UMAA
| Web address | UMAAmerica.net/ |
|---|---|
Type of site | NGO |
| Available in | English |
| Launched | 2002 |
| Revenue | community donations |
| Current status | Active |
The Universal Muslim Association of America (UMAA) is an NGO organization that works on social, political, religious, and humanitarian issues. UMAA has held annual conventions since 2002 in Washington DC and Toronto, Canada. The next convention will be held in Chicago, Illinois. UMAA is primarily a Shia Muslim organization, yet has established notable relationships with other sects of Islam.
History
The first convention held by UMAA was in Washington DC in May 2003, and was attended by approximately 3,000 individuals of the Shia Muslim community. Subsequently the convention was held annually on Memorial Day weekend in Washington DC, until 2011, wherein it was held in Toronto, Canada. In 2013, the convention is scheduled to be held in Dearborn, Michigan.
Mission Statement
According to the UMAA website, the mission statement of the organization is as follows:
"UMAA seeks to provide a forum to foster unity among all Muslims, to participate in civic and political responsibilities, to dispel misgivings about Islam and Muslims, to help fellow Americans better understand Islam through the Qu'ran and the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his Ahl al-Bayt (AS), and to take all necessary measures to help implement UMAA's objectives including, but not limited to, the social, religious, economic, and political advancement of Muslims in America."
Objectives
- Organize conventions, seminars, and workshops to help achieve the goals of UMAA.
- Cooperate and coordinate with other organizations pursuing similar political and other goals.
- Publish magazines, websites, newsletters, brochures, and other written materials.
- Encourage civic participation in domestic and international issues relevant to all Muslims.
Conference of Ali
In 2013, the convention was renamed "The Conference of Ali" to emphasize its new style, location, and differences political viewpoints from previous years.