SMF Engaged with CAIR-Houston at Ramadan Iftar

CAIR Houston community iftar

Houston, TX – March 10, 2025 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) was represented by Farhana Kassamali, Director of Communications, at a Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Arab American Cultural Community in Houston, Texas. During the gathering, Kassamali met with Rawan Harirah, Board Chair and President of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Houston Chapter, to discuss civil rights advocacy and strengthening community collaboration.

CAIR-Houston is a leading civil rights organization dedicated to defending religious freedoms, combating Islamophobia, and empowering American Muslims through advocacy and policy engagement. Under Harirah’s leadership, the chapter continues to address pressing issues affecting Muslim communities in Texas and beyond.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Farhana Kassamali stated, "Ramadan is a time of unity, reflection, and renewal of our commitment to justice. Meeting with CAIR-Houston leadership during this blessed month reinforces the importance of working together to protect and empower our communities. SMF looks forward to continued collaboration with CAIR-Houston in advancing the rights and well-being of Muslims across the country."

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is dedicated to advocating for the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, addressing social and political challenges, and fostering understanding within the broader Muslim community. SMF works to raise awareness about the persecution of Shia Muslims worldwide, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, while also engaging in local and national initiatives to protect the rights of American Shias. Through policy advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith collaboration, SMF strives to ensure that Shia voices are heard in public discourse and that their contributions to American society are recognized.

In addition to advocacy, SMF provides direct support to Shia communities by organizing educational programs, leadership development initiatives, and outreach efforts aimed at increasing political participation. The foundation regularly collaborates with government officials, interfaith leaders, and civil rights organizations to address issues such as religious discrimination, immigration CAIR Houston community iftar

Houston, TX – March 10, 2025 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) was represented by Farhana Kassamali, Director of Communications, at a Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Arab American Cultural Community in Houston, Texas. During the gathering, Kassamali met with Rawan Harirah, Board Chair and President of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Houston Chapter, to discuss civil rights advocacy and strengthening community collaboration.

CAIR-Houston is a leading civil rights organization dedicated to defending religious freedoms, combating Islamophobia, and empowering American Muslims through advocacy and policy engagement. Under Harirah’s leadership, the chapter continues to address pressing issues affecting Muslim communities in Texas and beyond.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Farhana Kassamali stated, "Ramadan is a time of unity, reflection, and renewal of our commitment to justice. Meeting with CAIR-Houston leadership during this blessed month reinforces the importance of working together to protect and empower our communities. SMF looks forward to continued collaboration with CAIR-Houston in advancing the rights and well-being of Muslims across the country."

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is dedicated to advocating for the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, addressing social and political challenges, and fostering understanding within the broader Muslim community. SMF works to raise awareness about the persecution of Shia Muslims worldwide, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, while also engaging in local and national initiatives to protect the rights of American Shias. Through policy advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith collaboration, SMF strives to ensure that Shia voices are heard in public discourse and that their contributions to American society are recognized.

In addition to advocacy, SMF provides direct support to Shia communities by organizing educational programs, leadership development initiatives, and outreach efforts aimed at increasing political participation. The foundation regularly collaborates with government officials, interfaith leaders, and civil rights organizations to address issues such as religious discrimination, immigration challenges, and security concerns faced by Shia Muslims in the U.S. By fostering strategic partnerships and amplifying the concerns of marginalized Shia communities, SMF continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Muslim civic engagement and advancing social justice initiatives.challenges, and security concerns faced by Shia Muslims in the U.S. By fostering strategic partnerships and amplifying the concerns of marginalized Shia communities, SMF continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Muslim civic engagement and advancing social justice initiatives.

Student Receives Amamah while incarcerated in Prison

Washington, D.C. – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) acknowledges a powerful story shared by Grand Ayatollah al-Modarresi, recounting the remarkable moment when a student received his amama (Islamic turban) while in prison. This incident, serves as a testament to the resilience of faith even in the darkest of places.

Grand Ayatollah al-Modarresi, in narrating this account, drew a parallel to Prophet Yusuf, who endured wrongful imprisonment yet emerged with honor, wisdom, and a greater mission. This modern story mirrors that prophetic journey, reinforcing the idea that even in the most oppressive conditions, knowledge and spiritual growth can flourish.

This extraordinary event was brought to light by 2nd Chance Books, https://2ndchancebooks.org/ a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated Muslims in the United States by providing them with educational materials, religious guidance, and spiritual mentorship. Their mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad), ensuring that those behind bars are not forgotten but rather empowered with knowledge and faith.

2nd Chance Books is inspired by Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS), the 11th Imam of Shia Islam, who spent much of his life under house arrest and imprisonment. Despite these hardships, he continued to teach, guide, and strengthen the faith of his followers. The organization follows in this legacy by providing incarcerated Muslims with access to the true teachings of Islam, focusing on the moral and ethical lessons of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family. Through this work, they give hope and guidance to individuals seeking redemption and a path back to spiritual and moral integrity.

The Work of 2nd Chance Books

2nd Chance Books has made significant strides in its mission:

• Active Network: Over 3,100 incarcerated Muslims actively participate in their programs.

• Literature Distribution: Since 2014, they have distributed more than 31,100 Islamic books focused on the teachings of the Prophet and Ahlul Bayt (as)

• National Reach: Their services extend across 42 states, addressing the spiritual needs of Muslim inmates nationwide.

• Scholarly Engagement: Thousands of questions from inmates have been answered by a dedicated team of scholars, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings.

The organization operates under direct religious authorization (ijaza) from three of the world’s leading Maraja—Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, Sayyid Muhammad-Taqi al-Modarresi, and Sayyid Sadiq al-Shirazi. An ijaza is an official religious endorsement permitting an organization to collect and distribute Islamic charitable funds, including khums, for its work. This means that those who wish to fulfill their khums obligation can do so by donating to 2nd Chance Books, ensuring their contributions directly support the spiritual and educational rehabilitation of Muslim prisoners.

Donations to 2nd Chance Books can be made through their website 2ndchancebooks.org, where supporters can give khums, sadaqah, or general financial contributions. These funds are used to provide Islamic literature, prayer materials, and direct scholarly guidance to incarcerated Muslims, helping them reconnect with their faith and reintegrate into society with a strong moral foundation.

The Significance of Receiving the Amama in the Hawza

In Shia Islam, receiving the amama (Islamic turban) is a significant milestone for students in the hawza (seminary). The amama is more than a symbol of scholarship—it is a public acknowledgment of one’s commitment to upholding, teaching, and defending Islam according to the guidance of the Ahlul Bayt. It represents a student’s completion of rigorous study, mastery of Islamic sciences, and readiness to serve the community as a religious leader.

The conferral of the amama is not merely a ceremonial act but a profound responsibility placed upon the recipient. It signifies a scholar’s duty to educate, guide, and support their community while maintaining the highest moral and ethical standards. The fact that a student received the amama while in prison highlights the transformative power of faith and knowledge, demonstrating that, regardless of one's circumstances, the pursuit of spiritual elevation remains accessible and impactful.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that institutions like 2nd Chance Books play a crucial role in facilitating such transformations, offering hope and purpose to those seeking redemption and growth. Through their work, they continue the mission of the Ahlul Bayt—spreading knowledge, fostering faith, and ensuring that no believer is left without guidance, even behind bars.

We urge the Muslim community to support prison outreach efforts and contribute to initiatives that uphold the dignity and spiritual well-being of incarcerated individuals. As the story of this student demonstrates, even in confinement, the pursuit of knowledge and the strength of faith remain unbreakable.

For more information about the Shia Muslim Foundation and our work, please visit www.shiamuslimfoundation.com

Shia Muslim Foundation Attends the Concordia Forum US Policy Conference on Policy

Washington, D.C. – February 22, 2025 – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) participated in the US Digital Agenda: The Concordia Forum US Policy Conference held on February 22, 2025. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss key issues in policy and governance.

The Concordia Forum US Policy Conference provided a platform for engaging discussions on the role of technology in shaping the future. Through insightful panels and high-level exchanges, the conference fostered collaboration between experts across sectors, exploring ways to leverage transformation for inclusive growth and equitable progress.

Rahat Husain, representing SMF, attended the event to highlight the intersection of policy and civic engagement, particularly as it pertains to American Shia Muslims. His participation underscored SMF’s ongoing commitment to advocating for equitable access, combating misinformation, and fostering constructive dialogue on the responsible use of governance and community development.

"The Concordia Forum US Policy Conference provided a valuable space for leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of policy," said Husain. "SMF was honored to be part of these conversations, ensuring that diverse communities, including American Shia Muslims, are considered in shaping the future."

SMF appreciates the organizers of the Concordia Forum for hosting an event that facilitated important discussions on the geopolitical role of Muslims. The Foundation looks forward to future opportunities to contribute to conversations that drive policy solutions benefiting all communities.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Press Contact, Shia Muslim Foundation

Email: farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com