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.
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