Sayyid M.B. Kashmiri Visits Minnesota – September 17 to 21, 2016

September 22, 2016

The Muslim community of Minnesota invited Sayyid M. B. Kashmiri, accompanied by an I.M.A.M. delegation, to visit and deliver lectures from September 17, 2016 to September 21, 2016.

In the first lecture, at Imam Hussein (p) Islamic center, I.M.A.M.’s director gave a brief introduction about IMAM and its five core functions. Then Sayyid Kashmiri delivered his speech about divine leadership and the need for continuity through the infallible leaders.

Sayyid Kashmiri addressed the congregation noting that Allah (swt) does not leave humanity without some kind of infallible Wali or guardian, which, after our Holy Prophet (saws), have been our Holy Imams, including the current Imam of our time, Imam al-Hujjah (ajfs).  Sayyid emphasized that while the Imam is not physically present, it is incumbent upon the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt to develop a relationship and be under the guidance of a trusted religious authority or Marja’.

In a second lecture, delivered at Anjuman-e-Asghari, Sayyid Kashmiri completed the subject about the function and role of the Shia Muslims in the West today. The lecture was followed by a question and answer session.

Sayyid Kashmiri also toured the facilities of the Islamic center. He visited the Sunday school, social and sports club, and praised and thanked the efforts of those in charge of the center.

During his visit, and with the efforts of Dr. Odeh Mhawesh, Sayyid Kashmiri visited St. Thomas University and met separately with Dr. Terence Langan, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Professor and Chair of the religion department. The discussion focused on areas of cooperation and building bridges between religious and academics scholars. The discussion was welcome and encouraged for future dialogue.