Faith & Fortune Networking Event Brings Inspiration and Practical Guidance to Professionals

BURTONSVILLE, MD — Today, Idara-e-Jaferia played host to the highly anticipated "Faith & Fortune" networking event, drawing entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community leaders from across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The event provided a platform for participants to gain valuable insights into achieving success in business, government, and the corporate world, with a focus on integrity and strategic thinking.

Hosted by Dr. Azmat Husain, the event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Habib Nasibdar, Founder and CEO of MINDCUBED; Kumail Zaidi, CEO at Systems Pavers; and Sarah Naqvi, CTO at LivCor. Key topics included creating institutionally funded businesses, navigating the corporate ladder with integrity, and building successful government contracting enterprises.

Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, praised the event’s impact. "This gathering demonstrated how combining faith, ethics, and strategy can lead to remarkable professional success. The speakers provided not only inspiration but also practical tools for growth," Husain remarked.

Attendees applauded the event for its engaging discussions and networking opportunities, which fostered collaboration and shared learning among professionals. The event, sponsored by Idara e Jaferia, The Mainstay Foundation, and UMAA, highlighted the importance of aligning professional ambitions with values and ethics.

Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA)

UMAA, a prominent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing social, political, and humanitarian issues within the Muslim community, played a vital role in the success of the "Faith & Fortune" networking event. With a mission to empower individuals and foster collaboration, UMAA’s involvement emphasized the importance of bridging professional growth with ethical and faith-driven values. Through its support, UMAA helped create a platform where business leaders and entrepreneurs could connect, share strategies, and inspire one another to achieve excellence while maintaining integrity.

The Mainstay Foundation

The Mainstay Foundation, a service-driven 501(c)(3) organization focused on advancing the Muslim community through education, strategic initiatives, and empowerment, served as a key sponsor of the "Faith & Fortune" event. Known for its commitment to supporting leadership development and organizational growth, Mainstay’s contribution ensured the event’s success by fostering an environment that encouraged meaningful discussions and collaboration. Its dedication to community-driven solutions was reflected in the event’s focus on actionable strategies for professional success and the alignment of career goals with core values.

For more information on the Shia Muslim Foundation’s initiatives, please visit www.shiamuslimfoundation.com.

Contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Press Inquiries

farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

Grand Ayatollah Sistani issues statement on Shia killings in Pakistan

(WASHINGTON DC - November 27, 2024) The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) deeply appreciates and commends the statement issued by His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani concerning the tragic and heinous attack on travelers near Parachinar, Pakistan.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani, the highest religious authority for millions of Shia Muslims worldwide, is a beacon of wisdom, guidance, and unity. From his base in Najaf, Iraq, he has consistently emphasized principles of justice, compassion, and the protection of human dignity. His leadership transcends borders, offering hope and solidarity to believers facing oppression and violence.

The text of the statement is as follows:

Statement Issued by the Office of His Eminence (May God Preserve Him) Regarding the Heinous Crimes in the City of Parachinar, Pakistan

In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful 
(Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him is our return)

To the believing brothers and sisters in Parachinar, Pakistan:

Peace and blessings be upon you.

Once again, the extremist terrorists have committed a heinous crime, carrying out an armed attack on travelers on their way from Parachinar to Peshawar, which led to the martyrdom of many innocent believers and injury to others.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and express our sorrow and sympathy to the bereaved families, and we ask Allah to grant everyone patience and solace and speedy recovery to the wounded, and to elevate the ranks of the martyrs of this tragic incident.

The Najaf Seminary and the highest Shia religious authority strongly condemn this horrific crime that targeted the unity of Muslims. We urge the respected Government of Pakistan to seriously consider ways to protect the oppressed from the cruelty and crimes of terrorist groups. We also call for preventive and necessary measures in this regard to ensure that believers are not subjected to violent and brutal attacks by extremist groups.

We ask Allah to grant continued honor and dignity to the noble Pakistani people.

Office of Sayyid al-Sistani (may his life be preserved)
Najaf al-Ashraf 
20 Jumada al-Ula 1446 AH/ 22 November 2024

The Original Statement: https://www.sistani.org/persian/statement/26921/

Credit to Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), Inc. for this translation, original link here.

In his statement, Ayatollah Sistani conveyed profound condolences to the victims and their families, condemned the barbaric actions of extremist groups, and called on the Government of Pakistan to take serious and effective measures to protect vulnerable communities. His words reaffirm the shared commitment of Shia Muslims to peace and the sanctity of life, regardless of sect or background.

The Shia Muslim Foundation echoes His Eminence’s call for the Pakistani government to strengthen protections for its citizens and implement preventive measures to safeguard Shia Muslims and all minority communities. SMF has previously condemned the Parachinar attack as an egregious act of terror that violates fundamental human rights and undermines unity, see our statement here. We continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and urge global efforts to address sectarian violence.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s unwavering support for justice and unity is a source of inspiration for the Shia Muslim community and all advocates of peace. His statement reminds us that the path forward requires collaboration, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the oppressed.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Director of Public Relations

farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

www.shiamuslimfoundation.com

Shia Muslim Foundation Condemns Sectarian Attack in Pakistan and Urges U.S. Leadership to Take Action

Washington, D.C. – November 22, 2024 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) strongly condemns the heinous attack on a convoy of Shia Muslim travelers in the Kurram district of Pakistan on November 21, 2024. The attack, which claimed the lives of over 40 innocent people, including women and children, and left dozens critically injured, underscores the alarming escalation of sectarian violence in the region.

This devastating incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the Shia Muslim community in Pakistan, which has faced systematic persecution and targeted violence for decades. Despite prior threats and recent militant activity in the area, the security measures provided by local authorities were tragically insufficient, resulting in this catastrophic loss of life.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. “This atrocity is not only an attack on the Shia community but an affront to humanity. It underscores the urgent need for global solidarity and action to address the escalating sectarian violence in Pakistan.”

The SMF calls on the government of Pakistan to:

1. Enhance Protection: Ensure robust and effective security measures for vulnerable communities, particularly in regions prone to sectarian violence.

2. Hold Perpetrators Accountable: Conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to bring the attackers and any complicit parties to justice.

3. Address Root Causes: Tackle the systemic issues fueling sectarian tensions, including discrimination, hate speech, and land disputes.

4. Engage Internationally: Collaborate with international organizations to strengthen human rights protections for minority groups in Pakistan.

The Shia Muslim Foundation also urges President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to prioritize addressing the plight of persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan and around the world. The United States has a long-standing commitment to promoting religious freedom and protecting vulnerable populations. We call on U.S. leadership to:

Use diplomatic channels to press the Pakistani government to implement stronger protections for minorities.

Increase support for international human rights organizations working to combat sectarian violence.

Consider targeted measures, such as sanctions, against groups and individuals responsible for such atrocities.

“The U.S. must reaffirm its leadership in defending human rights and religious freedom,” said Husain. “This is a moment to act decisively and demonstrate to the world that attacks on innocent lives will not be tolerated.”

The SMF urges the global community, including human rights organizations and governments, to hold Pakistan accountable for its commitments to protect minority communities and prevent such atrocities. Inaction will only embolden those who perpetrate violence and further destabilize the region.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Farhana Kassamali

farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

www.shiamuslimfoundation.com