Boston’s Community for a Better Future

During his attendance at the AAR–SBL Annual Meeting and Exhibit in Boston, the Shia Muslim community of the followers of Ahl al-Bayt (P) in the Greater Boston area welcomed Sayyid Kashmiri through a series of programs and visits over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, November 22–23, 2025. The gatherings emphasized the importance of maintaining direct engagement with the religious leadership through its representatives across various regions.

During his visit to Manar al-Maʿrifah, a weekend Islamic school, Sayyid Kashmiri received a report on the school’s activities and followed the students’ presentations, which included Qur’an recitation from memory, supplications, and creative displays blending contemporary sciences with Qur’anic themes. After leading the congregational prayer, he delivered remarks addressing school administrators and parents, and later opened a discussion with the students, answering their questions. The meeting was warm and inspiring, leaving a significant positive impact on the young attendees.

Sayyid Kashmiri also visited Mawkib Abi al-Fadl and the IMAN Center in Quincy, where he participated in a memorial program marking the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (P). He was warmly received by members of the Shia community and affirmed that his presence was intended to listen to their concerns, understand their challenges, and explore practical solutions more than to deliver lectures.

Throughout his visit, Sayyid Kashmiri interacted with diverse groups from various backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of active citizenship, social engagement, and respectful coexistence with others, while firmly preserving one’s religious identity and noble traditions—an essential directive of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Sistani (may God protect him). The session concluded with a wide-ranging Q&A from attendees of all ages, reflecting great interest and engagement.

In addition, a private meeting was arranged between Sayyid Kashmiri and a group of community and religious leaders, including heads of Islamic centers and youth organizations. They discussed strategic approaches to elevating the community’s religious and social presence through coordinated programs and collaborative initiatives. At Sayyid Kashmiri’s request, the leaders agreed to convene regularly on a quarterly basis, if not monthly, or at minimum once every three months to assess community needs and address ongoing challenges with greater efficiency and unity.

At the conclusion of the visit, Sayyid Kashmiri expressed his deep appreciation to all participants for their attendance, hospitality, and dedication, especially those who organized the events, praying for their continued success and divine support.