Shia Muslim Foundation Meets with DHS Assistant Secretary of Partnership and Engagement

(WASHINGTON DC - December 15, 2022) This week, the Shia Muslim Foundation met with Brenda Abdelall, Assistant Secretary of Partnership and Engagement at the Department of Homeland Security, to discuss issues of importance to the American Shia Muslim community and to explore ways to collaborate in the future.

During the meeting, the attendees discussed a range of topics, including the challenges facing Shia Muslims in the United States, such as immigration hurdles faced by visiting Imams and the need for increased support and resources for the community. The Shia Muslim Foundation shared its concerns and aspirations with Assistant Secretary Abdelall and discussed productive ways in which the Department of Homeland Security could support the Shia Muslim community.

Assistant Secretary Abdelall listened attentively to the issues raised by the Shia Muslim Foundation and committed to working with the organization to address these concerns. The Shia Muslim Foundation appreciates the opportunity to engage with Assistant Secretary Abdelall and looks forward to collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security in the future.

United Nations Delegation Visits Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani

On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Sistani met with Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General responsible for drafting a plan to safeguard religious sites. The plan was developed in response to attacks on religious sites in various parts of the world in recent years.

During the meeting, Grand Ayatollah Sistani emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, rejecting violence and hatred, and establishing values of harmony based on mutual respect and concern for the rights of people of different religions and ways of thinking. He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of religious persecution and extremism, which have resulted in attacks on defenseless civilians and religious heritage sites.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the United Nations and wished Mr. Moratinos success in implementing the plan. He also conveyed his greetings to Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Shia Muslim Foundation Expresses Concern Over Immigration Hurdles Facing Visiting Imams

(WASHINGTON DC - September 30, 2022) The Shia Muslim Foundation is deeply concerned about the increasing number of immigration hurdles facing visiting Imams who are invited to conduct religious services for the Shia community in the United States. These Imams, who come from countries such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe, play a vital role in the religious practices of the Shia community and their ability to enter the country without delay or harassment is essential to the freedom of Shia Muslims to practice their religion.

Over the past few years, the Shia Muslim Foundation has witnessed a growing trend of visas being denied or delayed without explanation, and instances of harassment and intimidation at airports upon arrival. This is a disturbing development that threatens the ability of the Shia community to access the religious leaders and scholars they rely on for spiritual guidance and support.

In light of these issues, the Shia Muslim Foundation calls on the administration to take immediate action to address this situation and ensure that visiting Imams are able to enter the United States without interference or obstruction. We request a meeting with the appropriate officials to discuss the best way to resolve this matter and protect the religious freedom of Shia Muslims in the United States.