Resident Scholar
عالم ālim (n.) – knowing; familiar, acquainted (with), cognizant (of); expert, connoisseur, professional; learned, erudite; scholar, savant, scientist; (in Islam) theologian and expert in canonical law.
(Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic)
The title “Imam” and the role of this position in the community can be very nuanced depending on the time period and region of the world. Due to the cultural diversity of the Muslim community in the United States, the understanding of what and who is an “imam” can be difficult to nail down within our current context. What’s certain is that it carries a broad set of demands, there are differing levels of ability in fulfilling those demands, and it requires tremendous support from the community.
Role in our community
(click each for details)
Leading congregational prayers
Providing relevant and relatable educational lectures on Jumu’ah, ‘Id ul Adha, & ‘Id ul Fitr.
Producing relevant programs which support the development of mentally/spiritually healthy and confident youth, while introducing and maintaining practices which encourage the next generations to become active participants in the community.
Providing educational, psychological, and spiritual support for Muslim converts. Supporting them as they make the transition in to the Muslim community.
Providing essential Islamic education to our next geneneration. Teaching the Qur’an, character development, and building confidence in their identity as a Muslim.
Compassion. Empathy. Advice without being judgmental. All through the lens of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Meeting every facet of adult community members’ Islamic educational needs
Aiding in efforts reach funding goals for existing and future organizational programs and projects for the overall growth and prosperity of the community.
Performing funeral prayers, helping family with bereavement, and providing us all a reminder of our own mortality.
Performing legal marriages including 7-10 inspirational speech (khutbah)
Developing and organization a diverse set of quality programming that acts as a cornerstone for further development of the community
Providing an Islamic viewpoint based on Qur’an and Sunnah when offering requested advice to the administration.
Work with community members and other organizations to represent Islam on a variety of levels in the community.
Engaging in existing programs and developing essential programs to help those who are under served and suffering regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
Helping community members navigate the stresses and challenges of life in their efforts to become closer to Allah through the refinement of their practice of Islam.
Working with community leaders and volunteers to produce events that encourage unity, healthy family relationships, and the development of brotherhood/sisterhood.
Working with those invaluable community members who are willing to sacrifice their time and effort for the benefit of all.
Shaykh Mahmoud Ali
Current Resident Scholar & Imam
Shaykh completed hifdh of the Holy Qur’an at the age of 7. He earned B.A. in pharmacy and Islamic Studies from the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt and continued education to obtain various valuable Ijazaat in Qur’an and ways of the recitation.