The Global Shi’a Diaspora

Muslim diaspora communities serve as an integral component of the social and cultural fabric of societies across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. While more in-depth research has been undertaken on broader Muslim immigrant communities, there has been much less focus on Shi’a communities outside of Asia, particularly on issues of community building and outreach, successful social integration models as well as areas of challenges for some communities, and the nature of diversity across the global Shi’a diaspora. The Project on Shi'ism and Global Affairs particularly focuses upon producing research on the history and richness of Shi’ism in the West and the stories and experiences of significant Shi’a migrant communities. It studies the interlinked nature of Shi’a mosques and associations with civil society organizations, governmental offices and institutes, and the business sector and professional organizations. The Project on Shi'ism and Global Affairs seeks to engage these communities and study the important contributions they make to their countries and local communities.

Photo Caption: Hosay ritual in honor of Imam Hussein in the Caribbean.