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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.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: December 13, 2024


Washington, D.C. — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) participated in a White House briefing today on the newly released U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate. The briefing was led by Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain.


This landmark strategy outlines comprehensive measures to combat Islamophobia, hate crimes, and discrimination, marking a significant step toward protecting the rights and safety of Muslim and Arab American communities. SMF’s involvement in this initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to advocating for Shia Muslims and other marginalized groups facing systemic prejudice.


During the briefing, Neera Tanden underscored the Administration's dedication to addressing hate-motivated violence and enhancing safety for affected communities, while Ambassador Hussain highlighted the importance of international religious freedom and the need for solidarity across faiths.


“SMF is proud to contribute to this essential strategy,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of SMF. “Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate are not abstract problems — they are lived realities for many in our community. This strategy is a necessary step toward ensuring that every American, regardless of faith or heritage, can live without fear. We will continue our work to support policies that promote justice, safety, and dignity.”


SMF’s participation in this discussion builds on its extensive U.S.-based advocacy efforts. These include collaborative meetings with the Department of Justice on combating hate crimes and voter intimidation, supporting interfaith initiatives to promote civic unity, and contributing to the development of policies that protect the civil rights of Muslim Americans. SMF has also engaged in public awareness campaigns to address the rise of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination.


The National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate focuses on key priorities, including:

  • Increasing Awareness: Promoting education about the heritage and contributions of Muslim and Arab Americans.

  • Enhancing Safety: Strengthening security measures and responses to hate crimes.

  • Combating Discrimination: Ensuring equal access to opportunities in education, employment, and public services.

  • Fostering Solidarity: Encouraging cross-community collaboration to tackle hate and bias.


This initiative comes at a critical time, as incidents of Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate have risen sharply. SMF remains dedicated to supporting efforts that foster justice, inclusion, and protection for all vulnerable communities.


For more information or media inquiries, contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Press Contact, Shia Muslim Foundation




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 13, 2024


The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is honored to have directly contributed to the development of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate, released today by the White House. This historic initiative addresses long-standing biases and threats faced by Muslim and Arab Americans and marks a pivotal moment for civil rights in the United States.


Developed through collaboration with civil society organizations, including SMF, the Strategy outlines over 100 Executive Actions and Calls to Action to combat discrimination, enhance safety, and promote inclusion for Muslim and Arab communities.


Rahat Husain, Executive Director of SMF, said:

"This Strategy is a crucial acknowledgment of the discrimination and violence our communities endure. SMF’s participation in shaping these policies reflects our unwavering commitment to justice, security, and equality for all. We believe this is a milestone towards a more inclusive America."

The Strategy prioritizes:


  • Increasing Awareness: Educating society about the heritage and contributions of Muslim and Arab Americans.


  • Enhancing Safety: Investing in community security and addressing hate crimes.


  • Combating Discrimination: Ensuring equal access to education, employment, and public services.


  • Fostering Solidarity: Promoting cross-community collaboration to counter hate.



This initiative comes at a critical time, as incidents of violence and discrimination have sharply risen. SMF remains dedicated to advancing the civic rights of Shia Muslims and encourages all sectors to support this groundbreaking effort.


For more information or media inquiries, contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Press Contact, Shia Muslim Foundation

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