FAQ

WHAT IS CSIME?

Founded in 2010, the Center for the Study of Islam and the Middle East (CSIME) is a Washington-based nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to interfaith dialogue and the study of Islam and the Middle East.

WHO FOUNDED CSIME?

CSIME was founded in 2010 by Ayatollah Dr. Ahmad Iravani as a 501(c)(3) non-profit education organization with the express mission to promote interfaith dialogue and the study of Islam and the Middle East. Dr. Iravani continues to work for CSIME as Executive Director.

WHY WAS CSIME STARTED?

CSIME’s purpose is to serve leaders and the public through merit research and education so that misunderstandings and misconceptions are minimized between the West, the Middle East and the Islamic world. This includes the goal of building relationships between individuals of different religions so that through dialogue we may recognize our religious and cultural similarities and come to an understanding, mutual respect and friendship.

WHO RUNS CSIME?

CSIME is led by a highly effective and dedicated board of directors and advisors who have collectively collected decades of experience working in diverse spheres in the United States, Iran, Afghanistan, Sweden with organizations and universities including but not limited to; Afghanistan Academy of Sciences, Catholic University, Mofid University, Lund University, Allameh Tabatabaii University and more. Please click here to find out more about CSIME Board of Directors.

WHAT IS CSIME’S MISSION?

Since its inception, CSIME’s mission has been to use education to promote dialogue, understanding between the West, the Islamic World and the Middle East. This includes comprehensive interfaith endeavors.

Here’s how CSIME works: Through diligent and informed deliberation with leaders, youth, scholars, citizens and intellectuals, we systematically explore issues between the West, the Middle East and the Islamic World. We share our point of view and opinions with anyone who can utilize into practice and manifest positive change. From there we develop an objective point of view and assert our position. We then build on that and develop bold new ideas and outlets. In all our endeavors, CSIME board of directors, staff and fellows, and interns are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of rectitude, intellectual rigor and quality—and for sustaining CSIME’s founding commitment to systematic analysis, lucid exposition, open dialogue and continuous improvement in better understanding and cooperation between peoples of these areas.

DOES CSIME HAVE ANY POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS?

CSIME is non-partisan; our goal is to simply promote and use education for interfaith endeavors, and to overcome misunderstandings and miscommunications between the West, the Middle East and the Islamic World. CSIME is not aligned with any government, any political party or political personality. Also, by law, as a 501(c)(3) organization, CSIME cannot campaign for any political candidate or foreign governments.

ON WHAT ISSUES CAN CSIME TAKE A POSITION?

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, CSIME  is by law prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates in elections or foreign governments. CSIME agenda is to produce outlets so that the dialogue of action, in which persons of different backgrounds and religions collaborate for the overcoming of issues between the West, the Middle East and the Islamic World. This includes interfaith dialogue, where CSIME will provide the opportunities for people to deepen their understanding of religions, and to appreciate other people’s values and beliefs.

WHAT IS INTERFAITH DIALOGUE?

The term interfaith dialogue refers to cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions and/or spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels.

WHERE DOES CSIME’S FUNDING COME FROM?

CSIME is funded through donations from private individuals, private enterprises and foundation grants.

WHAT ARE SOME OF CSIME’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

In the past several years, CSIME has led unparalleled efforts to promote dialogue between world-renowned interfaith leaders and encourage a greater understanding between the Middle East and the West. CSIME’s most recent accomplishments can be further explored by clicking on the Events and Updates tab above.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT CSIME?

We welcome anyone is willing to help CSIME and its mission by accepting financial support and by donating your time and efforts. You can donate by making a financial contribution here. Also, you can volunteer for CSIME.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Your questions may be answered by contacting us. We also welcome any comments.

You can find our contact information here.

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