General Members

Shaykh Abbas Haidar Ali Al-Hirali Al-Baghdadi was born in Baghdad, Iraq. He moved to Iran, where he begun his formal studies in Islamic sciences at the seminaries. He then moved to Isfahan, where he studied jurisprudence and principles of jurisprudence until 1992. Sheikh Abbas later enrolled in the Faculty of Sharia at the Islamic University in London through correspondence, benefiting from esteemed professors. Since 1987, Sheikh Abbas has been actively involved in public speaking, religious propagation, and leading mourning sessions for Imam Hussain (p) in the United States, and Canada. He continues to serve in Calgary at the Imam Ali (p) Center, where he offers religious lectures, resolves family and social disputes, and provides personal services to the community.

Shaykh Abbass Ghaddar studied at the Hawza in Lebanon and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Psychology. He teaches at the Muslim American Youth Academy in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Islamic Education program at I.M.A.M.

Shaykh Abdul Jalil Nawee, originally from Accra, Ghana, began his Islamic education at Al-Hidayah Islamic School, where he later taught for several years. He pursued Hawzah studies at the Ahlulbait Institute in Accra and later became both a teacher there and an Imam at the Shia Central Mosque. Seeking further knowledge, he continued his Hawzah studies in Iran before moving to Washington, DC. In the U.S., he served various Islamic centers and taught at the Muslim Community School in Maryland. Currently, he is the resident alim of Idara-e-Jaferia Islamic Center in Burtonsville, Maryland.

After completing his academic studies, Sayyid Abdul Jalil Al-Hussaini pursued his seminary education in the Hawzah in Syria, studying under prominent scholars such as Shaykh Al-Afghani, Sayyid Ali Al-Amin, and Sayyid Mohammad Abdul Hakim Al-Safi for the preliminary and intermediate stages, and later, advanced studies (Kharij) with Shaykh Sultan and Shaykh Mohammad Al-Khaghani. In 1999, he moved to the United States, where he has been actively serving the community in various religious, missionary, and familial matters at Islamic centers in Dearborn, MI, San Diego, CA, and Nashville, TN.

Shaykh Abdul Menhem Charara began his studies at the religious seminary (Hawza) in Qom in 1983 and continued for twenty years under prominent scholars. In 2003, he moved from Qom to Canada to assume responsibility for the Imam Hussain Foundation in Windsor where he developed several initiatives to continue to support thriving religious, educational, and cultural programs, with the cooperation of dedicated teams and the community.

Shaykh Abdulrahman Cherri holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts with a focus on economics. In 2015, he traveled to Qom to pursue his studies at the Seminary. His Hawzah studies are still continuing while he is simultaneously serving various communities in North America through lecturing and teaching. He is also a PhD candidate at the University of Münster in Germany in the department of Islamic Theology.

Sheikh Ahmad Modarres studied at the Hawza of Mashhad & Qom, where he dedicated over a decade to studying Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, and theology. He also holds a degree in Philosophy and Theology as well as a degree in Psychology from California State University. As the resident scholar at Masjid Al-Rasool in California, Shaykh Modarres provides spiritual leadership and actively engages in community initiatives, including youth programs, family workshops, and personal counseling. He also serves as an advisor for multiple organizations in Southern California, offering guidance on religious and social matters.

Sayyid Ahmad Raza Al-Hussaini completed his Hawzah studies at the Islamic Seminary of Qom. He also holds a doctorate degree focusing on the "Irtaqa of Marsiya writers in first year of Hijri" from Banaras University. He has been serving for the cause of Islam since the 1990s across Europe, Africa, North America, and South Asia. Currently, he resides in Mississauga, Ontario serving the Ali Islamic Mission community

Sayyid Ali Imran, a scholar and educator, holds a BCom in Marketing from York University and an M.A. in Islamic Studies from The Islamic College of London. After studying Islamic sciences in Qom from 2012 to 2021, focusing on legal theory, jurisprudence, and philosophy, he returned to Canada where he serves as the principal of a faith-based community school that primarily serves the East End Shi'a community of Toronto. He is pursuing a Master of Education at the University of Toronto and is an instructor at Mufid Seminary and Mizan Institute, with research interests in Islamic pedagogy, intellectual history, and teacher development.

Shaykh Amin Rastani was born and raised in the US. In 1999, after receiving his high school diploma, he traveled to the holy city of Qom to pursue hawzah studies. He was able to complete the introductory and intermediate levels of the seminary, also attending Kharij lessons and eventually returning to the US in the year 2017. He is the founder and lead instructor of the Mizan Institute, lecturing and teaching across North America. He also holds a master's degree in Semitic Religions from the University of Religions and Denominations in Qom.

Shaykh Anwar is originally from New Jersey. He currently works as an Islamic scholar and digital content creator for I.M.A.M. He holds a BA in Quran and Hadith sciences from Jamiah Alul Bayt, Qom and a Master's Degree in Education. Shaykh Anwar currently teaches Quranic sciences with a youth group at the IEC of Potomac Maryland. He also regularly works with the Shia community of Cali Colombia, South America.

Shaykh Assad al-Baydani moved to Canada in 1999, where he served the Iraqi community in Calgary for ten years. He was assigned to manage the Al-Kafeel Project in Brazil. There, he held gatherings at Masjid Muhammad Rasul Allah (pbuh&hp) in São Paulo with the Lebanese community. After returning to Canada, Shaykh al-Baydani began serving the Pakistani community at Bab al-Hawaij Hussainiya in Calgary, where he has worked for nine years. His efforts have included organizing gatherings to honor Ahlul-Bayt (p) and running an Islamic school for children on Sundays.

Shaykh Azhar Sheraze earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UT Austin in 2008, worked in the Oil & Gas Industry for eight years, and co-founded both the Society for Islamic Awareness and the Muslim Professionals Association. He studied at the Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary in the greater Chicago area, and still continues his Hawza education. He has served as a youth director at Baitul Ilm Academy, an editor for al-Sidrah, and director of the seminary’s LIFE program. Currently, he is the resident scholar at the Muslim Community Center Camp Noor and serves the Atlanta community.

Shaykh Dr. Faiyaz Jaffer is the Research Scholar and Associate Chaplain at the Islamic Center at NYU and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. He holds a doctorate in education from NYU, focusing on the identity development of Shia youth in the U.S., and has studied Islamic sciences in the Seminary of Karbala, Iraq. A prominent lecturer and interfaith advocate, Shaykh Jaffer speaks at events across North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, promoting dialogue and understanding. He is also a researcher and writer for I.M.A.M., with academic work featured in scholarly journals.

Shaykh Fawzi al-Battahi, born in Baghdad, Iraq. After earning a BA degree in Economics, he moved to Qom, Iran, where he joined the Islamic seminary and earned an MA in Philosophy. Shaykh al-Battahi, currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, serves as the resident scholar at al-Rasoul Center and leads numerous community initiatives, including teaching, counseling, and promoting Islam in challenging environments. A researcher and author, he has written extensively on Islamic philosophy and ethics. He is also a Board member of I.M.A.M., a Consultative Committee member of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America, and a representative of Grand Ayatullah Sayyid al-Sistani and Ayatullah Sayyid Saeed al-Hakim.

Sayyid Hamed Hossein Hashemi begun his Hawza studies in Qom. He specialized in Fiqh and Islamic law and earned the prestigious award of Best Clergy among thousands. He then embarked on his academic journey, earning a Ph.D. in Jurisprudence and Islamic Law from Tehran University. During and after his Ph.D. studies, he worked as an assistant professor and faculty member at several universities. He has published numerous books and articles on Islamic studies. Several of his publications have been recognized as top research in their field.

Sayyid Hasan Rizvi is the resident scholar of the Husseini Islamic Center in Orlando, Florida, where he has served since 2020. He began his formal Islamic studies at the Imam Ali Seminary in Orlando, graduating in 2012, and later pursued advanced Hawzah studies in Qom from 2014 to 2020. His areas of focus include Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, mysticism, and contemporary issues like democracy, atheism, and the relationship between science and religion.

Shaykh Hasnain Kassamali is the founder and religious director of the Academy for Learning Islam. He has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Alberta and a Masters in Islamic Studies from the University of British Columbia. In 2001, whilst in Richmond, BC, Canada, he founded the Academy for Learning Islam (A.L.I) . He serves as the Religious Director, and continues to teach short Islamic courses in-person and online under A.L.I. to this day.

Sayyid Hassan Hussaini studied at the hawza in Qom and Mashhad , after completing high school. He conitnued his education and earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy. He has been leading the community at the Imam Mahdi Center in Virginia, since 2012. Sayyid Hassan also teaches Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics at The George Washington University, Marymount University, Coppin State University, and Northern Virginia Community College. He has authored multiple books and articles in English and Persian on Islam and interfaith dialogue.

Shaykh al-Zirjawi graduated from Baghdad Technical Institute in 1986 and joined the Islamic seminary in Qom, Iran, in 1988. He studied fiqh under Ayatullah Mirza Jawad Tabrizi and usul al-fiqh under Shaykh Hussain Wahid Khurasani, with additional theological and philosophical studies under Shaykh Jaafar Sobhani and Sayyid al-Haidary. He has taught seminary classes in Canada, the United States, as well as courses for the Islamic University in London. A scholar, researcher, and lecturer, Shaykh al-Zirjawi has authored research articles, two unpublished manuscripts, and has delivered sermons and lectures for over two decades. He currently serves as a scholar and educator at I.M.A.M.

Sayyid Hussain Hashemi is a distinguished scholar, educator, and author trained in the seminaries of Mashhad and Najaf. With over three decades of teaching in seminaries and universities in Mashhad, he earned recognition as an exemplary instructor. He has authored several books and has been deeply committed to Islamic outreach, preaching, and education. Now residing in the U.S., he focuses on Quranic work and mentoring the younger generation.

Sayyid Hussein Saberi was born into a religious family and began his education in Quran and Persian literature at an early age. Sayyid Saberi was one of the seminary's outstanding and distinguished students. He received valuable awards such as Tafsir Majma’ al-Bayan and Tafsir al-Mizan from distinguished professors. In Mashhad, he founded the "Sayyid al-Shuhada' Seminary" to serve the youth and address their needs. This seminary has educated many individuals in various fields, including literacy and seminary sciences, with many students now active across the globe.

Sayyid Jafar al-Hasani is a scholar, Quran reciter, and memorizer with 25 years of experience teaching Islamic sciences, including theology, law, philosophy, mysticism, ethics, Quranic studies, hadith, and history. He is a university professor specializing in philosophy, linguistics, translation studies, sociology, and religious studies. With over a decade of leadership and consultancy experience in governance, policy, and professional development, he bridges timeless Islamic teachings with the practical needs of contemporary life, drawing inspiration from the Quran and the lives of Ahl al-Bayt (p).

Shaykh Jaffer Jaffer migrated with this family to the US in the late 80's. He grew up in Southern California and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. After finishing his studies, he and his family moved to Damascus to pursue Islamic Education. He graduated from the Hawza Ilmiya in 2011 and has been the Resident Scholar of Masumeen Islamic Centre in Brampton, Ontario since then. Sheikh Jaffer also holds a Masters Degree in Islamic Education from the University of Winchester.

Sayyid Jawad Sajadi began his Hawzah studies in the holy city of Mashhad, Iran. After completing the intermediate levels of Hawzah education, he furthered his academic journey in Azerbaijan, where he earned a Doctorate in Medicine. Since 2003, he has dedicated himself to serving a local community in California, supporting their religious programs, educational initiatives, and community development activities.

Sayyid Dr. Kazem Mesbah Moosavi was born in Mashhad, Iran, where he studied and researched at the Islamic Seminary of Qom for over 25 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from McGill University in Montreal and has taught Philosophy, Theology, and Jurisprudence at various universities, including McGill, Tehran University, and Amir Kabir University. He has also participated in research groups focused on the Sociology of Knowledge and the Psychology of Happiness. Dr. Moosavi is an active participant in academic conferences across Canada and the U.S., having contributed to discussions at institutions such as McGill University, the University of Toronto, and Binghamton University.

Sayyid Kazim Alami begun his seminary studies in Islamabad. He then moved to further his Hawzah studies in Qom. He also holds a Master's degree in Philosphy and Mysticism. He currently serves as the resident Imam at the Al-Fatema Islamic Centre of Guelph.

Shaykh Mahdi is a graduate of the Islamic Seminary of Qom where we spent a decade studying traditional Islamic studies. He now teaches at Mufid Seminary, serves as a clinical chaplain in a local health system, and is pursuing doctoral study in Theological & Religious Studies.

Shaykh Mahdi Rastani was born and raised in the US. After finishing high school, he joined the Islamic Seminary of Qom and completed six years of introductory and intermediate studies. Afterwards, he continued his studies for another three years under the supervision of prominent scholars including Ayatullah Sayyid Hashemi Shahroudi. Shaykh Mahdi has made many trips throughout the United States and Europe lecturing on and teaching Islamic teachings based on the Shi’a school of thought in English, Farsi and Arabic.

Sayyid Dr. Masoud Noori is a scholar of Islamic studies with extensive seminary and academic training. He studied at the Qom seminary, completing advanced courses in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh under renowned scholars. He also earned a doctorate in law, focusing on the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Muslim-majority countries. His professional experiences include working with UNICEF, UNDP, and ICRC. He has taught courses at renowned institutions, including Emory and NYU Law.

Sheikh Mateen Adam Charbonneau, a French-Canadian American, began his Hawza studies in 2013 at the Imam Ali Center in Virginia and continued in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. He as authored several books, filmed documentaries about his spiritual journey, and lectured internationally. He founded 2nd Chance Books in 2014, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading Islamic knowledge, and currently serves as the resident scholar for the Antalya, Türkiye community while continuing his outreach efforts.

Shaykh Mazin Alsahlani began his Hawzah studies in the esteemed city of Najaf. He earned a bachelor's degree in Theology from the Islamic University of London, UK. In 1988, Shaykh Mazin immigrated to the United States, where he founded the AlMakarim Islamic Foundation in Erie, Pennsylvania, serving as a pillar of religious and community guidance. A dedicated scholar and lecturer, Shaykh Mazin has also completed a research project exploring the themes of diversity and coexistence in the United States, reflecting his commitment to fostering understanding and harmony in society.

Sayyid Mehboob Mehdi Abidi al-Najafi, was born in Nauganwa Sadat, India, and raised in Najaf, Iraq. He pursued Islamic studies at Jamia Nazimia in India, completing advanced studies under prominent scholars in Qom and Najaf. A renowned orator, author, and translator, he has edited the Urdu magazine Al-Ghadir, conducted Quran commentary classes for 17 years, and promoted interfaith dialogue. Fluent in multiple languages, Sayyid Abidi travels extensively for lectures and youth programs. He founded several organizations, including Hadi School of Excellence and the International Baqee Organization. Currently, he serves as the resident scholar and custodian of the Islamic Education Center (Husaini) in Chicago, under the guidance of Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, and is a member of I.M.A.M. and the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America.

Shaykh Dr. Mehdi Hazari is a scholar and scientist with expertise in neuro- and cardiovascular physiology, focusing on air pollution's effects on human health. He received his Doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to his scientific career, Dr. Hazari is an active religious leader, serving as the resident scholar of the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association of the Triangle (IABAT) in Durham, North Carolina. He provides religious services, mentors youth, and engages in community outreach and interfaith dialogue.

Shaykh Mohammad al-Ali al-Halabi joined the Islamic seminary in the city of Qom, Iran, in 1987 and continued studying until 1999, under prominent scholars. He has taught and continues to teach both traditional and academic seminary courses in the United States in several centers and institutions In addition, he taught Arabic to non-native speakers at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and The Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C. He has published many articles and research papers about religious, cultural, and intellectual affairs. Shaykh al-Halabi has been preaching for over three decades, and he is active in dialogue, literary, and intellectual forums. He currently contributes to I.M.A.M. as an imam, scholar, teacher, lecturer, and the Administrator of the Religious Affairs Office in Dearborn, Michigan.

Shaykh Mohammad Ali Elahi began his Hawzah studies from a young age. In 1990, he was invited to the World Religions Conference in San Francisco. During this time he visited Michigan, where, he received an invitation to serve the Islamic Center of America. He moved to Dearborn, Michigan in 1991 where he served as Imam and Director of the Islamic Center. In 1995, he helped establish the Islamic House of Wisdom, a center focused on the mission of faith, education, justice, love, outreach, and action, where he currently serves as the Spiritual Leader.

Shaykh Mohamad Alwan Ansari is the resident Alim at the Ahlul Bait Center in Evanston, Chicago, where he delivers lectures, recites majalis, and provides spiritual guidance and leadership to his community.

Sayyid Mohammad Baqir Kashmiri, grandson of Ayatullah Sayyid Murtadha al-Ridhawi al-Kashmiri, hails from a distinguished scholarly lineage. He serves as the representative of Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani in North America and oversees I.M.A.M. as Vice Chairman and Religious Affairs Director. He works to support the Shia community by addressing religious, educational, and legal matters while fostering unity among Islamic centers. A scholar, writer, and lecturer, Sayyid Kashmiri has authored books, supervised Islamic publications, and delivered speeches on various topics, including Quran interpretation and Islamic principles. Active in community building, he organizes religious affairs, guides aspiring scholars, and promotes a cohesive Shia Muslim presence in North America.

Shaykh Mohamad Omrani has completed 10 years of studies at the Hawzas of Lebanon and Damascus and holds a master's degree in Quran Studies. He is a dedicated community guidance counsellor and educator with nearly two decades of experience in providing spiritual guidance, family counselling, and religious education across Canada. Currently serving as an Imam at Imam Ali Masjid in Ottawa, Canada, Shaykh Omrani offers spiritual leadership and guidance to the community.

Sayyid Mohammad Reza Ghazvini began his Hawzah studies at Hawzah Al-Zaynabia in Damascus, Syria, focusing on advanced religious studies. He later moved to Canada, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Religion Studies and Film Studies from Carleton University in Ottawa. With a strong foundation in both traditional Islamic knowledge and modern academic perspectives, he has worked in Shia media for over 20 years, creating content and engaging with diverse communities. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Farsi, he has guided thousands of young people in understanding the Shia school of thought through social media and other platforms. His mission is to educate, inspire, and support others in their spiritual and personal growth.

Sayyid Mohammad Murtada Qazwini pursued his religious education at the Hawza in Qom. After completing his studies, he became a prominent orator known for his eloquence and ability to connect with audiences. He migrated to the United States and first settled in San Diego, where he continued his religious and missionary work, contributing to the establishment of several Islamic centers, including the San Diego Cultural Center and Imam Ali Mosque.

Sayyid Saleh Qazwini is the founding Imam of the Muslim Educational Community Center of America (MECCA). He graduated from the Islamic Seminary of Qom where his studies focused primarily on Islamic Jurisprudence and Islamic Scripture. He acquired a Masters degree in Near Eastern studies from Wayne State University. Sayyid Saleh has a passion for working with and mentoring the youth. He is also an advocate for inter and intra-faith dialogue.

Shaykh Mohammed Al-Saadi was born and raised in the United States and is a graduate of the Islamic seminary (Hawzah) in Najaf, Iraq. He has a bachelor’s degree in Communications. He is the founder of Shield Families, a non-profit that aims to “revive the village” by connecting and equipping like-minded believers with the tools needed to raise devout and resilient families living in the west.

Sayyid Mohammad Al-Saabari began his Hawzah studies in Qum before moving to the Sayyida Zainab area in Syria in 1996, where he continued his religious education and started delivering sermons. In 1999, he migrated to the U.S., settling in Dearborn, where he now serves at the Islamic Center of America and delivers lectures at Islamic centers across the country.

Sayyid Muhammad Aqeel Shah is an experienced educator in Islamic Studies, History, and Political Science. In addition to studying for 10 years at the Islamic Seminary of Qom, he also holds a Master's Degree in History. He currently serves the community of Edmonton in vairous ways, including leading Friday prayers, conducting family counciling, and has delivered lectures for over 20 years.

Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi was born into a scholarly family in Bihar, India, and later migrated to Tanzania, where he received his elementary education and studied Arabic and Persian with his father and other scholars. He moved to Qom, Iran, to pursue Islamic seminary studies and reached the advanced (bahth al-kharij) levels under renowned scholars such as Ayatullah Shaykh Wahid Khurāsāni. He also holds a Master of Arts in History from Simon Fraser University. He is currently based in Toronto, where he serves as the Director of the Islamic Education & Information Center and was instrumental in founding the As-Sadiq Islamic School. He is a co-founder of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America and currently serves as its Secretary-General, as well as the Head of the Urgent and Crescent Committees.

Shaykh Muhammad Sarwar is a Pakistani-born American Islamic scholar, specializing in Islamic theology and philosophy. He is known for being the first representative of the late Ayatollah Abul-Qasim al-Khoei to the Shia Muslims of North America. In 1975, he moved to New York and founded the Islamic Seminary, the first Shia center outside New York City. This seminary focused on Shia theology and principles. Shaykh Sarwar has authored and translated numerous works, including his well-known English translation of the Quran, The Holy Quran; Arabic Text and English Translation, first published in 1982. His translation is known for its clarity and simplicity, with the 2011 sixth edition presenting the Arabic text alongside the English translation. He is currently working on translating Bihar al-Anwar, a comprehensive 110-volume hadith encyclopedia.

Haj Muhsen Al-Dhalimy is the founder and Imam of the Islamic Center Of Portland since 1990. He leads Friday prayers, delivers lectures, and serves as the guidance lead in his community. He concentrated on History and Seerah during his Hawza studies, and he also holds a Master's degree in Molecular Biology.

Sayyid Muntadher Aljabery currently serves the Shia Muslim community of Minneapolis, Minnesota as a resident Imam and also contributes to I.M.A.M. as a researcher and writer and answers fiqh questions. In 2012, he took part in the founding of the Fatimiah of Pittsburgh Islamic Center in Pennsylvania and served as a resident scholar and imam there for seven years. He is a writer, researcher, and speaker who has lectured in both English and Arabic for over twelve years in several U.S. cities.

Shaykh Muslim Chawla is a scholar who specializes in Islamic Philosophy, Theology, and Comparative Religions, with over a decade of study at the seminary in Qom. He holds multiple master’s degrees in Philosophy, Arabic, Religion, and Political Science, with a thesis on Liberty in Islamic Political Philosophy and Liberalism. He curretnly serves in the Washington DC area and is a graduate fellow at George Washington University. His research focuses on Mysticism, Ethics, Western Philosophy, and Fiqh.

Sayyid Nabi Raza Abidi moved to Iran at the age of 14 to pursue Islamic studies in the Hawzah of Qom. Concurrently, he earned his PhD from the University of Tehran. In 2002, he moved to San Jose, California to serve as the Resident Alim of SABA Islamic Center. He is also the founder of Al-Kisa Foundation and its subsidiaries, including Kisa Kids. Moulana Abidi serves on various school boards, provides guidance to several full-time and weekend Islamic schools around the world, as well as provides guidance to SABA Sunday School and RISE Education System.

Sayyid Nabil Hussein Abbas Al-Mousawi Al-Amili is a distinguished religious scholar, educator, and community leader. He pursued Islamic studies in Najaf, Iraq, under prominent scholars. In 1990, he was appointed as the representative of the Supreme Islamic Shia Council in Canada, later becoming the representative of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husseini Al-Sistani. As the Imam of the Lebanese Islamic Center in Montreal, he has transformed it into a prominent religious and humanitarian institution. Sayyid Nabil actively participates in interfaith dialogue and cultural initiatives. He holds a Master’s in Islamic Studies and a Doctorate on contemporary Islamic thought from Université de Sherbrooke. A founding member and trustee of the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America, he continues to serve Islamic communities across Canada.

Shaykh Navid Charooseh, born and raised in the DC area, is a scholar with over 10 years of study in the Hawzah of Qom, specializing in Islamic philosophy, ethics, and law. He holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland. Shaykh Navid actively contributes to English programming at the Islamic Education Center of Maryland and frequently speaks at communities across North America.

Shaykh Odeh Muhawesh earned his doctorate at Qom Seminary-Global Institute for Islamic Studies in Iran where he focused on comparative theology and Islamic jurisprudence. As an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas, he teaches courses in Islamic theology and the modern history of the Middle East. He also serves on the advisory boards of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center at the University of St. Thomas.

Sayyid Rashed Saberi began his Islamic studies in the seminaries of Mashhad and Qom. In addition to his religious education, he earned a degree in History and Civilization of Islamic Countries from Azad University of Mashhad and pursued a master’s in World History in New York. Amongst the projects he has established include a Youth Association in New York and creating the Orphans Relief Foundation to support hundreds of orphans with food, clothing, and education.

Shaykh Dr. Rasoul Naghavi Nia earned his Ph.D. in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Georgetown University and holds a Fourth Level of Hawza in Islamic Jurisprudence and usul al-fiqh from the Islamic Seminary of Qom. He also holds an MA in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding from Eastern Mennonite University. Dr. Naghavi has published books and articles on Islamic studies, including Contemporary Shia Jurisprudence, a graduate textbook in Iranian women’s seminaries, and Gods of Earth, analyzing allegiance to unjust rulers. His notable articles cover topics such as political crimes, religious liberty, and legal change in Shia jurisprudence. Currently, he serves as a researcher, writer, and advisor at I.M.A.M. and is the director of the Mufid Academic Seminary (MAS).

Sayyid Raza Hussain Rizvi began his higher education with a Bachelor's degree in Physics and Mathematics. In 1997, he entered the renowned Hawzah Ilmiyya in Qom, Iran, and later earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Quranic Exegesis. In 2020, Sayyid Rizvi relocated to the U.S., where he continues teaching through the Mishkaat Institute’s online classes and leads regular Tafseer-e-Quran lectures and Friday prayers in Ashburn, Virginia. Alongside his religious work, he holds a part-time role in IT, inspiring a global audience with his deep knowledge of Islamic teachings.

Sayyid Riadh Ahmad completed his seminary studies in the Hawzas of Iraq and Qom and earned a PhD in Islamic Studies from McGill University with a thesis titled "Al-Husayn Ibn Ali: A Study of His Uprising and Death Based on Classical Arabic Sources." He currently serves the Muslim community in Montreal as a lecturer, religious consultant, and director of various religious activities.

Shaykh Rizwan Arastu is a graduate of the Islamic Seminary of Qom and Princeton University. He is the founding director of the Islamic Texts Institute, a non-profit aimed at making Islamic sources accessible to non-specialists. He is also the founder of Islamic-Literacy.org, a web-based educational platform that aims to help all Muslims become Islamically literate. He lives with his wife and six children in Elgin, IL.

Sayyid Rizwan A. Rizvi, born in Hyderabad, Pakistan, and raised in the U.S., comes from a family of scholars. His family migrated to the United States in the early 1990s, where he completed high school in New Jersey in 1998. Following his passion for Islamic education, he began his studies at Imam Ali Seminary in Chicago and later continued at the Islamic Seminary of Qom in 2000. He studied under renowned theologians, specializing in Islamic philosophy and Irfān-e-Islāmī. He further enhanced his Arabic at Damascus University and has lectured at Islamic centers across the U.S.

Shaykh Saed Ali Kulayni, a native of New York City, completed his Hawza studies in the holy city of Karbala. He has served at several Islamic Centers across North America. He is the co-founder of 2nd Chance Books, the largest Shia prison book program in America, and Household Publications, a platform for Islamic literature. Shaykh Saed Ali Kulayni has written multiple articles on Islam.

Sayyid Sahib Mehdi al-Hasani is a prominent Islamic scholar who began his seminary studies in Iran in 1986, learning under esteemed teachers such as Sheikh Mahdi Al-Asfi and Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Al-Hakim. After relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, he dedicated his time to serving the Muslim community. He has led and contributed to several Islamic centers. Currently, he is the founder and leader of the Al-Basheer Islamic Foundation and its associated institutes. He is also a prolific author, with numerous books and articles to his name.

Shaykh Saleem Bhimji grew up in Edmonton and studied at a technical college before pursuing Islamic studies in Medina, New York, and later in Qom. Since returning to Canada in 2000, he has worked with various non-profits and Shia Islamic centers. He runs the Islamic Publishing House, has authored or translated over 50 books, and is currently working on a multi-volume Quran commentary. He also serves as the Director of Islamic Studies and a teacher at Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy in Richmond, BC.

Shaykh Salman al-Abedy begun his hawzah studies in the city of Qom, where he studied under prominent scholars. He has been delivering sermons and serving as a preacher since 1984. In addition to his preaching efforts, he has undertaken religious guidance and educational roles at several Islamic centers, both on a permanent and temporary basis, in America and Canada since 1992. This includes nearly 17 years as the Imam and preacher at the Al-Huda Islamic Center in Toronto.

Sayyid Sameer spent six years studying the traditional Islamic sciences in the Hawzah, with a focus on Islamic philosophy. He holds a Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Stanford University. Since 2010 he has served the Muslim communities across North America. He has served as a chaplain for 10 years and is board-certified, having supported Muslims and non-Muslims in medical and university settings. He currently serves as a pastoral counselor, providing emotional and psychological assessment and support to individuals and couples in the Muslim community. He is currently completing a MA in counseling psychology.

Shaykh Shafiq Hudda is a well learned scholar who is known for his humbleness and humour during his lectures. He has studied several years in the Hawzah and also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources & Administration. He currently serves as the head and spiriual leader of Islamic Humanitarian Services in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Sayyid Sulayman Ali Hassan, a scholar born and raised in Western New York, studied Arabic and fiqh in Medina, NY, and earned a business administration degree from the University of Buffalo. In 1997, he began advanced studies in fiqh and history at the Seminary in Qom, Iran. Since returning to the U.S. in 2007, he has served as Religious Director at Baitul Ilm Academy and President of the Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary. He also earned a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Chicago.

Shaykh Trenton Carl is a graduate of the Ahl al-Bayt Islamic Seminary, where he studied the core traditional Islamic curriculum. He is the Co-founder, Executive Director, and Community Scholar of Sacred Roots Muslim Community. He works with several other Muslim educational initiatives, is an editor of the Seminary’s publication, al-Sidrah, and is a director of the Seminary's summer education program, L.I.F.E. (Living Islam Faithfully and Ethically). 

Shaykh Dr. Usama Al-Atar holds a Masters degree in Education, a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and completed a second Ph.D. in Arab and Islamic Studies. He studied under his eminence Ayatullah Sayed Murtadha Al-Qazwini, Ayatullah Sayed Fadhil Al-Milani and Ayatullah Shaykh Abdulkareem Al-Haeiry. He received several certificates and awards including a certificate of appreciation from the Office of the Premier of the Province of Alberta for his contribution towards knowledge, and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his services to the community. Dr. Al-Atar is currently the Principal of AlBaqir Academy, which is a full-time K-12 school located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Shaykh Dr. Vinay Khetia is the academic director of the Shia Research Institute located at the Toronto School of Theology in the University of Toronto. He has a PhD in Religious Studies from McMaster University and an MA in History and Philosophy of Religion from Concordia University. He has studied in Hawza Illmiyya of London UK and Sayyida Zaynab as well as directed studies in Najaf. Dr. Khetia has had his published works on Islamic law and exegesis. In particular, his areas of interest include Twelver Shi’ism, which has become a focal point for his studies as well as comparative liturgy between Islamic and Christian traditions. He has delivered academic talks in Islamic Studies at Harvard, Oxford ( Pembroke College) and SOAS. He was also a lecturer at McMaster University and the University of Toronto and currently teaches at Mufid Academic Seminary in the United States.

Sayyid Zaki Baqri has served the Muslim community in Canada for 45 years, providing spiritual guidance and addressing contemporary issues through Islamic principles. His speeches and books on faith, spirituality, and community development have resonated across cultural and generational divides. Since the mid-1990s, he has led the Al-Mahdi Islamic Center in Toronto, fostering unity and growth within the Muslim community.

Sayyid Zayeem Raza Abedi pursued advanced Islamic studies at the Hawza in Qom, completing nine years of intensive education before returning to Bangalore, where he served the community for approximately 15 years. Since 2003, he has extended his service to communities across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. In 2014, Sayyid Zayeem relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he currently serves as the resident scholar at Jaffaria Islamic Center, continuing his unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship, guidance, and community service.