FBI Foils Attempted Terrorist Attack at Shia Mosque in Illinois

July 18, 2025

Attempted Bombing Plot Foiled at Shia Mosque in Illinois: SMF Calls for Urgent Action

Washington, DC – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is sounding the alarm following the arrest of a 16-year-old from Lombard, Illinois, charged with plotting a terrorist attack against IEC Husaini, a prominent Shia mosque in Glendale Heights. The FBI and local law enforcement prevented what could have been a mass-casualty event during religious services at the center.

According to law enforcement, the teenager entered IEC Husaini on July 4 during active worship, filming the building’s layout and congregation—allegedly for the purpose of planning an explosive attack. He was later found in possession of a concealed firearm. Investigators uncovered evidence that he intended to use the footage and weapons to carry out a deadly assault. He is now in custody facing felony charges including attempted terrorism.

“This wasn’t a hate crime gone too far. This was a deliberate, premeditated attempt to massacre American Muslims during worship,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. “Without rapid intervention from the FBI and state officials, we could be mourning dozens of lives today.”

IEC Husaini has long served as a religious, educational, and civic hub for the Shia Muslim community in Illinois. It is among the most active Shia centers in the Midwest, drawing thousands for events such as Muharram commemorations, Ramadan services, and interfaith gatherings.

This is not an isolated incident. In 2022, a separate plot to attack a Shia mosque in the Chicago area was foiled by the FBI. That case involved a Maine man and two teens—one from Illinois—planning a joint ISIS-inspired assault. These are not lone actors; these are part of a rising trend of targeted anti-Shia threats and violent extremism.

“An attempted act of terrorism, as alleged in this case, achieves the same goals of spreading fear, dividing our communities and undermining the rule of law, as does an act of terrorism,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “The allegations against this juvenile are extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. I am extremely proud to be part of a team of federal and local officials whose shared dedication to public safety and ability to work together toward a common goal prevented what could have been a horrible tragedy. I commend the Chicago Field Office of the FBI for their work on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our citizens throughout the state safe. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Lombard Police Department for their work and assistance on this case as well as Assistant State’s Attorney Nick Catizone for his efforts in preparing a strong case against the juvenile.”

DOJ official statement: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/state_s_attorney/lombard_juvenile_charged_with_attempt_terrorism_at_1507.php

SMF Demands Federal Recognition of the Pattern

SMF is calling on the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to formally recognize the pattern of targeted violence against Shia institutions and to launch an investigation into anti-Shia extremism as a distinct domestic terrorism threat.

“We cannot allow plots like this to be minimized or miscategorized,” said Husain. “If this attack had targeted a church or synagogue, it would dominate national headlines. Shia Muslims should not have to die before this country acknowledges the danger.”

Call to Action

SMF urges:

• Federal and state law enforcement to increase protections for Shia Muslim institutions

• DOJ to pursue federal terrorism and hate crime charges where applicable

• Public officials to speak out immediately against anti-Shia hate

• Community members to report all suspicious activity and threats to law enforcement

About IEC Husaini:

IEC Husaini is one of the Midwest’s largest Shia Muslim institutions, founded in 1993. It serves as a religious, educational, and civic hub for the Shia community in Illinois, known for its outreach, community service, and interfaith engagement.

About the Shia Muslim Foundation:

SMF is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, DC. It defends the civic and religious rights of Shia Muslims in the United States and advocates for greater awareness of anti-Shia violence at home and abroad.

Press Contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Director of Communications

farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

SMF Commends SPACE’s “Shia Intern Connect” for Empowering and Uniting Shia Youth Across North America

Washington, D.C. – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is proud to commend SPACE (Shia Professional Academic Conference & Empowerment) for its launch of the Shia Intern Connect initiative—an innovative, youth-driven program designed to foster mentorship, professional support, and community ties among Shia Muslim students and interns across North America.

Launched in Summer 2025, Shia Intern Connect offers a straightforward but powerful tool: connecting Shia Muslim interns through regional group chats. These informal spaces allow students to meet, share advice, build relationships, and navigate their summer internships together. Whether interns are in government, tech, nonprofit, academia, or corporate settings, the program provides a low-barrier, high-impact method for creating meaningful connections and addressing the often-isolating nature of being a visible Muslim in professional spaces.

This effort reflects a broader mission led by SPACE: to create structured, intentional space for Shia Muslim youth to learn, network, express creativity, and prepare for impactful futures. The organization was established by young Shia professionals to fill long-standing gaps in mentorship, career preparation, and identity-affirming spaces. Through annual conferences, themed workshops, creative programming, and grassroots initiatives like Shia Intern Connect, SPACE has quickly become one of the most significant youth-led Shia platforms in the West.

“We deeply respect what SPACE is building,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. “Programs like Shia Intern Connect don’t just support young people—they help rewire our community’s future. They give Shia youth tools, relationships, and encouragement to step forward, lead, and shape the institutions around them. SMF stands behind this effort fully.”

In addition to Intern Connect, SPACE has previously held successful conferences in Los Angeles and Vancouver, bringing together hundreds of attendees, dozens of mentors, speakers, and workshop leaders to explore everything from Islamic identity in the arts to navigating law school or launching a startup. Their focus areas—Education, Creativity, and Professionalism—reflect a strategic understanding of the challenges facing today’s Shia youth.

SMF views this kind of work as essential to the broader goals of civic engagement and religious identity. As an organization that advocates for the rights and representation of Shia Muslims, both domestically and globally, SMF believes that empowering the next generation of leaders is a long-term investment in the strength and future of the American Shia community.

“This is about more than networking,” Husain added. “It’s about transforming how we see each other—students seeing themselves as professionals, as capable, as part of something larger. That’s the real power of what SPACE is doing.”

SMF encourages students and young professionals to take advantage of the Shia Intern Connect program by visiting bit.ly/ShiaInternsConnect and urges community leaders and institutions to partner with and support SPACE’s ongoing work.

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About the Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., committed to advancing the civil, political, and religious rights of Shia Muslims in the United States and internationally. Through policy advocacy, civic engagement, educational programs, and community support initiatives, SMF seeks to elevate the visibility, dignity, and leadership of the Shia community.

About SPACE

SPACE (Shia Professional Academic Conference & Empowerment) is a youth-led organization that creates platforms for Shia Muslim youth to learn, network, express creativity, and grow professionally. It caters to the educational, creative, and career development needs of Shia students and early-career professionals in the West, with a focus on mentorship, leadership, and identity-centered engagement.

Understanding Eid al-Adha: A Day of Faith, Sacrifice, and Reflection

Eid ul Adha is an important Islamic holiday, celebrated by more than a billion Muslims around the world.

6.4.2025 Eid Letter for School.pdf

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On Friday, June 6, 2025, millions of Muslims across the country and around the world will observe Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice.” It is one of the two major holidays in Islam, and it carries deep spiritual meaning—centered on faith, obedience to God, and service to others.

The Story Behind the Day

Eid al-Adha honors the moment when the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic), was commanded by God to sacrifice his son. As he prepared to carry out the command, God stopped him and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

This story may sound familiar. It appears in the Bible (Genesis 22) and is recognized in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In all three faiths, Abraham’s willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice is seen as a powerful act of devotion, trust, and moral courage.

In the Islamic tradition, the story is told in the Qur’an:

“When they had both submitted and he had laid him face down, We called out, ‘O Abraham, you have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, this is how We reward those who do good.”— Qur’an 37:103–105

The message is clear: it was not the act of sacrifice itself that mattered, but the sincerity, faith, and obedience behind it.

What Happens on Eid

Muslim families begin the day with a special congregational prayer in the morning. The rest of the day is spent visiting family and friends, sharing meals, giving to charity, and reflecting on personal growth. Those who are financially able also arrange to sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat, or cow), with a portion of the meat distributed to those in need.

This act is symbolic. As the Qur’an explains:

“It is not their meat or blood that reaches God, but your piety.” — Qur’an 22:37

The sacrifice represents a willingness to give up what is important in service of something greater. It is also an opportunity to provide food for the poor, fulfill a spiritual obligation, and cultivate humility and gratitude.

A Broader Message

Eid al-Adha is about more than ritual. It’s about the internal sacrifice of ego, selfishness, and attachment to worldly things. It’s about reflecting on what we would be willing to give up for what is right, and what we are doing to help others.

The values behind Eid—faith, discipline, generosity, and compassion—are shared across traditions. Just as Jewish and Christian communities reflect on Abraham’s devotion, Muslims also look to this story as a moment to reconnect with their purpose and with their Creator.

Many Muslims also take time on Eid to remember the sacrifices made by religious and moral leaders throughout history who stood for justice, truth, and righteousness.

The Deeper Meaning of Sacrifice: A Legacy of Moral Courage

While Eid al-Adha honors the story of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, its message continues through later figures in Islamic history who embodied the same principles of selflessness and moral conviction.

One of the most respected figures in this tradition is Husain ibn Ali, also known as "Imam Husain," the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He is remembered for his unwavering stand against political corruption and injustice in the 7th century. Faced with demands to support an oppressive regime, Imam Husain chose to risk everything rather than compromise his principles. He was ultimately killed, along with his family members and companions, in what is now modern-day Iraq.

His story is not just one of tragedy, but of profound moral strength. Like Abraham, Imam Husain was willing to give up everything in the name of truth and justice. For many Muslims, his legacy serves as a living continuation of the lessons behind Eid al-Adha: that true faith is shown not by words, but by difficult choices and sacrifices made in the face of wrongdoing.

In remembering both Prophet Abraham and Imam Husain, the holiday becomes more than a ritual—it becomes a call to live with integrity, even when it costs something.

What to Expect

On June 6, families may take the day off from work or school. Local mosques will host prayers, and many communities will organize charitable drives or Eid meals. Just like Christmas or Yom Kippur, it’s a day of both solemn meaning and joyful community celebration.

If a Muslim friend or colleague is observing the holiday, a simple “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) is a kind and welcome greeting.