Who are you and Why did you make this organization?
UMAA is an organization that was made to provide a platform to advance the social, economic and political state of the Shia Muslim community of North America. We are comprised of a Board of Directors including various community leaders from across the continent.

How does UMAA support itself financially and does it receive any government funding?
UMAA is fully funded by its own members and receives no funding from the government or any foreign governments.

What is UMAA’s view on the Marajae? Which Marajae do UMAA follow?
UMAA as it’s core policy adheres to the principles and guidance set forth by our respected Marajae. We do not claim to represent them or respect only one but in effect respect the views, edicts and opinions of all our esteemed Marajae. Recently the UMAA leadership made a dedicated trip to the Holy City of Najaf and met with Ayatollah ul Udhma Sayed Ali Sistani, Ayatollah ul Udhma Sayed Saeed Al Hakim and Ayatollah ul Udhma Sheikh Bashir Najafi as well as numerous other high ranking scholars in the Howza of Najaf. We asked for their guidance, suggestions and advice on how to proceed forward working to advance the cause of the Shi’a in North America. We were blessed with extensive meetings and look forward to making this an annual event. We also look to visit our esteemed scholars in the Holy city of Qum as well.

Why did Paul Wolfowitz speak at the opening convention?
Paul Wolfowitz was never invited by UMAA itself. During the first convention it was actually the United States Department of Defense itself that contacted UMAA requesting Paul Wolfowitz be allowed to address the Shia Muslim gathering. Because this was the first time that the US government had contacted a Shia organization as such and also because this was during the heart of the Iraq war, we felt that it would not have been wise to turn down that request. We felt turning down the request at that sensitive time could have caused harm to the Shia community locally and worldwide. UMAA apologizes if we caused anyone to be upset by this incident. We did what we thought was in the best interest of the Shia community, but we acknowledge that we did not handle this entire situation the way it should have been handled.

What is the structure of UMAA?
UMAA is comprised of a Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Board of Advisors.

Does UMAA get guidance from the Ulema?
UMAA works very closely with the respected ulema in North America. We meet with them on a very regular basis throughout the entire year to get their input and to get their approval on the program.

Did UMAA ever officially endorse Daniel Pipes?
UMAA never officially endorsed Daniel Pipes. There was one member who did but as an organization, UMAA has never done and still does not endorse this individual in any way.

Is Br. Agha Shaukat Jafri the spokesperson for UMAA?
He is not the spokesperson for UMAA. He is a blogger and writes various emails and articles solely on his own behalf and does not represent the views of UMAA.