Shia Muslim Foundation Participates in 3rd Annual UNGA Diplomatic Reception

New York, NY – September 23, 2025 — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) joined global leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives at The Concordia Forum's 3rd Annual Diplomatic Reception during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Executive Director Rahat Husain attended on behalf of SMF.

The event, themed “Freedom to Believe – Faith, Rights & the Challenge of Coexistence,” brought together an extraordinary group of participants. Senior officials from the White House, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and high-ranking diplomats from across the globe were among the notable attendees. The gathering also included Shia activists, philanthropic organizations, and community leaders, highlighting the role of faith-based institutions in addressing the challenges of coexistence, religious freedom, and civic inclusion.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policymaking body of the United Nations, where all 193 member states have equal representation. It meets every September in New York City and provides a global forum for countries to discuss international issues, set priorities, and adopt resolutions on peace, security, development, and human rights. While its decisions are not legally binding, the General Assembly plays a central role in shaping global norms and coordinating international cooperation.

Over the past three years, the Concordia Forum UNGA Diplomatic Reception has emerged as a significant space for dialogue, convening heads of state, ministers, senior diplomats, and influential voices from philanthropy, media, and civil society. This year’s reception continued that tradition, reinforcing the urgency of multilateral collaboration on faith and rights.

Following the reception, Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, emphasized the importance of Shia participation in these discussions:

“The presence of Shia leaders, activists, and community representatives at this high-level convening reflects the growing recognition of our role in advancing religious freedom and civic engagement. At a time when Shia communities continue to face persecution globally, it is essential that our voices are included in shaping international dialogue on coexistence, rights, and accountability.”

The Shia Muslim Foundation continues its work to protect the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocate for global Shia communities, and promote interfaith understanding. Participation in international forums such as the UNGA reception reflects SMF’s mission to strengthen bridges between policymakers, civil society, and faith leaders.

Shia Muslim Foundation Attends DHS Briefing to Address Mosque Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) participated in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Fall Religious Observances Safety and Security Briefing. The event brought together faith leaders and government officials to discuss threats and resources for protecting places of worship. This press reldhse is a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance.

The briefing brought together senior DHS officials and experts to share strategies, tools, and resources for securing houses of worship. Presentations were provided by the DHS Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A), the National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Program, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the If You See Something, Say Something® campaign.

Key resources highlighted include:

• Office of Intelligence & Analysis - threat assessment tactics and quarterly briefings.

• National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Program, which provides training to recognize and report concerning behaviors.

• CISA Protecting Houses of Worship, offering security guides, vulnerability assessments, and tabletop exercises.

• If You See Something, Say Something campaign, encouraging communities to report suspicious activity.

• Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities

Additional preparedness tools included de-escalation training resources, the Pathway to Violence fact sheet, and FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. DHS also spotlighted upcoming Protecting Places of Worship National Weeks of Action with sessions on active shooter preparedness, bomb threat assessment, and surveillance detection.

The Urgency of Protecting Shia Mosques

The Shia Muslim Foundation stresses that these federal initiatives arrive at a time of heightened concern. Shia mosques and centers across the United States have faced repeated threats this year, ranging from targeted harassment to violent hoaxes and swatting calls. These incidents highlight the pressing need for effective security planning, information sharing, and federal-community partnership to safeguard Shia worshippers.

The Shia Muslim Foundation urges community leaders to use the resources discussed at the DHS briefing. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers valuable guides. CISA's Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide is a key starting point. Another resource is the Houses of Worship Vulnerability Self-Assessment. These tools help mosques identify risks and implement security improvements. Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities provides a clear framework for action.

Training and preparedness are also important. The DHS briefing highlighted CISA’s Tabletop Exercise Packages. These exercises test security plans in realistic scenarios. The "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign was also discussed. This national campaign helps communities report suspicious activity. The DHS Prevention Resource Finder offers more tools. These include training on bystander awareness and de-escalation strategies.

The DHS briefing also addressed the issue of swatting and hoax threats. These events are designed to disrupt and terrorize communities. DHS provides specific resources to help faith communities and first responders handle these situations.

Finally, the briefing covered opportunities for security funding. The FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program is an important source of financial support for mosques and other non-profits. A video testimonial shows how the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple used this funding to improve its security. This program helps religious institutions pay for cameras, alert systems, and training.

The Shia Muslim Foundation will continue its civic outreach and advocacy efforts with government agencies. This work helps protect the Shia community and builds alliances with other faith groups. We must remain vigilant. Community safety requires ongoing collaboration between faith leaders, law enforcement, and government partners.

Commitment to Safety

Through active participation in DHS initiatives, SMF continues its mission to strengthen the safety and resilience of Shia institutions. The Foundation will be working with local leaders to share these resources and encourage adoption of best practices for security and emergency preparedness.

After Violent Threats to Dearborn Arbaeen March, Police Detain Suspect

Washington DC. August 17 2025. The Shia Muslim Foundation is deeply alarmed by threats made yesterday against the Ashura March for Justice in Dearborn, where thousands gathered in peaceful mourning for Imam Husain. According to the Dearborn Police Department, a twenty seven year old male from Garden City allegedly made threats of violence against participants at the march. Police located and detained him within hours, preventing any potential disruption of the procession. City leaders stated that investigators are continuing to monitor social media and other platforms for similar threats, and that anyone attempting to instill fear will face immediate consequences.

Dearborn Police issued a statement regarding the incident.

In a joint statement, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud and Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin underscored the city’s commitment to safety: “When someone threatens violence against our community, we will act swiftly and decisively. There is zero tolerance for threats of this nature, and anyone who attempts to sow fear or division will be held fully accountable. The safety and unity of our community will always come first.”

SMF praises Dearborn Police and city officials for their swift and decisive response, showing that violence and intimidation will be met with immediate action.

"This is not a theoretical problem. Threats like these are an attack on religious freedom and an effort to terrorize a community," said Rahat Husain, SMF's Executive Director. "The Ashura March for Justice and Arbaeen processions are lawful, sacred gatherings. Law enforcement must treat these cases with the highest urgency. We demand transparency and the full prosecution of offenders to prevent repeat actions."

The Ashura March for Justice in Dearborn, now in its eleventh year, has become one of the most visible Shia commemorations in the United States, drawing thousands from across Michigan and beyond. Beginning around 2017, the annual procession typically starts at Fordson High School and concludes at Ford Woods Park, where participants carry banners, flags, and perform latmiyat (chest-beating elegies) in public mourning for Imam Husayn, the Prophet’s grandson who was martyred at Karbala. Dearborn’s march is rooted in the city’s role as home to one of North America’s largest Shia communities and the Islamic Center of America, the continent’s largest Shia mosque. What distinguishes this procession is its dual character: a religious ritual of grief and remembrance, and a civic demonstration of unity and justice, tying the memory of Karbala to modern calls against oppression worldwide.

Arbaeen processions require visible and immediate protection

Arbaeen, which follows forty days after Ashura, is one of the most important Shia commemorations. Processions honoring Imam Husayn are central to Shia identity and faith, drawing large gatherings across the United States.

Recent and ongoing processions include:

• Dearborn, Michigan: Marches drawing tens of thousands.

• New York City: Arbaeen and Ashura processions in Manhattan and Queens.

• Washington DC: Drawing from the entire DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas

• Houston, Texas: Public Arbaeen procession at City Hall and surrounding areas.

• Los Angeles, California: Annual Ashura and Arbaeen commemorations.

“These are lawful, historic, and sacred gatherings. Threats against them are an attack not only on Shia Muslims but on the principle of religious freedom in America. Law enforcement must treat these cases with the highest urgency,” Husain added.

Immediate steps required

1. Strong police presence along procession routes, with units dedicated to intercepting threats.

2. Ongoing monitoring of online platforms, with direct communication to procession marshals.

3. Public confirmation of arrests and charges to prevent rumor and panic.

4. Prosecutors applying the full weight of the law to threats against religious minorities.

   
   

Community guidance

• Proceed with scheduled processions. Do not cancel events without law enforcement direction.

• Deploy trained marshals. Keep emergency lanes open.

• Document and report all threats to police and the FBI tip line.

• Provide counseling support for children, seniors, and others unsettled by these threats.

  
  

Shia Muslim Foundation will continue monitoring developments in Dearborn and will provide updates as official records are released.

About Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It supports the civic rights of American Shia Muslims. The foundation also advocates on social and political issues affecting the community. The organization regularly collaborates with government agencies, lawmakers, and interfaith partners, including major Sunni Muslim organizations. This work helps build alliances and strengthens security for Shia institutions. SMF also addresses issues like unjust immigration actions and the denial of religious freedoms.