Sami Hamdi

Sami Hamdi is the Managing Director of The International Interest, a global risk and intelligence firm. He advises governments on geopolitical dynamics in Europe and the MENA region, providing strategic insights for navigating complex political landscapes. Sami also guides companies on commercial challenges related to volatile environments, focusing on market entry, expansion, and stakeholder management. He is a prominent commentator, regularly featured on Al Jazeera (Arabic and English), Sky News, BBC, and TRT World.

Imam Suleiman Hani

Imam Suleiman Hani is the Director of Academic Affairs at Al Maghrib Institute, a research scholar for Yaqeen Institute, and a resident scholar and adjunct lecturer in Michigan. At the age of 14, Suleiman completed a 10-month Qur’an memorization program and began his intensive studies under numerous scholars, earning dozens of traditional religious certifications in the process. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Jordan’s College of Shari’ah, ranking first in his class, and a master’s degree from Harvard University, where he studied religions, philosophy, political science, and psychology. Over the past decade, he has served as an Imam and community leader in Michigan, lectured in dozens of countries, published a number of books and articles, and was featured on the largest Islamic TV stations worldwide.

Imam Khalid Griggs

Imam Khalid Fattah Griggs accepted Islam in 1972. He is the Imam of The Community Mosque of Winston-Salem in North Carolina. This is a position he has held since 1984. He is also co-chairman of the North Carolina-based Black Leadership Roundtable of Winston-Salem-Forsyth County. A Political Science and English graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Imam Griggs has been active in the Muslim and African-American communities. He was part of the anti-Vietnam war movement in the late 1960s and was also involved with the Islamic Party in North America in the 1970s after his conversion. This group, composed of predominantly Muslim African-Americans, was active in Dawa to the African-American community. Imam Griggs co-founded the Institute for Islamic Involvement in the early 1980s and edited its journal, Vision, for six years. More recently, he served as editor of The Message magazine. Imam Griggs currently hold board chair position for ICNA Council for Social Justice.

Dr. Altaf Husain

Dr. Altaf Husain is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and lives currently in Northern Virginia with his wife and children. He serves as Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Howard University in Washington DC. His research interests include the mental health and integration of immigrant and refugee families, and especially Muslim adolescents, in the United States. He serves as Vice President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and an advisory board member of the Peaceful Families Project -dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence.

Dr. Sabeel Ahmed

Dr. Sabeel Ahmed is the Executive Director of the GainPeace Project, an outreach project of Islamic Circle of North America. As a Director of GainPeace, Dr. Sabeel’s aim is to bring out the commonalities and build bridges between people of various faith, races, and nationalities and share the beautiful faith of Islam with our fellow Americans. Some of the projects of GainPeace include advertising the message of spirituality via Bus, Billboards, Trains, TV, Radio and Newspapers. Dr. Sabeel had given many outreach presentations and workshops in various cities in the USA on the topics of Shariah, Freedom of Speech, Comparative Religion and Youth Empowerment. After completing his medical education from the Carribean, he decided to dedicate his time as a full-time (daee) educator of Islam to tackle Islamophobia and to convey the peaceful message of Islam. He is married with three children and resides with his family in Morton Grove, IL, USA. Dr. Sabeel is being featured on many local and national media news outlets.

SR . Sarah Sultan

Sarah Sultan is a licensed professional counselor who strives to empower her clients through achieving healthier, more fulfilling lives and relationships while reconnecting with Allah during the healing process. Sarah obtained a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and has practiced therapy for nearly 10 years. She is also an instructor with Mishkah University, where she teaches a course about the intersections between Islam, psychology, and counseling.

Raja Abdulhaq

Dr Hamid Ghazali

Dr. Ghazali, founder and director of Houston Quran Academy, is a Hafiz with a Ph.D. in education and over two decades of experience in Islamic education and leadership. He is the Chairman of the MAS Council of Islamic Schools, a professor at Islamic American University, and a former vice-president of ISNA. Dr. Ghazali also consults for schools nationwide and is a published author and speaker dedicated to advancing Islamic education.

Dr. Asif Hirani

Dr. Asif Hirani completed his Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Fashion designing before switching gears to the pursuit of Islamic Studies. He has completed his Masters in Islamic Studies (Usul-ud-din) from Karachi University and attained his PhD from Al-Madina International University in Tafsir & Uloom-ul-Quran.

Imam Wazir Ali

Imam Dr. Wazir Ali serves as the Imam of Masjid Warithud-Deen Mohammed and Masjid Al-Qur’an in Houston, Texas. Under his leadership, both communities have flourished, with Masjid Warithud-Deen Mohammed constructing a new facility in 2010 and planning further developments. He co-founded Masjid Al-Qur’an, where Jum’ah attendance has grown from 10 to over 500. Dr. Ali studied under Imam Qasim Ahmed and the late Imam Warithud-Deen Mohammed. He is a kinesiologist, registered dietitian, and geriatric nutrition specialist, running a nutrition consulting firm. He also teaches at Texas Southern University, with research interests in hemodialysis energy needs and obesity. Dr. Ali holds a Doctorate in clinical nutrition from Rutgers University and advanced degrees in kinesiology, nutrition, and psychology.

Dr. Shahid Rafiq

Dr. Shahid Rafiq is a long-time activist in the field of Dawah and a Member of the Fellow American Academy of Pediatrics (F.A.A.P). His goal is to develop public awareness of the purpose of life, how to develop a strong relationship with Allah (SWT) and civic duties as a responsible citizen. He works to develop a friendly and positive image of Islam by simplifying the introduction to the basics of religion & correct understanding of the basic foundations of Islam.

SR Sarah Gowayed

Sarah Gowayed is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and Storyteller Academy, and a graduate of the Children’s Book Academy. As the founder and CEO of Sound Heart Kids, a children’s publishing company, she is dedicated to writing stories that inspire youth to develop sound hearts. A homeschooling mother of three, she also serves as President and Founder of the Muslim Homeschool Association. With a B.A. in journalism and an M.B.A., her background includes working in radio and co-founding Tarbiyah Academy, an Islamic private school. She is currently a student at Miftaah Institute’s Online Seminary.

Imam Qasim Ibn Ali Khan

Frederick Qasim ibn Ali Khan, born Frederick Raleigh Spencer on May 14, 1949, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, began his spiritual journey within various Christian sects before joining the Nation of Islam in 1971 and later embracing Orthodox Islam in 1975. A passionate activist and motivational speaker, Qasim Khan has held diverse leadership roles, initiating numerous religious and civic projects. He has traveled extensively across the globe and appeared in over sixty episodes on Peace TV. He is the founder, Imam, and Director of Masjid At-Tawhid and At-Tawhid Educational Center in Houston, Texas, where he resides with his wife, Hasaina, since 1973. He is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Mustafa White

Brother Mustafa White brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit accounting and finance. He is the Program Fiscal Supervisor for ICNA Relief USA and Treasurer for Helping Hand for Relief and Development. His background in Business Administration has fueled his dedication to global disaster relief, socioeconomic projects, and serving Houston through local food pantries and shelters. He serves on the board of the ICNA Outreach Center, promoting understanding of the Muslim community in Houston, and is Chairman of the ICNA Council for Social Justice.

SR Safiyya Patanam