ABOUT IMAM

ABOUT THE IMAM

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Imām Mazhar always had a strong passion for learning and teaching Islam. Imām Mazhar started studying the sciences of Al-Qur’ān under the esteemed guidance of his late father, Al-Qāri’ Maḥmood bin Aḥmad Sa’īd (may Allāh be pleased with them). After completing the memorization of Al-Qur’ān and mastering various forms of recitations (Qirā’at) under the tutelage of his father and enrolled into a four year ‘Ālimiyyah program taught by Muftī Ādam Koya at the Bright Future's Institute, Islamic Seminary.


It was always the Imām’s desire to obtain the knowledge of Islamic Sciences wherever he came across people of knowledge. Aside from dedicating four solid years in the auspicious company of Muftī Ādam Koya, studying Islamic studies, the Imām would dedicate a portion of his time to memorizing and understanding other classical religious texts. This motivated him to enroll in other extracurricular activities, such as traveling to various cities / countries and receiving professional experience in religious fields under prominent scholars, such as, Shaykh Hamzah Wald Maqbul, Imām S’ad Baig, Shaykh Yusuf Badat and Shaykh Habīb ‘Alī.

After graduating from his secondary education Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in Toronto, Canada and completing his Bachelors in Islamic Studies in 2009, Imām Mazhar travelled to Dārul ‘Uloom Zakariyya, South Africa, where he dedicated his time in studying the various sciences of Islam. This included higher faculty courses such as, Arabic, Morphology/Syntax, Poetry, Exegesis of the Holy Qur’ān (Tafsīr), Islamic Theology and Ḥadīth Sciences. He graduated with honors and achieved his Masters in Islamic Studies from DUZ. He has earned authorizations in Ḥadīth from many prominent Scholars, such as, the Grand Muftī of South Africa, Shaykh Ridhā-ul-Haq, Shaykh 'Alā al Dīn bin Jamāl al Dīn, Shaykh Sulaiman Choksī, Shaykh Muḥammad al ‘Awwāmah, the renowned Scholar of Ḥadīth in Madinah, and many others. Aside from his Islamic degrees, Imām Mazhar also holds diplomas in Astronomy and Counselling.


After returning to Canada from South Africa in 2012, Imām Mazhar served as a teacher for the Arabic language, Islamic Studies, and Quranic Studies in various schools in Toronto. Two years later in 2014, Imām Mazhar was inspired through further studies and his mentors to leave the big city life, and move to Western Canada to dedicate his services for the Muslim and the greater community there.


During his time in Western Canada, He resided in Kamloops where he served as an Imām at the Ayesha Mosque and a Chaplain at the Thompson Rivers University, Port Coquitlam; where he served as a Programs Manager and an Imām at the Islamic Society of BC and Lac la Biche, Alberta (at Al Kareem Mosque; the Second Masjid established in Canada) as a Director of Religious Affairs / Imam and an Arabic language instructor for the Northern Lights School Division (NLSD).


He also took courses from Harvard University (edx program)  which encompassed academic insights pertaining to a diverse range of World Religions.


Imām Mazhar currently serves as the Director of Religious Affairs at the Islamic Foundation of Peoria and is a writer at the prestigious Mathabah Institute, Toronto. Imām Mazhar is an active participating scholar at AMJA's (Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America) Imams Conference and a Director at Imams Services Inc.


Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence and a license in cupping therapy.


He is an active member of the interfaith community; he lectures at conferences, schools, seminars and universities in and out of North America. He also makes appearances in the Media.


Imām Mazhar resides in Peoria Illinois with his wife and children and he enjoys traveling, reading and promoting unity through peace and diversity.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The opinions, views and verdicts of Imam Mazhar Mahmood represent his understanding of Islam, based on the Quran and Sunnah; as per the methodology of the 1st generation of Jurists. The opinions, views and verdicts of Imam Mazhar Mahmood do not represent any institution , research facility or any religious / secular organization. 



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