SMF Praises ‘Time Hoppers’ A Sci-Fi Feature Centering Muslim Intellect

Time Hoppers will come to US theaters in early February 2026

(January 15, 2026 - Washington DC) The Shia Muslim Foundation proudly welcomes the US theatrical release of Time Hoppers: The Silk Road, a landmark animated feature that brings Muslim history, science, and imagination to the big screen. This film offers an accessible time-travel story for families and young audiences, filling a gap in mainstream media where Muslim contributions to science often go unnoticed.

The film follows a group of students who find the ability to travel through time. They are thrust into pivotal moments along the historic Silk Road. As they move through past civilizations, they encounter towering figures of Muslim intellectual history, confront forces seeking to erase knowledge, and learn the value of curiosity, ethics, and responsibility.

The movie mixes science fiction with education to present Muslim contributions to global civilization in a clear, engaging format. This approach normalizes Muslim characters as innovators and scientists, rather than limiting them to stereotypical roles.

Shia Representation in Creative Arts

The Shia Muslim Foundation highlights the involvement of Shahryar Rizvi, a prominent member of the Shia Muslim community. Rizvi served as a writer on both the television series and movie series, as well as a related video game. His participation reflects the depth of talent within the Shia community and signals the growing role Shia Muslims play in shaping cultural and artistic narratives beyond traditional spaces.

Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, emphasized the importance of this release:

"Stories define us. Time Hoppers does the important work of connecting young audiences with an intellectual heritage that is often ignored in Western media. Seeing members of our community, like Shahryar Rizvi, involved in this creative process proves that our voices belong in every industry. This film educates and validates the history of scientific inquiry in the Muslim world."

How to Watch

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is coming to select US theaters for a special limited engagement via Fathom Events on February 7 and 8, 2026.

To find a theater near you and purchase tickets, visit: www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/time-hoppers-the-silk-road

For more information on the film and its educational resources, visit the official movie website: www.time-hoppers.com

Why This Matters

Time Hoppers places Muslim history and scholarship at the center of a story about knowledge and the future. For young Muslim audiences especially, the film offers something rare: heroes who look like them, think like them, and inherit a legacy of learning.

The Shia Muslim Foundation views this release as a positive cultural milestone. It demonstrates that Muslim stories can resonate with wide audiences while remaining grounded in authenticity. We congratulate the creators, cast, and contributors to Time Hoppers: The Silk Road. We look forward to seeing more projects that reflect the diversity, intellect, and creativity of the Muslim community.

About the Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation is a Washington DC-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing the civic, social, and cultural interests of American Shia Muslims while promoting understanding, dignity, and representation across society.

Shia Muslim Foundation Celebrates Zohran Mamdani's Historic NYC Mayoral Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Shia Muslim Foundation congratulates Zohran Mamdani on his decisive victory in the New York City Mayoral General Election. He is the city’s first Muslim Mayor, its first of South Asian heritage, and its youngest leader in over a century.

Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic nominee, defeated both former Governor Andrew Cuomo (Independent) and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The campaign focused sharply on economic justice. His platform promised universal child care, rent freezes for stabilized units, free city buses, and creating 200,000 affordable housing units. New Yorkers endorsed this clear focus on affordability and the working class.

This outcome is a momentous step for the Shia community. Mamdani's election shows the growing power and recognition of faith-diverse leadership in major American political systems. His victory demonstrates the potential for our voices to achieve significant civic change.

"Zohran Mamdani's election is a powerful, inspiring moment for American Shia Muslims," said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation.

"It confirms that when our community engages, organizes, and votes, we secure the representation needed to advance our shared values for housing, equity, and dignity for all New Yorkers. This is exactly why the Shia Muslim Foundation prioritizes civic participation."

The Foundation looks forward to collaborating with Mayor-elect Mamdani’s administration. We share core values on housing security, equitable public services, and vibrant interfaith civic engagement. This victory proves grassroots momentum for change can succeed.

Congratulations to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. His win is a strong statement for new leadership and increased representation in New York City.

About the Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) works to advance civic engagement, community leadership, and policy advocacy for Shia Muslim Americans. Our mission embraces interfaith dialogue, social justice, and public service that honors dignity and fairness for all communities.

Shia Muslim Foundation Issues Urgent Directive: Vote To Support Our Community And Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) today issued an urgent mandate to American Shia Muslims: Commit fully to civic participation. Voting represents the primary and most powerful mechanism for community defense. Participation in every election cycle: local, state, and federal, directly determines the future security of our institutions, our civil rights, and our families.

Silence in the political process guarantees marginalized status. Policymakers ultimately decide our future. They shape immigration laws, control civil rights protections, and allocate resources for institutional security. Shia voices experience unacceptable underrepresentation in political systems. Casting a ballot is the singular act that closes this representation gap.

Underrepresentation allows hostile policies to advance. It permits the continuation of targeted harassment against our centers and contributes to the erasure of Shia narratives from mainstream platforms. Ignoring the ballot box is a vote for continued vulnerability. A visible, high voter turnout sends an undeniable signal about the collective concerns and legislative priorities of American Shia Muslims.

SMF cannot effectively execute its advocacy work without a mobilized community. Strong electoral engagement validates our legal interventions and our policy discussions. It strengthens our collaborations with federal officials, members of Congress, state legislatures, and key interfaith allies, including churches, synagogues, temples, and other religious centers. Active civic participation is the foundation of our ability to advocate for a safer, more equitable American future.

"We are advocates and community leaders, but the law only helps those who empower it. Our community faces unjust immigration actions, institutional harassment, and the denial of religious freedoms. The ballot box is not a request; it is the ultimate tool of self-defense. Failure to vote is a vote for continued marginalization. Every registered Shia Muslim must cast a ballot without exception.” said Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation

About the Shia Muslim Foundation

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. SMF supports the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocates on social and political issues affecting the community, and works to promote the welfare of Shia Muslims worldwide. SMF works in collaboration with local mosques and government officials to secure civil rights and combat targeted persecution.