Grand Ayatollah Sistani meets with Shia Ulema Council of Afghanistan

(WASHINGTON DC - January 4, 2023) On Monday, January 3, 2023, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Sistani met with a delegation from the Shia Ulema Council of Afghanistan. During the meeting, the head of the delegation presented a report on the current situation in Afghanistan and the Council's activities.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani expressed great regret and sorrow for the suffering and hardships faced by the citizens of Afghanistan, particularly the atrocities being perpetrated on women in the country. He emphasized the importance of all Muslims and the international community coming together to support the oppressed people of Afghanistan and not withholding any assistance in their time of need.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani also emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and cohesion, promoting peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups, and avoiding violence towards the country's current rulers. He advised the Council to continue their efforts in upholding the rights of the people.

It is worth noting that the people of Afghanistan, particularly the Shia community, have faced severe oppression at the hands of the Taliban. The extremist group has targeted Shia Muslims and their religious sites, committing numerous human rights violations including bombings, assassinations, and forced displacement. It is imperative that the international community stand in solidarity with the Shia community in Afghanistan and work towards ending the suffering caused by the Taliban's brutal rule.

The Shia Muslim Foundation strongly condemns the Taliban government and stands with the people of Afghanistan and supports Grand Ayatollah Sistani's call for action to address the ongoing challenges facing the country. We urge all leaders and individuals to join in this effort and work towards a brighter future for Afghanistan free from the Taliban and their supporters.

Shia Muslim Foundation Meets with DHS Assistant Secretary of Partnership and Engagement

(WASHINGTON DC - December 15, 2022) This week, the Shia Muslim Foundation met with Brenda Abdelall, Assistant Secretary of Partnership and Engagement at the Department of Homeland Security, to discuss issues of importance to the American Shia Muslim community and to explore ways to collaborate in the future.

During the meeting, the attendees discussed a range of topics, including the challenges facing Shia Muslims in the United States, such as immigration hurdles faced by visiting Imams and the need for increased support and resources for the community. The Shia Muslim Foundation shared its concerns and aspirations with Assistant Secretary Abdelall and discussed productive ways in which the Department of Homeland Security could support the Shia Muslim community.

Assistant Secretary Abdelall listened attentively to the issues raised by the Shia Muslim Foundation and committed to working with the organization to address these concerns. The Shia Muslim Foundation appreciates the opportunity to engage with Assistant Secretary Abdelall and looks forward to collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security in the future.

United Nations Delegation Visits Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani

On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Sistani met with Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General responsible for drafting a plan to safeguard religious sites. The plan was developed in response to attacks on religious sites in various parts of the world in recent years.

During the meeting, Grand Ayatollah Sistani emphasized the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, rejecting violence and hatred, and establishing values of harmony based on mutual respect and concern for the rights of people of different religions and ways of thinking. He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of religious persecution and extremism, which have resulted in attacks on defenseless civilians and religious heritage sites.

Grand Ayatollah Sistani expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the United Nations and wished Mr. Moratinos success in implementing the plan. He also conveyed his greetings to Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations.