieve alongside the victims’ families and offer our deepest condolences to all those affected.

"This appalling act of violence has no justification, moral or religious," said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. "The loss of innocent lives is devastating, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We share in the nation's grief and outrage, and we stand united against those who seek to spread hatred and terror."

SMF unequivocally denounces ISIS and its ideology of hatred and violence. These extremist groups exploit religion to justify criminal actions, but their beliefs are entirely incompatible with Islam, which teaches peace, compassion, and justice.

As Shia Muslims, who have been targets of terrorism ourselves, we stand in solidarity with all communities affected by violence. We recognize the need for unity and call for increased collaboration between faith groups, law enforcement, and policymakers to combat extremism effectively.

In the wake of this tragedy, SMF has received reports from mosques across the United States about threats, harassment, and hateful messages targeting Muslim communities. These reports highlight a disturbing rise in Islamophobia and misplaced blame following the attack.

"We call on law enforcement agencies to take these threats seriously and protect vulnerable communities," Husain added. "No American should feel unsafe because of their faith, especially in times of grief and fear."

SMF is coordinating with mosques and community leaders to monitor incidents, provide security guidance, and offer resources to help protect congregants. We are also working with interfaith and civic organizations to address misconceptions and promote solidarity.

"We commend law enforcement agencies for their swift response and urge continued vigilance against all forms of extremism," Husain said. "The safety and unity of our nation require collaborative efforts from government, civil society, and faith-based organizations."

SMF remains committed to promoting peace and understanding through education, advocacy, and interfaith partnerships.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Email: farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

Shia Muslim Foundation Discusses State-Level Strategy to Counter Islamophobia with Maryland’s Office of Community Initiatives

State flag of Maryland

SILVER SPRING, MD – June 12, 2024 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) recently met with Reverend Lawrence E. Walker, Sr., Executive Director of Maryland’s Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI), to discuss the development of a state-level strategy to counter Islamophobia. This discussion follows the recent release of the White House's National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate​.

During the meeting, SMF’s Executive Director, Rahat Husain, underscored the need for Maryland to adopt measures that promote inclusion, equity, and safety for all Muslim communities. Particular attention was given to the inclusion of Shia Muslims in state initiatives. Husain highlighted the challenges faced by the Shia community, noting that while Shia Muslims represent a smaller population with fewer resources, their inclusion would mark a meaningful step forward for the state of Maryland.

“Creating a truly inclusive strategy to counter Islamophobia means ensuring that smaller, historically underserved communities, such as Shia Muslims, are given due consideration,” said Husain. “Maryland has an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that inclusivity is not just a policy ideal, but a practiced reality.”

The conversation focused on ways the state could incorporate recommendations from the federal strategy​, including raising awareness of diverse Muslim communities, improving safety measures, and tackling discrimination in public services. SMF encouraged Maryland’s GOCI to collaborate closely with local Shia organizations to ensure effective representation and to bolster community resilience.

Reverend Walker expressed his commitment to supporting these efforts, recognizing the importance of collaboration with minority communities to promote understanding and counter hate.

The SMF remains committed to advocating for the civic rights of Shia Muslims and supporting initiatives that foster unity and counter discrimination. This engagement is part of a broader effort to ensure that federal, state, and local strategies address the needs of all Muslim communities.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Press Contact, Shia Muslim Foundation

Email: farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

SMF Recognizes a Trailblazing Shia Muslim Hijabi Fitness Expert and Author

Toronto, Canada — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is proud to highlight Zehra Allibhai, a Canadian Shia Muslim of Khoja heritage, as part of the Shia Spotlight Series. Zehra is a trailblazer in fitness, content creation, and culinary arts, breaking barriers as one of the very few hijabi Shia women making waves in the health and wellness industry.

Zehra’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of identity, faith, and perseverance. Armed with an honors degree in kinesiology, she founded The FitNest, a platform where she shares accessible workout routines, healthy recipes, and lifestyle tips. With over 700,000 followers, Zehra has become a beacon of empowerment, showing that health and self-care are achievable without compromising cultural or religious identity.

In October 2024, Zehra further expanded her reach by publishing her debut cookbook, “Bismillah, Let’s Eat!”. The cookbook features over 130 vibrant recipes and a healthy Ramadan guide, blending traditional Shia Muslim culinary heritage with a modern approach to healthy living. Her work underscores the importance of representation and provides a much-needed role model for Shia women who seek to balance wellness with faith.

“Zehra Allibhai’s work is truly groundbreaking. As one of the few hijabi Shia women promoting fitness and health, she is showing us how to care for ourselves while staying true to our faith,” said Farhana Kassamali, SMF’s Communications Lead. “Her dedication fills a critical gap in representation and inspires Shia Muslim women to embrace health, wellness, and cultural pride.”

Zehra’s influence goes beyond fitness; she embodies the values of community, faith, and strength. Through her work, she demonstrates that being a practicing Shia Muslim and pursuing health and wellness are not mutually exclusive.

To learn more about Zehra Allibhai and her work, visit her website thefitnest.ca. Her cookbook, “Bismillah, Let’s Eat!”, is available on Amazon.

This recognition is part of SMF’s ongoing Shia Spotlight Series, which aims to highlight the remarkable achievements of Shia Muslims in various fields.

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About Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF)

The Shia Muslim Foundation is dedicated to supporting the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocating for social and political issues, and promoting the welfare of Shia Muslims worldwide.