Adjudicating Islamic Law for Muslim Americans

John Pinna interviews Sayyid M.B. Kashmiri, who represents the Grand Ayatollah Sistani in America. They discuss Sayyid's family lineage tracing back to Prophet Muhammad; his experience migrating from Iraq to Iran, Lebanon, and finally the U.S.; and his role leading the Imam Mahdi Association, which serves as Sistani's representative entity in North America. Sayyid explains key aspects of Shi'a Islamic law and practice such as the concept of jurists who interpret religious rulings. He highlights projects the Association is currently implementing to meet the needs of Shi'a Muslim Americans across different domains. Sayyid also shares perspectives on the dignity and value of human life in Islam, grounded in Qur'anic principles about honoring the children of Adam and bearing the attributes of God through one's character and conduct in the world.