SALAT TIME:
- Imsak5:41 AM
- Fajr5:51 AM
- Fajr Salaat
- Sunrise7:19 AM
- Zuhr12:01 PM
- Sunset4:41 PM
- Maghrib4:59 PM
- Midnight11:16 PM
Living in a country of such diverse ethnic, religious and sociopolitical culture places a great burden on the community to develop a renewed sense of discipline and knowledge — knowledge that has become vital for our existence. The religion and its foundation rest solely upon the nature and integrity of its followers.
The immigration of the followers of Shi’a Ithna-Ashari (twelver) jurisprudence to United States, especially to Chicago-land area dates back to early 1960’s, if not earlier. The community was disbursed and most of the Islamic programs were held in individual houses or at rental facilities. As the number of migrants to United States increased, the number of programs and community-based activities increased proportionally.
Realizing that our existence, our identity and our presence in the global community are directly influenced by our success as an Islamic community, it became evident that a permanent place of worship would be required.
Established in the early 1970s, the Islamic Education Center (IEC), Husaini Association of Greater Chicago, also known as IEC or Husaini, serves the Shia community of the Chicagoland area. The organization was initially led by Moulana Syed Zaki Al-Swij, with current leadership provided by Moulana Saiyed Mehboob Mehdi Abidi Al-Najafi.
Today, the IEC stands as one of the largest and most prominent Shia community centers in the United States, extending its services across the Midwest states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa. The center is a hub for spiritual guidance and community engagement, offering a wide array of programs and services year-round:
- Regular Spiritual and Educational Programs:
- Weekly: Salatul Maghrebain, Dua e Tawwassul (Tuesdays), Dua e Kumail (Thursdays), Salatul Jumma (Fridays), and Dars Tafseer e Quran (Saturday mornings). (Note: Some weekly programs are paused during Muharram and Safar)
- Monthly: Husaini Sister Circle (ladies-only Dars on Fridays) and “Saturday with Saiyed” (a youth-led program for ages 16-29), both with exceptions for Muharram and Safar.
- Education: The IEC Husaini School (IHS) provides K-12 education every Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Muharram/Safar: Throughout the month of Muharram and Safar, IEC offers majalis, both in English and Urdu languages, commemorating the Shahadat of Imam Husain ibn Ali (AS) and martyrs of Karbala.
- Bereavement Support: The IEC strives to provide dignified funeral and burial services tailored to Shia Islamic fiqh guidelines for families in the Greater Chicagoland area, including Quran recitation for the deceased, Majlis e Isaal e Sawab, Soyem, and Chehlum.
- Ramadhan Programs: Every day of Ramadan includes Quran recitation, Salatul Maghrebain, Iftar, and dua Iftitah.
- Commemorating Viladat and Shahadat of Masoomeens: Year around Jashan e Viladat of Masomeens (AS), Majalis Shahadat of Masomeens (AS)
- Private programs: Nikah (marriage), Aqiqa, Ameen (children finishing recitation of the Quran), Bismillah (children started reading the Quran), and other private programs like majalis isaale sawab, soyem and chehlum etc.
- Community Development and Outreach Programs: IEC Health seminars and clinics, IEC family nights, IEC Town Halls, and other events such as workshops, interfaith initiatives, Husaini blood drives, professional development, and senior citizen programs.
- IEC Youth Programs: Youth forums, workshops, majalis, outdoor sports, basketball, soccer, open mic debates, camping and other events.