بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

June 15, 2015

The Shia Muslim Council of Southern California extends its warmest greetings and congratulations to the entire American and global Muslim community on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is a time of great blessings. The holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hf) describes this month and the best of months; a time in which we are invited by the Most Merciful Lord to a divine feast of mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

The month of Ramadan is a time in which we strive to seek spiritual purification and proximity to our Lord. There are many golden opportunities available for those who wish to elevate their souls and reap magnificent rewards from God. Through the daily fasts, Muslims learn to discipline their souls, minds, and bodies. It is a time of sincere prayers, earnest supplications, and a renewed allegiance to the Holy Qur’an as our ultimate guide for our journeys in this life and the next.

The month of Ramadan is also a time in which we remember the less fortunate. It is a time of extensive charity and helping those in need. Muslims are encouraged to feed the poor, help the needy, and strive in fulfilling the needs of their brothers and sisters in faith and humanity. Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness from God and their fellow brothers and sisters, and to forgive those who may have hurt them.

The holy month of Ramadan is also a time to strengthen family and community bonds. Muslims gather with their family members, friends, and community members in order to share a meal and strengthen their relationships. Muslims are encouraged to contribute financially and morally to their communities, whether it is their local mosque, Islamic center, or other charitable organizations.

The Shia Muslim Council of Southern California encourages all community members to take advantage of the programs and events offered by their respective Islamic centers and mosques through participation and contributions. We further encourage everyone to work towards harmony, friendship, and cooperation with various communities in that which pleases our Lord.

We pray that God bestows his great blessings and mercy upon everyone during this holy month, and that He brings peace, security, and harmony to everyone facing oppression, poverty, and war around the world. We pray that the Most Merciful accepts our deeds and acts of worship and charity during this beautiful month.

The Shia Muslim Council of Southern California is an umbrella organization of 15 Shia Islamic centers in the southern California area. It was established on September 17, 2014. The current elected board members of the Shia Muslim Council are:

President: Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini                         Councilor: Dr. Ridha al-Hajjar

Vice-President: Dr. Hasnain Walji                                           Councilor: Hajjah Fatma Saleh

Secretary: Hajj Khalil Dewji                                                     Councilor: Sayed Asghar Rizvi

Treasurer: Hajj MehdiReza Hirji