Reflections on 2025 and Prayers for a Year of Justice and Peace in 2026

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Dear Community Members in North America, Peace be upon you.

As we enter the blessed days marking the birth of Prophet Jesus (p), about whom the Holy Qur’an proclaims, “Peace to me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I am raised alive,” (Maryam 19:33), we are also in the holy month of Rajab. This sacred month commemorates the beginning of the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) and the birth anniversary of his successor, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (p). Together, these blessed occasions remind us of the timeless values embodied by these exalted figures: mercy, justice, truthfulness, and the inherent dignity of every human being. They invite us to reflect on the lessons of the past year and to welcome the new year with renewed hope, humility, and a sense of responsibility as we look ahead together.

At the same time, the past year witnessed painful and deeply troubling tragedies. Across the world, attacks against houses of worship and religious gatherings increased, including violent assaults on synagogues during Sabbath study, attacks on Christian churches during Sunday services, and bombings and assaults targeting mosques during congregational prayers. We strongly and unequivocally condemn these acts. This condemnation is neither political nor strategic; it arises from the very heart of our faith. The Holy Qur’an teaches that the protection of temples, churches, synagogues, and mosques, places where God’s name is remembered, is a sacred religious and moral duty (al-Hajj 22:40). We pray that such tragedies will cease in the coming year and that renewed efforts will be made by authorities everywhere to safeguard all worshippers.

Amid these challenges, one of the most significant global events of 2025 was the passing of Pope Francis, a leader who played an important role in strengthening interfaith dialogue. His correspondence, visits, and respectful exchanges with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani remain enduring symbols of moral integrity and the spiritual potential of sincere engagement between religious communities. We also reiterate His Eminence Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani’s call to Pope Francis to urge world leaders to establish peace and to stop wars. While we witnessed a halt to certain instances of bloodshed and the declaration of ceasefires in some conflicts, these efforts were, in some cases, shamefully undermined by continued violence, aggression, and violations of human rights. We continue to hope and pray that justice is established and that all wars will end everywhere, allowing people to live in safety and security.

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On the institutional level, by the grace and mercy of Allah, 2025 was a year of meaningful growth and service for I.M.A.M. Through collective effort and sincere intention, we were blessed to expand our educational content and services into five languages, delivered through written, audio, and video formats. We supported Islamic centers, scholars, and educators across North America, and published numerous articles and blogs addressing Islamic ethics, interfaith engagement, global events, United Nations observances, social justice, mental health in Muslim communities, and contemporary challenges, including care for the environment.

In addition, we strengthened our social welfare initiatives by extending assistance to needy families, supporting orphans and vulnerable individuals, and expanding community outreach programs rooted in the Islamic values of generosity, compassion, and service to humanity.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated members of the I.M.A.M. team—our scholars, researchers, translators, editors, media professionals, administrators, and field coordinators—whose sincerity, patience, and tireless efforts made these accomplishments possible. I also offer special thanks to our supporters and donors; without your trust and generosity, none of this work could have been achieved.

I further express my deep appreciation to our imams, Islamic center administrators, and religious leaders across North America. Your steadfast commitment to guiding families, nurturing the faith and identity of our youth, and enriching the spiritual life of our communities is truly invaluable. I also thank our respected parents, whose dedication to raising their children in strong spiritual and educational environments, by means of Islamic schools, centers, and healthy, safe activities—plays a vital role in preserving faith and identity for future generations.

May Allah grant you and your families a year filled with guidance, tranquility, goodness, and renewed opportunities to serve humanity for His sake. And may Allah hasten the appearance of our Living Imam, so that we may witness a world filled with justice, peace, and divine mercy.

With respect and prayers,

Sayyid M. B. Kashmiri
Representative of the Jurist