Shia Muslim Foundation Offers Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

Grand Ayatollah Sistani met with Pope Francis in 2021

The Shia Muslim Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in Vatican City. His death marks the end of a deeply consequential papacy defined by humility, compassion, and courageous outreach to communities long marginalized or misunderstood.

Throughout his leadership of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to interfaith dialogue, social justice, and the ethical obligations of global religious leadership. His papacy saw remarkable efforts to bring together voices across religious boundaries, including among Muslim communities, and especially within the Shia tradition.

One of the most historically significant moments in Shia-Catholic relations came in 2021, when Pope Francis traveled to Najaf, Iraq, to meet with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani. Their private conversation in the Grand Ayatollah’s modest home was not only unprecedented—it marked the first meeting between a pope and one of the most senior and respected Shia clerics in the world. The event sent a global message: that shared human values of peace, dignity, and justice transcend theological and political differences.

In addition to his meeting with Ayatollah Sistani, Pope Francis engaged with other prominent Shia scholars, including Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, the Director-General and Chief Imam of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society. Their discussions further illustrated the Pope’s sincere commitment to interfaith dialogue rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to our Catholic brothers and sisters on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

As Muslims, we recognise his unwavering commitment to peace, compassion, and the dignity of all people.

He was a voice of conscience in a troubled world and a sincere partner in interfaith dialogue. May God, the Most Merciful, reward his efforts for humanity and grant comfort to all who mourn his loss.

- Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society

Pope Francis also hosted Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi at the Vatican in 2014 as part of a summit of global religious leaders committed to eradicating modern slavery. This occasion marked the first meeting between a Shia Grand Ayatollah and a Pope, highlighting Pope Francis’s determination to build bridges and collaborate on shared humanitarian causes regardless of doctrinal divisions.

Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, reflected on the Pope’s legacy:

"Pope Francis’s dedication to bridging divides and fostering understanding among diverse communities resonated deeply. His efforts in promoting dialogue and mutual respect—especially his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sistani—have left an indelible mark on interfaith relations. He will be remembered as a leader of great moral clarity and compassion."

Pope Francis’s outreach to the Shia community was not symbolic alone—it represented a sincere effort to acknowledge the dignity, scholarship, and humanity of a group often overlooked in broader religious diplomacy. His actions created the space for meaningful cooperation between Catholic and Shia institutions on shared challenges, from poverty and conflict to ethics and education.

The Shia Muslim Foundation stands in solidarity with Catholics and people of all faiths in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His moral voice, tireless advocacy for the oppressed, and courageous interfaith vision will continue to inspire people of conscience across the globe.

Media Contact:

Farhana Kassamali

Director of Communications

farhana@shiamuslimfoundation.com

www.shiamuslimfoundation.com

SMF and Idara-e-Jaferia to Host Community Forum on Immigration Policy and International Travel

Washington, D.C. — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF), in partnership with Idara-e-Jaferia, is proud to announce a timely public event titled “Recent Changes in Immigration Policy and International Travel.” The forum will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Idara-e-Jaferia, located at 3140 Spencerville Road, Burtonsville, Maryland.

This event will feature expert insights from leading voices in law, policy, and advocacy:

• Abed Ayoub, Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)

• Farooq Mitha, Emgage

• Mohammad Ali Syed, Offit Kurman Law Firm

Attendees will gain a better understanding of recent developments in U.S. immigration policy, changes in visa and travel regulations, and how these shifts are impacting American Muslim communities—particularly those with family, business, or religious ties abroad.

In recent years, shifting immigration laws and international travel restrictions have had a direct effect on Muslim communities across the United States. From evolving visa procedures to increased scrutiny at ports of entry, many American Muslims have faced uncertainty and stress when traveling or sponsoring family members abroad. This forum aims to address those concerns by providing accurate, practical guidance from professionals with deep experience in immigration law and policy advocacy.

The event also reflects a broader commitment by the Shia Muslim Foundation and Idara-e-Jaferia to promote civic awareness and empower Muslim communities with knowledge. As debates over national security, migration, and border control continue to shape federal policy, it is essential for American Muslims to stay informed and engaged. This event offers a platform for community members to ask questions, share concerns, and build connections with leaders who are actively working to protect civil rights and promote justice.

“Immigration and international travel are issues of deep relevance to American Muslims,” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation. “Many in our community maintain strong connections across borders, and evolving policies can create legal, logistical, and emotional challenges. This forum will help individuals better understand their rights and responsibilities, and prepare for travel or immigration-related planning.”

SMF encourages broad attendance from across the DMV region and beyond. The event is free and open to the public, and dinner will be served.

Event Details:

Topic: Recent Changes in Immigration Policy and International Travel

Date: Friday, April 25, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Idara-e-Jaferia, 3140 Spencerville Rd, Burtonsville, MD 20866

Hosted by: Idara-e-Jaferia in collaboration with the Shia Muslim Foundation

SMF Condemns Vandalism and Anti-Muslim Graffiti at NYU Prayer Space

Washington, D.C. – April 4, 2025 — The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) strongly condemns the recent act of hate at New York University’s Bobst Library, where a student discovered targeted vandalism and anti-Muslim graffiti in a designated Muslim prayer space.

This incident is not an isolated expression of bigotry—it is part of a growing wave of anti-Muslim sentiment that threatens the safety and dignity of Muslim communities across the country. Acts like this are not just offensive; they are deliberate efforts to intimidate, marginalize, and silence Muslim students and their right to exist and worship freely.

The desecration of a prayer space is an attack on religious freedom and an assault on the values this nation claims to uphold. This act must be treated with the seriousness it warrants. We urge local, state, and federal authorities to immediately open a hate crimes investigation and hold the perpetrator(s) accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

The Shia Muslim Foundation stands in full solidarity with the Islamic Center at NYU and the Muslim student community. No student should be made to feel unsafe for practicing their faith. We support all efforts by NYU and the broader academic community to create an environment where bigotry is not tolerated, and those responsible for hate are met with justice, not silence.

We call on university administrations, elected officials, and civil society to speak out unequivocally against this act and take concrete steps to combat anti-Muslim hate.