Faith Leaders Program- Civic Engagement & Election Preparedness

October 6, 2026 – New York City- A representative of I.M.A.M. participated in the “Faith Leader Election Preparedness & Scenario Planning” program, held on October 6 at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery in New York City and hosted by the Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY).

The interactive program brought together faith leaders and representatives of religious communities to discuss their role in strengthening responsible civic engagement, supporting voters, and helping maintain a healthy and lawful environment for public participation. Participants also worked through realistic scenarios that could arise before, during, or after Election Day and exchanged views on ways to strengthen communication and cooperation among faith communities and respond responsibly to potential challenges.

The presence of representatives from diverse faith traditions and communities also created an opportunity for interfaith cooperation around civic responsibility—an area in which, despite differences in belief and social background, values such as responsibility, respect for the law, truthfulness, mutual respect, and service to the community can provide a basis for meaningful collaboration.

During the discussions, I.M.A.M.’s representative referred to the guidance of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani^1,2 and emphasized that, contrary to certain isolationist approaches, Muslims can and should participate actively, responsibly, and lawfully in the social and civic life of the societies in which they live. Participation in electoral processes can form part of such engagement.

It was also noted during the program that I.M.A.M. is preparing a set of guidelines on the role of religious leaders and mosques in election-related civic engagement. The forthcoming guidance is expected to identify appropriate activities and responsibilities, as well as actions that religious institutions and leaders should avoid, so that such engagement remains consistent with Islamic principles and applicable laws.

I.M.A.M.’s participation in the program forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen responsible Muslim engagement in public life, support informed and lawful civic participation, expand interfaith cooperation, and help build a constructive relationship between religious values and civic responsibilities.

References:

1.Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), 100 Pearls: Advice from Grand Ayatullah Sayyid al-Sistani, pearls 25–35, 26–31, https://imam-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/100-Pearls.pdf.
2. Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), “The Sociopolitical Role of Shia Muslims in the Elections,” https://imam-us.org/the-sociopolitical-role-of-shia-muslims-in-the-elections.