About us

This initiative is a manifestation of the visionary ENIGMA Path group, a movement born out of the growing existential crisis within the Shia Muslim youth of America, a reality especially evident in Houston. We find ourselves at a crossroads where young Shia Muslims, particularly those under 40, are distancing themselves from the very faith that shaped their upbringing. Many of them, having spent their formative years in Shia centers, are disillusioned by the mimber/pulpit that no longer resonates with their lives.

Their estrangement transcends mere disengagement—it is a crisis of trust and meaning. They recall attending religious lectures delivered in a language not fully understood during their youth, and now, as adults capable of comprehending that language, they find the messages shallow, disconnected, and lacking the intellectual rigor they once sought.
 

The speakers of today, too often, fail to inspire. These young professionals, searching for authenticity, find themselves grappling with doubts, torn between seeking solace in books, turning to alternative media showmen (Tate...much?), or scavenging fragments of wisdom from the vast expanse of YouTube. On another front, the younger community itself is fractured by internal disputes within individuals and groups, debating and then delivering verdict on who among them is a Matami, a Rehbari, a Ghali, or a Muqassir—further compounding the disillusionment.
 

It is within this void that the initiative for ALAMS steps forward, not as a mere academic endeavor but as a transformative model designed to rekindle the lost connection between individuals and their spiritual heritage. Through an innovative and hybrid framework, iALAMS offers religious instruction in the English language, curated and delivered by the finest teachers of the Hawza tradition. This model does not only aim to educate but to empower—a new generation of leaders, ready to teach and nurture a religious environment for their children and future generations.

 

Our vision is clear: in the next 5-10 years, we seek to uplift the entire Houston community, ensuring that the legacy of intellectual and spiritual growth continues. As we are an Independent group, we invite all centers across Greater Houston to welcome this initiative, to allow us space within their walls, or to collaborate with us in building similar frameworks. 

 

Though we may be pioneers in establishing a Hawza-like program here, we do not wish to be the last. We call upon every center to embrace this vision and adopt similar models, knowing that we stand ready to offer our support and partnership.

 

This endeavor is for a higher purpose: to establish Greater Houston as a beacon of religious knowledge in the United States over the next two decades. Our goal is to cultivate the most intellectually vibrant religious community, one that thrives on wisdom, depth, and spiritual awakening.

Shaykh M Abbas (Program Head)

Graduated from the traditional seminary of Qum in and worked as a resident scholar at the KSIMC of Birmingham. While in Birmingham he acquired a MA in Islamic Studies from the University of Birmingham. He is a present candidate of research in the University of Exeter and works as a program leader for BA Hawza studies.

Currently Programme Leader for BA Hawza / Foundation at Islamic College of London.

Head of Hawza England

Molana Dr. Amir A. Jafri (Program Lead)

Graduated from the esteemed traditional seminary in Qum, holding a PhD in Islamic Studies with a specialization in Philosophy. Currently serves as a resident scholar at the DareAbbas Ahlulbayt Center in Houston, TX.