Shia Muslim Foundation

10/15/2026

This year's theme asked a question at the heart of Shia Muslim life in the West: how do we turn an identity rooted in faith, sacrifice and love for the Ahlul Bayt (AS) into service to our societies? According to UMAA the convention set out to explore "strengthening our institutions and investing in our youth to serving our societies, building bridges, embracing innovation, and creating a lasting legacy

Shia Muslims from across North America gathered over Canadian Thanksgiving weekend for the Universal Muslim Association of America's 24th Annual Convention, held October 9–11, 2026, at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre. The Shia Muslim Foundation was proud to take part, presenting a panel on faith, safety and civic life moderated by SMF Executive Director Rahat Husain.

UMAA's announced lineup included inspirational sessions, an influencers panel, youth programs, a grand bazaar, an interfaith reception, an art exhibit, community service, networking and a recognition banquet. The UMAA Venture Forum invited early-stage founders in AI and technology to pitch their ventures live for a chance at investment and mentoring. UMAA announced more than 5,000 attendees participated.

One of the convention's most talked-about addresses came from Mohammed Al-Hilli during a discussion on raising the next generation. He urged families, educators and community leaders to raise young Shia Muslims who are confident, spiritually grounded and accomplished, and who never feel they must choose between their faith and professional excellence.

"We are not raising a generation to blend in. We are raising a generation to stand out." — Mohammed Al-Hilli

He described a generation of neurosurgeons who remember God before an operation, human rights lawyers who uphold the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) teachings on human dignity, and journalists, authors, policymakers and organizers who carry the lessons of Ashura and Karbala into their work. He stressed that knowing about the Ahlul Bayt (AS) is not the same as building a living, personal connection with them, and he called on parents and teachers to be ambassadors of the Ahlul Bayt through their conduct.

10/11/2026

07/29/2026

BREAKING: United States and Saudi forces carried out coordinated airstrikes across Iraq just days before Arbaeen, as millions of Shia Muslims travel toward Karbala for one of the largest peaceful religious gatherings on earth.

At least 20 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces were killed. Iraq condemned the strikes as “an unacceptable attack” and “a flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.”

Military escalation near pilgrimage routes places innocent worshippers at risk.

More than 21.1 million people attended Arbaeen in 2025. Millions from over 140 countries are again traveling through airports, border crossings, roads and mawakeb toward the shrines of Imam Husain and Hazrat Abbas.

Protect the pilgrims. Protect the roads. Protect the holy sites. Keep warfare away from innocent worshippers.

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07/22/2026

Major changes are coming for international students and exchange visitors.

Beginning September 15, new federal immigration rules are scheduled to replace “duration of status” with fixed expiration dates. Most students will receive admission for their program length, capped at four years.

The rule also creates new extension requirements, limits school transfers and program changes, restricts additional degrees at the same academic level, and reduces the departure period for many students from 60 days to 30 days.

These changes will affect Muslim students, scholars and families at universities across the country.

Students should check their I 94, review Form I 20 or Form DS 2019, and contact their school’s international student office before making decisions about travel, transfers or academic programs.

The effective date remains subject to congressional review.

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