Islamic Education & Works

From my conversion to Islam while serving in the U.S. Army to becoming an Imam serving both free and incarcerated Muslims, my journey has been one of continuous learning and service. Each step has prepared me for the next, building upon a foundation of authentic Islamic knowledge combined with practical experience in serving diverse communities.

Conneaut Masjid

Imam • 2025 - Present

  • Leading the effort to establish the first masjid in Ashtabula County
  • Conducting weekly Jummah prayers and religious services
  • Providing Islamic education and counseling to the local Muslim community
  • Building interfaith relationships and representing Islam in the broader community

Lake Erie Correctional Institute

Imam / Islamic Chaplain • 2024 - Present

  • Providing spiritual guidance and Islamic education to incarcerated Muslims
  • Leading weekly Jummah prayers and religious services
  • Conducting Islamic counseling and rehabilitation programs
  • Advocating for religious rights and accommodation for Muslim inmates

us-Sunnah Foundation

Founder & Director • 2014 - Present

  • Founded and lead Islamic charity focused on education and humanitarian aid
  • Established scholarship programs for Islamic studies students
  • Organized support services for new Muslims and those in need
  • Developed online Islamic educational resources and platforms
  • Multiple classes globally at masajid, Islamic boarding schools, and events

eDialogue.org

Islamic Teacher & Counselor • 2014 - 2018

  • Taught Islamic studies courses to students worldwide
  • Manager of the FaithChat.com department within eDialogue
  • Led training for the entire organization on giving dawah via online classes
  • Provided one-on-one counseling for new Muslims and those interested in Islam
  • Answered questions about Islamic beliefs and practices
  • Developed curriculum for online Islamic education in da'wah

Islamic Online University (IOU)

Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies • 2010 - 2014

  • Comprehensive Bachelor's program offered by Dr. Bilal Philips
  • Studied Aqeedah, Fiqh, Hadith Sciences, Tafsir, and Islamic History

Al-Maghrib Institute

Student - Weekend Intensive Seminars • 2002 - 2008

  • Completed all courses offered in Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey
  • Covered Da'wah, Aqeedah, Fiqh, Usool al-Fiqh, Tafsir, Seerah, and more.

IIASA - Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in America

Student - Arabic & Islamic Studies • 2002 - 2006

  • Intensive Arabic language program focusing on Quranic and classical Arabic
  • Islamic sciences curriculum covering Fiqh, Hadith, and Tafsir

U.S. Army

Soldier & New Muslim • 2001 - 2004

  • Served as combat veteran in the U.S. Army
  • Converted to Islam while serving after researching the faith online
  • Began practicing Islam while completing military service
  • Experience shaped commitment to serving others and dawah work

Ongoing Development

My journey in Islamic knowledge continues through regular study with local scholars, attendance at conferences, and self-directed learning. I maintain a balance between traditional Islamic sciences and contemporary applications, always seeking to serve the Muslim community with authentic knowledge and practical wisdom. Whether teaching online, counseling prisoners, or building community infrastructure, every role is an opportunity to embody the comprehensive nature of Islamic practice.