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NASIMCO is an umbrella organization for the followers of the Shia faith in North America and the Caribbean. Its mission is to provide a common structure and framework to meet the religious, cultural and political needs of the Shia within its area of operation.
SCOPE
NASIMCO exists to enhance social and religious excellence of Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri communities in North America.
VISION
Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri communities in North America are caring communities.
MISSION
NASIMCO will harness talents and resources available in member communities for the greater good of global humanity and our communities.
ROLE
Assist in the establishment and running of centers where our communities reside and promote continuous improvement of member communities through sharing of best practices.
Encourage, promote and nurture our communities to alleviate human suffering throughout the world.
Promote and encourage innovative intra-faith and inter-faith relationships at local and national levels.
Develop and nurture relationships with our Marja'iat, and world and regional Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri bodies.
Provide support on issues affecting Islamic Shia Ithna-asheri communities.
Establish and/or support Islamic institutes of higher learning that can respond to the needs of our communities.
VALUES
In all our activities, we will be guided by Islamic values that will include but not limited to:
Sincerity and Humility
Honesty and Integrity
Commitment and Steadfastness
Unity and Teamwork
Open and Respectful
Hard Work and Excellence
Equity and Justice
Transparency and Accountability |
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Salaam Alaykum!
As part of its vision and mission, the NASIMCO Post serves as a tool by which to bind our community together and promote a united and caring environment for all. If you have anything you would like to include in this newsletter, contact us at info@nasimco.org.
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Haiti Earthquake
On January 12th, an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 shook the small country of Haiti located in the Caribbean. It is among the poorest nations of the Western hemisphere. After-shocks of magnitude as high as 4.0 and 5.0 continue to devastate Haiti in the aftermath of the initial earthquake.
Officials fear at least 50,000 people dead as a result of the earthquake. Tens of thousands are injured and many more homeless. As families try to reconnect with members, people continue to search for survivors in the rubble; others try to reconnect with family and firends. There is a dire need for food, water, medicine and shelter by the Haitian population following the complete destruction of the country's infrastructure. To learn more, and to see first hand footage of the devastation, click here.
NASIMCO has opened a Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund to address the devastation left in the wake of the earthquake. Members are encouraged to donate generously toward this fund. Donations can be made through your Jamaat treasurer or through NASIMCO directly.
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Hate Crimes in the News
A series of hate crimes against the Muslims living in North America has recently broken out. On January 1st, a torched and mutilated Quran was found at the back entrance of the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County (IECOC) in California, USA, during the Jumuah Prayer. (To read more, click here.)
On January 3rd, vandalism of a local Mosque in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada resulted in approximately $3,000 in damage after someone smashed a window and threw a bottle of flammable material into the building. Fortunately, no one was hurt as a result of the firebomb. (To read more, click here.)
NASIMCO joins other citizens of conscience in condemning these heinous acts of hate. NASIMCO also urges its member organization's leaders and officials to remain vigilant around our Centers and to immediately report any suspicious behavior to the authorities, in order to establish a clear record of such incidents. |
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Funeral of Marhoom Ayatollah Golpaygani
It is with deep sorrow that NASIMCO learned of the passing away from this temporal abode of a renowned scholar, a symbol of piety, an epitome of God-consciousness: Ayatollah Ali Safi Golpaygani (RA).
Ayatollah Golpaygani passed away in the city of Golpaygan, Iran at the age of 99 years. Ayatollah Ali Safi Golpaygani was the brother of Ayatollah Lofallah Safi Golpaygani and the religious legacy of recently deceased Ayatollah Behjat. He was also the student of Ayatollah Boroujerdi.
Ayatolllah Golpaygani was buried on Tuesday, January 5th in his hometown of Golpaygan. Thousands of people attended his funeral procession. The Shias are left without one of their beloved leaders, a selfless devotee to Islam. May Allah grant him a position close to the Ahlul Bayt. We request all believers to recite Surah Fateha. |
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Ashura Day - Orlando
On Ashura Day, the community members of Husseini Islamic Center (HIC) of Orlando, Florida participated in a Juloos procession in remembrance of the tragedy of Karbala. The Orlando Jamaat also held a blood drive for members to donate blood in partnership with the Florida Blood Centers. Finally, they held a canned food drive to collect and donate dry-goods to a local homeless shelter. The members of the Orlando Jamaat was able to donate 63 pints of blood and collect 229 cans, bottles and boxes of food in the name of Imam Hussein (AS).
Pictures of the Ashura Day and Juloos procession can be found at the Orlando Jamaat's website. |
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Leadership Development Program (LDP) - Vancouver
Az-Zahraa Islamic Center in partnership with NASIMCO held a Leadership Development Workshop titled "Understanding Your Unique Gifts and Abilities - Unlock Your Potential" on January 3rd at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.
Key concepts covered at the workshop include the iceberg principle, a brief introduction to Emotional Intelligence(EI) and Political Intelligence(PI), and an explanation of the MBTI Types. Participants completed the MBTI questionnaire as well as participated in group exercises to further emphasize their understanding.
The feedback provided by the participants was very positive.
- "This will help me understand other people and where they are coming from."
- "Excellent workshop! I have done two MBTI workshops before and this was by far the best one. Thank you!" | |
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