Imamia Association of Regina, Saskatchewan

On Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, the President of NASIMCO, Br. Arif Jacksi alongside Habibbhai Meghjee, Vice President of the World Federation, visited the Imamia Association of Regina to participate in the inauguration of their new property and future center.

The NASIMCO President received a warm reception from President Saheb Syed Ahsan Zaidi, Br. Ammar Abbas, Br. Mohsin Abbas, Br. Hasnain Versi, and Br. Rashid Raza. The community recently secured permits for their new center, which will span 7,400 square feet over two stories in downtown Regina. The center will include Madressa classrooms, a Ghusl Kafan area, a library and a kitchen. It is also well situated between member’s homes, making it easily accessible to the community. To ensure the sustainability of the community, the center plans to incorporate two storefronts in their property for rental income.

Regina Jamaat, the newest member of NASIMCO, comprises around 55+ families in a city of approximately 250,000 people. For almost a decade, they have functioned as a mobile community, setting up and taking down for majalis at every single occasion at a rented community center. Brother Arif experienced their remarkable ability to adapt firsthand when their regular community center was double-booked during his visit. The members swiftly arranged a gathering at a member’s home, setting up in minutes with all the necessary parts for the majlis. This is a concerted effort, motivated by the love of Imam AS, and Br. Arif commended the community for their dedication in bringing the community together during these tough times.

The community's two key areas of focus are completing the building project and implementing a Madressa with proper teacher training. The President reminds all well established communities to reflect on the comforts of centers and appreciate the struggles of startup communities such as the one in Regina. This visit serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those founding fathers who established many of today’s centers.

Imamia Association of Regina jamaat are in much need of your financial support. To support the construction of Regina's new center, please consider donating using the link below. Please watch Imamia Regina's video below for more details.

Hussain Association of Saskatoon Jamaat, Saskatchewan

On Friday, August 23rd, 2024, the President of NASIMCO, Br. Arif Jacksi visited the Hussaini Association of Saskatoon Jamaat, where he joined the community for Jummah prayers. The President was warmly welcomed by Saskatoon President Br. Sadiq Alizadeh, Syed Zahid Kazmi, Br. Imdad Ali, Br. Riazul Abbas, and Br. Owais. The Saskatoon Jamaat, which joined NASIMCO in May 2019, built a beautiful two-story center in 2018. The facility includes Madressa classrooms and a basement, with the classrooms spanning three floors. They are currently offering the Tarbiyyah curriculum to their students.

The Saskatoon community is growing rapidly and, Alhumdulillah, is already considering expansion into neighboring properties, though rising prices present a challenge. The community consists of about 70 families of various ethnic backgrounds and is the only Shia center in a city of 300,000 people.

In addition to their center, the Jamaat owns a 33-acre plot of land . The community is awaiting town zoning approval to build on the land, but in the meantime, it may be used for farming to generate income.

The community's current immediate needs are a resident Alim and teacher training for their Madressa. Br. Arif encouraged the Jamaat to incorporate secular education during the week and urged the youth to pursue higher Islamic education at the postgraduate level. 

The Jummah prayers were led by local Zakir Sheikh Nadar Shah, with a visiting Alim Sheikh Naeem Amri from Windsor, Canada also present for their Arbaeen programs. The President expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and prayed for continued blessings on the growing community.

ISIA Edmonton Jamaat, Edmonton, Alberta

On Saturday, August 24th, 2024, the NASIMCO President, Br. Arif Jacksi attended ISIA of Edmonton’s Walk of Honor, a juloos event held in collaboration with five other Shia organizations in downtown Edmonton. The President appreciated seeing the collective unity under the banner of Aba Abdillah Al-Hussain (AS).

Following the juloos, Br. Arif attended the Arbaeen night program at the ISIA Center, which was beautifully decorated and hosted a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The event featured a visiting Alim, Maulana Mohammed Raza Rizwani from Maryland, USA, and Nawhakhwan Shafik Kassam of Minnesota, USA. The President was warmly greeted by ISIA President Aassem Askari and his team, including Muhammadally Sherali, a current NASIMCO Board of Director and an active volunteer in several of ISIA’s subcommittees. The President spent the following day, the Day of Arbaeen, at the center.

The relationship between NASIMCO and ISIA of Edmonton is longstanding. Edmonton was one of the founding members of NASIMCO, and the President reflected on their shared history, particularly the opening of the Edmonton center in 1982. Over the years, the Edmonton community has been instrumental in supporting upliftment initiatives for Shia communities across North America. Members from Edmonton have served NASIMCO’s Board, including figures like Habibbhai Dhalla and Mohamedbhai Raza Fazal. For over 40 years, this Jamaat has maintained strong ties with NASIMCO, even as its demographics have evolved.

In his address to the community, Br. Arif emphasized the importance of pursuing higher Islamic education for the youth and urged the community to focus on self-sustainability, advocating for income-generating projects rather than relying solely on donations.

The President’s meeting with ISIA was fruitful, and he expressed optimism about the future of the Jamaat. He commended the young, vibrant, and inclusive committee and prayed for their success.