Our Beginning
The Shia Muslim community in the United States has witnessed a rapid increase in its size and proportion within the past few decades. In the southern California region alone, there are now 22 Shia Islamic centers, mosques, and organizations. These organizations represent the wide spectrum of various Shia Muslim communities in terms of background, nationality, language, ethnicity, and outlooks. Such a rapid growth of the Shia Muslim community in southern California, coupled with the need for organization, cooperation, and representation, prompted a number of dedicated southern California Shia Muslim community leaders and members to come together and – after two years of continuous meetings and discussions – collectively form an independent non-profit umbrella organization, the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California (SMC).
The primary objective of SMC is to provide members with a platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences, to enhance and support both individual and joint member religious, social, and educational initiatives, and to cooperate regarding a vast array of issues pertaining to the promotion of the Shia Muslim community specifically, as well as to the general larger Muslim community in the region and nation. These objectives will be pursued in cooperation with SMC members, as well as other relevant Muslim and non-Muslim organizations.
The Shia Muslim Council of Southern California (SMC) is an independent umbrella organization comprising of various Shia Muslim centers, mosques, and organizations in southern California. SMC is composed of 16 founding members.
SMC in Review
SMC Media Kit
Click the button below for SMC Media Kit details and to download the SMC Logo
Our Visions and missions
Serve
Serve the interests of the Shia Muslim Community in Southern California
Help
Help empower the Community so that it is able to contribute to the well-being of the wider society
Address
Address negative perceptions on Islam and Muslims by interacting with other faith Communities
Represent
Represent the interests of Shias in Government as well as other political establishments
Formulate
Effectively formulate policies and strategies to implement the above aspirations
Our board and leaders
Recognitions/Awards


how to become a member
The requirements for joining the Shia Muslim Council:
- Shia based organizations (greater than 51% of the board is Shia)
- Be a registered non-profit in good standing
- Based in Southern California
Membership Information Required:
- Membership Application (http://goo.gl/forms/XnYBii95d5)
- Resolution from Organization’s Governing Body stating willingness to join SMC
- A Copy of Non-Profit Status (from IRS website or determination letter)
- A roster of Governing Board (name, position, phone, and email)
- Copy of Organization’s Bylaws or Constitution
- Membership Fee
