American accepted into Al Mustafa Open University in Iran

[Azadeh307]

Salaam! I am a half Iranian half American woman. My father is Iranian and came to America to go to university and met my mother there. I always wanted to learn more about my Iranian and Islamic background. Professionally, I am a licensed doctor of clinical psychology with a private practice called Bayt al-Qulub. I work with all people but many of my clients the last few years have been muslim because I prefer to work from a heart-centric relational framework rather than a secular psychology framework. I applied to a Masters in Moral and Ethical Philosophy program at Al Mustafa Open University in Qom, Iran and was accepted last week. I feel this program with help me on a personal and professional level to increase my insight and self-awareness. 

I tried to log in to my account but when I try to reset my password to do that I keep getting an error message. Today I looked online and discovered America placed sanctions against Al Mustafa University in 2020. I don't know if these two things are related and how I can take my classes as I would like if they are.

 

I have a few of questions:

 

1) Are these sanctions still active or have they been dropped?

2)Are there any Americans here who have taken courses at Al Mustafa University? If so, what was your experience?

3)Is there any way I can take the classes if there are sanctions? Such as get an exemption or something else..

 

Thank you for your consideration to this matter. 

[In Gods Name]

Salam

Not able to directly answer but really admire your work. If you started a YouTube series on clinical psychology and MH would be amazing.

[Azadeh307]

Thank you. I have a Youtube channel but have been posting farm animal videos and some Islamic art videos historically. I was just licensed to open a private practice last month. I am planning to do videos off of my blog articles on MH. Insha’Allah. 
 

Blog:

https://www.drazadehweber.com/blog

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrAzadehWeber

[ali_fatheroforphans]

Salam Alaykum,

I personally don't know much about Al-Mustafa university so unfortunately cannot answer.

But knowing your background, you'd probably benefit from Sheikh Zoheir Esmail, not sure if you already know him?

You can follow him on telegram, he's studied in hawza Qom for like 12 years but also has a lot of expertise in philosophy, mysticism, spiritual psychology etc. 

His telegram channel where he posts content: https://t.me/zoheiresmail

Edited October 3, 2023 by ali_fatheroforphans

[Azadeh307]

Thank you. I have joined Sh. Zoheir’s Telegram channel. 

[Ashvazdanghe]

On 10/2/2023 at 10:59 PM, Azadeh307 said:

I tried to log in to my account but when I try to reset my password to do that I keep getting an error message. Today I looked online and discovered America placed sanctions against Al Mustafa University in 2020. I don't know if these two things are related and how I can take my classes as I would like if they are.

 

I have a few of questions:

 

1) Are these sanctions still active or have they been dropped?

2)Are there any Americans here who have taken courses at Al Mustafa University? If so, what was your experience?

3)Is there any way I can take the classes if there are sanctions? Such as get an exemption or something else

Salam it has been sanctioned by both of America & Canada 

1) Yeah sanctions are still alive

3)Maybe You can try a vpn software in order to change your IP address into another country other than America & Canada . 

• Former students or organizations that were previously associated with the university before the sanction effective date (Dec. 8, 2020) should not be affected by the new restrictions or be subject to violations. However, there is still a possibility that law enforcement will contact former students. Please see the next section.

Quote

• The definition of “association” is not clear. For example, online courses can potentially be considered “association” with the university.
• Potential consequences for sanction violations depends on the severity of the violation and the prosecution. For example, civil violations can carry a fine of $300,000 per violation. Assets may be blocked or frozen. Further criminal charges could also apply. There also may be prohibitions from traveling to the United States, working with U.S. companies, and even interacting with the United States in any way.
• Some narrow exemptions and permitted licenses apply (e.g., legal services).

 

Protect Your Rights:

The government is taking action to investigate and implement these restrictions immediately. There have been recent reports of law enforcement visiting Muslim community members regarding potential associations or ties to Al-Mustafa International University. There has also been community confirmation that the FBI is planning to visit former students and graduates of the university. Please remember that you are under NO obligation to speak with FBI or other law enforcement agents.

 

If the FBI visits you at home:

• Always talk to an attorney before answering questions. You should ask for a business card and tell the officers that your lawyer will contact them.
• Do NOT allow them into your home without a warrant.
• Be polite, but firm.
• Know your rights. Not speaking with officers does not mean you are hiding something.

 

We highly recommend all community members to watch the following Know Your Rights video that provides guidance specifically for Muslims when FBI agents visit your home and when you are traveling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eQcGRSumpk. Any questions about your specific situation should be addressed directly with an attorney. If you need a referral to an attorney, please contact us.

 

For more legal bulletins and information about Justice360, please visit www.muslimcongress.org/wp/j360.

 

—Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, J.D.

Sister Najmeh is the Founder and Lead Immigration Attorney at ImmigraTrust Law (www.ImmigraTrust.com), an immigration law practice in Orange County, California, representing individual and corporate clients in all 50 U.S. States and internationally. Sister Najmeh can be reached at Najmeh@ImmigraTrust.com.

https://muslimcongress.org/wp/sanctions-on-howza-institution-al-mustafa-international-university/

https://2017-2021.state.gov/the-united-states-sanctions-irgc-facilitators-in-iran-and-an-irgc-official-in-yemen/

https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/10/canada-imposes-new-sanctions-against-iranian-regime.html

Quote

175 Iranian lawmakers condemn U.S. sanctions on Al-Mustafa International University

“This move is undoubtedly indicative of the U.S. arrogant administration’s inability and frustration against the Iranian nation’s scientific and cultural progress. We, representatives of the nation and the revolutionary Parliament, consider these ignorant sanctions on this international scientific center, which has put the slogan of justice, spirituality and rationality at the forefront of its activities, as an immoral and illegitimate act that goes against all global norms, and thus we condemn these sanctions and express our support for this prominent institution,” the statement said.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456269/175-Iranian-lawmakers-condemn-U-S-sanctions-on-Al-Mustafa-International

 

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/167701/MPs-condemn-US-sanctions-on-Al-Mustafa-Intl-University

Quote

As a result of Tuesday’s action, all property of those designated, as well as of any entities 50% or more owned by them, that fall under US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them.

In addition, foreign banks that knowingly facilitate significant transactions for them, or people who provide material support to them, risk losing access to the US financial system or having their own property blocked.

https://iqna.ir/en/news/3473356/us-imposes-sanctions-on-al-mustafa-university-iran’s-yemen-envoy

[Azadeh307]

15 hours ago, Ashvazdanghe said:

Salam it has been sanctioned by both of America & Canada 

1) Yeah sanctions are still alive

3)Maybe You can try a vpn software in order to change your IP address into another country other than America & Canada . 

• Former students or organizations that were previously associated with the university before the sanction effective date (Dec. 8, 2020) should not be affected by the new restrictions or be subject to violations. However, there is still a possibility that law enforcement will contact former students. Please see the next section.

 

Protect Your Rights:

The government is taking action to investigate and implement these restrictions immediately. There have been recent reports of law enforcement visiting Muslim community members regarding potential associations or ties to Al-Mustafa International University. There has also been community confirmation that the FBI is planning to visit former students and graduates of the university. Please remember that you are under NO obligation to speak with FBI or other law enforcement agents.

 

If the FBI visits you at home:

• Always talk to an attorney before answering questions. You should ask for a business card and tell the officers that your lawyer will contact them.
• Do NOT allow them into your home without a warrant.
• Be polite, but firm.
• Know your rights. Not speaking with officers does not mean you are hiding something.

 

We highly recommend all community members to watch the following Know Your Rights video that provides guidance specifically for Muslims when FBI agents visit your home and when you are traveling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eQcGRSumpk. Any questions about your specific situation should be addressed directly with an attorney. If you need a referral to an attorney, please contact us.

 

For more legal bulletins and information about Justice360, please visit www.muslimcongress.org/wp/j360.

 

—Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, J.D.

Sister Najmeh is the Founder and Lead Immigration Attorney at ImmigraTrust Law (www.ImmigraTrust.com), an immigration law practice in Orange County, California, representing individual and corporate clients in all 50 U.S. States and internationally. Sister Najmeh can be reached at Najmeh@ImmigraTrust.com.

https://muslimcongress.org/wp/sanctions-on-howza-institution-al-mustafa-international-university/

https://2017-2021.state.gov/the-united-states-sanctions-irgc-facilitators-in-iran-and-an-irgc-official-in-yemen/

https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/10/canada-imposes-new-sanctions-against-iranian-regime.html

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456269/175-Iranian-lawmakers-condemn-U-S-sanctions-on-Al-Mustafa-International

 

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/167701/MPs-condemn-US-sanctions-on-Al-Mustafa-Intl-University

https://iqna.ir/en/news/3473356/us-imposes-sanctions-on-al-mustafa-university-iran’s-yemen-envoy

Thank you. This is unfortunate news but at least I know where things stand and can plan accordingly.

[In Gods Name]

On 10/4/2023 at 12:59 PM, Ashvazdanghe said:

Salam it has been sanctioned by both of America & Canada 

1) Yeah sanctions are still alive

3)Maybe You can try a vpn software in order to change your IP address into another country other than America & Canada . 

• Former students or organizations that were previously associated with the university before the sanction effective date (Dec. 8, 2020) should not be affected by the new restrictions or be subject to violations. However, there is still a possibility that law enforcement will contact former students. Please see the next section.

 

Protect Your Rights:

The government is taking action to investigate and implement these restrictions immediately. There have been recent reports of law enforcement visiting Muslim community members regarding potential associations or ties to Al-Mustafa International University. There has also been community confirmation that the FBI is planning to visit former students and graduates of the university. Please remember that you are under NO obligation to speak with FBI or other law enforcement agents.

 

If the FBI visits you at home:

• Always talk to an attorney before answering questions. You should ask for a business card and tell the officers that your lawyer will contact them.
• Do NOT allow them into your home without a warrant.
• Be polite, but firm.
• Know your rights. Not speaking with officers does not mean you are hiding something.

 

We highly recommend all community members to watch the following Know Your Rights video that provides guidance specifically for Muslims when FBI agents visit your home and when you are traveling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eQcGRSumpk. Any questions about your specific situation should be addressed directly with an attorney. If you need a referral to an attorney, please contact us.

 

For more legal bulletins and information about Justice360, please visit www.muslimcongress.org/wp/j360.

 

—Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, J.D.

Sister Najmeh is the Founder and Lead Immigration Attorney at ImmigraTrust Law (www.ImmigraTrust.com), an immigration law practice in Orange County, California, representing individual and corporate clients in all 50 U.S. States and internationally. Sister Najmeh can be reached at Najmeh@ImmigraTrust.com.

https://muslimcongress.org/wp/sanctions-on-howza-institution-al-mustafa-international-university/

https://2017-2021.state.gov/the-united-states-sanctions-irgc-facilitators-in-iran-and-an-irgc-official-in-yemen/

https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/10/canada-imposes-new-sanctions-against-iranian-regime.html

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/456269/175-Iranian-lawmakers-condemn-U-S-sanctions-on-Al-Mustafa-International

 

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/167701/MPs-condemn-US-sanctions-on-Al-Mustafa-Intl-University

https://iqna.ir/en/news/3473356/us-imposes-sanctions-on-al-mustafa-university-iran’s-yemen-envoy

Be wary