The file (Emigrant Institutions) is the primary axis on which Mr. Murtadha al-Kashmiri's agency relies, as he represents the highest religious authority, Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, in Europe. He has dedicated most of his efforts to establishing and managing an integrated network of Islamic centers and institutions that serve Muslim communities in Western countries (especially in the United Kingdom and throughout continental Europe).
The main features and characteristics of the Emigrant Institutions under his supervision and management can be summarized as follows:
The Imam Ali (peace be upon him) Foundation in London (the central headquarters) is located in the British capital, London (and is known through its official website najaf.org). Its primary role: It is considered the essential link and the main communication center between the supreme religious authority in Najaf Ashraf and the faithful and communities in Europe, North America, and throughout the diaspora. The foundation addresses religious inquiries, jurisprudential and doctrinal issues, in addition to organizing major expatriate affairs.
The diversity and geographical extension of the centers under the guidance and overall supervision of Mr. al-Kashmiri have led to the establishment and opening of dozens of Hussainiyat, cultural centers, and religious schools in various European and British cities (such as the multiple centers in London, including the Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) Center, and centers in Cardiff and other European capitals and cities).
These centers aim to: Establish religious rituals, Friday and congregational prayers, and commemorate Islamic occasions, as well as the births and deaths of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). Provide a spiritual and educational incubator for the Muslim youth born in the West to protect their religious and cultural identities.
The Family Affairs and Dispute Resolution Committee: Given the nature of the social and legal challenges faced by Muslim families in Western countries, the foundation established (under his supervision) a Family Affairs Committee. This committee specializes in addressing family problems, resolving disputes, and providing marital and educational counseling in accordance with Sharia guidelines and prevailing laws, preserving the integrity of the Muslim family and preventing its disintegration.
Humanitarian activities and social services for the missing and burial services: The foundation has worked to provide the necessary infrastructure for Muslim communities (such as preparing Sharia-compliant burial facilities and Islamic cemeteries or sections designated for burying the deceased according to Islamic jurisprudence, such as the "Sakina Trust" projects, among others).
Charitable cooperation: Continuous coordination with major humanitarian organizations (such as the al-Ayn Social Care Foundation) to support orphans and needy families, and to deliver religious rights to their rightful recipients in coordination with the office of the supreme authority.
Openness, dialogue, and moderate discourse: These institutions adopt a moderate and open approach to dialogue with Western societies and their institutions, away from stirring sectarian or political tensions, which has made them a subject of respect and appreciation even among official and social circles in the European countries where they operate.
The tours of the representative of the supreme religious authority, Mr. Murtadha al-Kashmiri, in North America included several U.S. states with prominent Islamic communities and centers, aiming to supervise and inspect the Muslim community and religious institutions. Among the notable states, mosques, and centers associated with his tours are:
Illinois – Chicago Area: Mosques and centers: Mr. al-Kashmiri visited the Imam Al-Asr Islamic Center and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) Mosque and gathering in Chicago and its surroundings. Nature of the visit: Chicago is a major hub for Iraqi, Pakistani, and Arab communities, and his inspections included delivering a guiding lecture to the missionaries and center caretakers, urging them to nurture the community's youth and enhance cultural and Islamic commonalities.
Massachusetts – Boston Area: Mosques and centers: He visited several Islamic associations and the Boston Islamic Center, along with surrounding student and cultural centers. Nature of the visit: Focusing on the communities of Muslim students and expatriates working in the medical and educational sectors, and emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and spreading tolerant religious thought in Western academic circles.
Georgia – Atlanta Area: Mosques and centers: He visited the Zainab (peace be upon her) Islamic Center and the Ahl al-Bayt Hussainiya in Atlanta and its suburbs. Nature of the visit: Inspecting the conditions of Muslim communities in major southern states, monitoring the growth of weekly religious institutions and Quranic schools, and addressing jurisprudential and legal issues related to personal status and endowments.
Ohio: Mosques and centers: He visited religious centers and mosques in Columbus and Cleveland. Nature of the visit: Engaging with the newly immigrated community members, striving to connect them with legitimate representatives, and authorizing some religious rights to secure and expand the facilities of prayer halls and attached religious schools.
Florida: Mosques and centers: He visited Islamic centers and Hussainiyat in Orlando and Miami (such as the Ahl al-Bayt Center in Orlando). Nature of the visit: Holding faith-based sessions and religious gatherings coinciding with religious occasions, and emphasizing the importance of social solidarity and communication among communities of different ethnicities and nationalities.