About Us
Hussaini Association of Calgary, a registered charitable organization in Canada, was established in 1982 to serve the Shia Muslim community in Calgary. It’s purpose is to provide resources, facilities, and opportunities that empower our members to practice Islam and promote its true teachings according to Fiqh-e-Jaffaria.
Dedicated to preserving the faith and cultural values of Shia Muslims, the Hussaini Association of Calgary strives to share the authentic teachings of Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (AS), and their holy progeny. We are also committed to fostering fellowship, understanding, and mutual respect toward other religious organizations, promoting unity and harmony within the broader community.
Mission Statement
Hussaini Association of Calgary is dedicated to promoting the true message of Islam, a message rooted in peace, compassion, and justice. Our mission is to counter the distorted narrative used by terrorists by sharing the authentic teachings of Islam as conveyed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his holy progeny.
Throughout history, the Shia faith has steadfastly opposed injustice and oppression, standing as a beacon of resilience and integrity. Despite facing relentless persecution, with Shia Muslims being martyred almost daily around the world by terrorists, our commitment to spreading the true message of Islam remains unwavering.
We stand united against tyranny, promoting the genuine teachings of Islam that advocate for peace, justice, and humanity.
Who are we?
As Shia Muslims, we hold Imam Ali (AS) to be the first rightful Imam appointed after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), considering him and his descendants as the legitimate successors, all of whom are members of the Ahl al-Bayt — the blessed household of the Prophet (PBUH).
In contrast, Sunni Muslims regard Imam Ali (AS) as the fourth and final of the Rashidun (Rightly Guided Caliphs). Despite this difference, our faith remains deeply rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his pure progeny, emphasizing justice, compassion, and the true essence of Islam.
Why we believe what we believe?
In Muslim culture, Ali(as) is respected for his courage, knowledge, belief, honesty, unbending devotion to Islam, deep loyalty to Prophet Muhammad(saw), equal treatment of all Human beings and generosity, even in forgiving his defeated enemies. Ali retains his stature as an authority on Quranic exegesis, Islamic jurisprudence and religious thought. Ali holds a high position in almost all Muslims sub-casts around the world. Ali’s influence has been important throughout Islamic history.
We believe, Ali(as) was the only rightful successor after Prophet Muhammad(saw), as Prophet Muhammad(saw) in last days of his life, had declared it. Ten years after the migration (hijrah), the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings be upon him and his Progeny] ordered to his close followers to call all the people in different places to join him in his last pilgrimage. On this pilgrimage he taught them how to perform the pilgrimage in a correct and unified form.
This was first time that the Muslims with this magnitude gathered in one place in the presence of their leader, the Messenger of Allah [s]. On his way to Makkah, more than seventy thousand people followed the Prophet [saw]. On the fourth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah more than one hundred thousand Muslims had entered Makkah.
After completing his last pilgrimage (Hajjatul-Wada’), Prophet[saw] was leaving Makkah toward Madinah, where he and the crowd of people reached a place called Ghadir Khumm (which is close to today’s al-Juhfah). It was a place where people from different provinces used to greet each other before taking different routes for their homes.
Revelation of Qur’anic Verse 5:67
In this place, the following verse of the Qur’an was revealed:
“O Messenger! Convey what has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.” (Qur’an 5:67)
The 2nd last sentence in the above verse indicates that the Prophet [pbuh] was mindful of the reaction of his people in delivering that message but Allah informs him not to worry, for He will protect His Messenger from people.
The Sermon
Upon receiving the verse, the Prophet [saw] stopped on a place called Ghadeer e Khumm (the pond of Khumm) which was extremely hot. Then he sent for all people who have been ahead in the way, to come back and waited until all pilgrims who fell behind, arrived and gathered. He ordered Salman[r] to use rocks and camel toolings to make a pulpit (minbar) so he could make his announcement. It was around noon time in the first of the Fall, and due to the extreme heat in that valley, people were wrapping their robes around their feet and legs, and were sitting around the pulpit, on the hot rocks.
On this day the Messenger of Allah [saw] spent approximately five hours in this place; three hours of which he was on the pulpit. He recited nearly one hundred verses from The Glorious Quran, and for seventy three times reminded and warned people of their deeds and future. Then he gave them a long speech.
The following is a part of his speech which has been widely narrated by the Sunni traditionalists as well:
“It seems the time approached when I shall be called away (by Allah) and I shall answer that call. I am leaving for you two precious things and if you adhere to them both, you will never go astray after me. They are the Book of Allah and my Progeny, that is my Ahlul Bayt. The two shall never separate from each other until they come to me by the Pool (of Paradise).”
Then followed the key sentence denoting the clear designation of ‘Ali as the leader of the Muslim ummah. The Prophet [saw] held up the hand of ‘Ali(as) and said:
“For whoever I am his Leader (maula), ‘Ali is his Leader (maula).”*
*More About Ali’s Appointment as the Successor to the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh)