Husham Al-Husainy

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Husham Al-Husainy is an Iraqi-American Sheikh of the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center, a Shia mosque servicing largely people of Iraqi and Lebanese descent in Dearborn, Michigan. Al-Husainy arrived in the United States in the late 1970s as Saddam Hussein was rising into power. He is a spokesman of the Iraqi expatriate community in America. [1] Al-Husainy is a prominent supporter of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. [2] During the American occupation of Iraq, Al-Husainy went from supporting the toppling of Hussein's regime to criticizing the continued occupation as inciting more bloodshed. [3]

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Karbaala Islamic Education Center

Imam Husham Al-Husainy has been active in community affairs for more than 25 years in the metro-Detroit area. He is the Director of the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center.[ citation needed ]

Politics

Al-Husainy has cooperated with the United States on security measures for instance in a case where it has been alleged that Detroit area resident Najib Shemami was a spy. [4] He railed in support of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, participated in pro-war rallies and met with Paul Wolfowitz at the Pentagon during the planning of the conflict. [2] [5] Al-Husainy came under controversy for praising Iran and its expansion into Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. [6] [7]

Husainy was slated to deliver the first-ever benediction by a Muslim leader at a United States presidential inauguration at the second inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, [8] [9] but did not attend. [10]

References

  1. ↑ See interviews by CNN's Daryn Kagan
  2. 1 2 "Imam Husham Al-Husainy to deliver first-ever Muslim benediction at Trump's inauguration". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  3. ↑ Jonathan Curiel. "Arab Americans could help sway crucial states: They're turning to Kerry in Ohio and Michigan", San Francisco Chronicle
  4. ↑ Krupa, Gregg and Hansen, Ron. "Locals expected Iraq spy charges." The Detroit News. April 19, 2007 (Accessed May 16, 2007) here
  5. ↑ "From pro-war to anti-war, Imam Al-Husainy of Dearborn to speak at Trump inauguration". Yahoo News. 2025-01-19. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  6. ↑ "Dearborn, Michigan Sheikh Husham Al-Husainy, Invited To Deliver Benediction At Trump's Inauguration, In 2022 Video: The Light Of The Islamic Republic Of Iran Extends Everywhere, Going Into Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen; Truth Is Triumphing Over Oppression, Superpowers Are Falling, A Spiritual Tsunami Of Liberation Is Coming". MEMRI. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  7. ↑ "Controversial Muslim cleric who praised Iran and refused to call Hezbollah a terrorist organization tapped to deliver benediction at Donald Trump's inauguration". The Economic Times. 2025-01-17. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  8. ↑ Warikoo, Niraj. "From pro-war to anti-war, Imam Al-Husainy of Dearborn to speak at Trump inauguration". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  9. ↑ Spangler, Todd. "2 metro Detroit religious leaders expected to speak at Trump inauguration". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  10. ↑ "Update from Robert Jimison". 2025-01-20. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
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