In the name of God The Most Merciful The Most Beneficient
Presentation of the Islamic and Cultural Association of Ahl-el-Bayt (AS) of Geneva
The Islamic and Cultural Association of Ahl-el-Bayt (AS) Geneva (AICAG) is a Shiite Islamic association (one of the 5 Islamic schools known as “Ja’farite” or “Twelver Imamite” of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (S) 6th Imam in the lineage of the 12 Imams of the family of the prophet of Islam Mohammad (P).
The Islamic and Cultural Association of Ahl-el-Bayt in Geneva was created by a group of Shia Muslims residing in Geneva and the surrounding areas. Ahl –el- Bayt (AS), literally the ‘people of the house’, is the term used to refer to the family members of Prophet MOHAMMAD (S), his daughter FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A), his cousin and son-in-law IMAM ALI (A.S), their children HASSAN(S) and HUSSEIN (S) and their descendants.
The AICAG aims to offer Muslims in Geneva and the surrounding area a framework for the development of their spirituality, promote their interests and defend them in case of conflicts. On the otherhand, we are trying to introduce Islam to non-Muslims. The unity of Muslims is one of our main objectives and for this purpose contacts are established with our brothers and sisters belonging to other Islamic schools.
The association therefore aims to enable the Muslim community of Switzerland and mainly that of Geneva to freely exercise its religious practices and to develop spiritually through religious celebrations, conferences and other courses.
The activities of the Islamic and Cultural Association of Ahl-el-Bayt of Geneva
Our center hosts different religious and cultural activities.
We have a library (books in various languages: French, German, Italian, English, Farsi, Arabic, Urdu, Bosnian, Turkish, …).
We offer regular activities, on Thursday evenings (Dua Kumail and speech), as well as activities for different occasions (Islamic festivals, Muharram, Ramadhan).
Since the members of our community are of various nationalities (Swiss, French, Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, Iraqi, Lebanese, North African, Afghan and others), speeches and courses are given in different languages (French, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and English).
Weekend courses on Islam, Arabic and Persian are taught for children from 5 to 16 years old.
We perform Islamic marriages and issue Islamic divorce acts. We also bring support and comfort to bereaved families who have lost a loved one, for rituals and burial.
Our association is a member of the UOMG(Union des Organisations musulmanes de Genève) and the Plateforme inter-religieuse de Genève.
We collaborate with various cultural organizations in Geneva and, among other things, regularly organize round tables to help women integrate into local life.
Our collaboration on public health projects has been a great success among community members.
Many people entrust us with the distribution of financial aid (sadaqa) for orphans and the needy. We are helping several families in need in Iran.
The purpose of the association is to provide Muslims with a framework for the development of their spirituality and to promote and defend their interests.
The association is not for profit and is not for gain. Its sole purpose will be to serve the public interest and specific needs in the field of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, particularly on Swiss territory.
In the framework of its activities, the association is completely independent and the membership fees and their donations are its only financial resources.
In recent years, we have noticed that the traditional activities of the community no longer meet the increased needs of the latter, and especially the members of the 2nd and 3rd generation.
Our children and youth need more than we offer them through our current activities.
One of our goals is for them to be able to keep their culture of origin and their roots while feeling good in the society in which they live.
It is only rational that we need to adapt to our environment and to respect the laws of the society in which we have chosen to live. Especially when said society does not prevent us from freely practicing our faith. We are therefore trying to be a full and active part of this society as citizens.
Objectives of the AICAG
- Helping young people to preserve their identity of origin, while feeling fully integrated into Swiss society
- Promoting the civic responsibility of the Muslim community in Switzerland
- Working for responsible and civic participation in the evolution and development of society while respecting the civic and democratic values of the Confederation
- Respond to socio-cultural needs, represent and defend the interests of Muslims in Switzerland
- Facilitate dialogue between citizens and develop cultural exchange and interreligious dialogue;
- Combat racism, Islamophobia and incitement to racial and religious hatred and thus promote living together: Fight all forms of discrimination, racism (Islamophobia, which is the promotional instrument of the extreme right, g anti-minaret initiative) and fanaticism (religious, whatever its origin, including the ignorance of some Muslims which is the source of fanaticism)
- Providing an environment of education, teaching and recreation for children and adults
- Provide the necessary knowledge for any type of training, support and develop means for education
- Organize activities to enhance Muslim culture and promote sports activities, travel, excursions, conferences, studies and research
- Provide for the establishment of cultural, religious, educational and interactional places
- Provide a meeting space; For all, both for practicing and non-practicing Muslims and non-Muslims, while respecting the values of the
Our centre is open to all. You are always welcome.
Vahid Khoshideh (President)