MEET THE
TEAM.
MUFTI WASIM KHAN
Mufti Wāsim Khān was born in Dallas, Texas, and began his journey in Islamic knowledge at a very young age. He studied across 4 continents at esteemed institutions such as Darul Uloom Zakariyya and Jami'atul 'Ilm Wal-Huda, specializing in Qur'ān, Tafsīr, Hadīth, Fiqh, and much more.
He is a regular speaker both nationally and abroad at conferences, workshops, youth programs, social services events, and development programs. He's been teaching students and aspiring scholars the world over for many years.
He also founded the “Khatīb Notes” initiative, whereby over 300 scholars from 6 continents exchange weekly Khutbah notes.
Resident Scholar
Qari Zakaria Abo-Gadallah
IMAM NADIM BASHIR
Imam Nadim began his journey with a foundation in Arabic and Fiqh under the supervision of local scholars in the US. He then transferred overseas to study at Jaamia Talimul Islam in Dewsbury, England, for 7 years where he received Ijaazaat in various Islamic Sciences, including Arabic, Fiqh, Hadith, Tafseer, Tajweed, and Qira’ah, graduating in 2003.
Since returning to the US, Imam Nadim Bashir has served as an Arabic, Tafseer, and Fiqh instructor, religious advisor, and leader for various institutions.
In 2012, Imam Nadim decided to join East Plano Islamic Center to fill their vacant Imam position and helped transform the organization into the vibrant and blossoming community it is today.
Advisor
SHAYKH KASHIF SIDDIQUI
Shaykh Kashif was born and raised in Chicago. Studying Biochemistry and Electrical Engineering at Michigan State University, and earning a Master's in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech, he currently works as an engineer.
His study of the sacred sciences began over a decade ago under the tutelage of esteemed scholars from the Maryland Institute of Development (MID) in Laurel, MD, and Madinatul Uloom (MTU) in Woodbridge, VA.
His current research focuses on fiqhi issues related to food production, inheritance, and financial transactions. He currently resides in Plano, Texas with his wife and four children, with a love for gardening, baking, crafting coffee, and woodworking.
Director of Education
Qari Zakaria Abo-Gadallah is a distinguished educator and Islamic scholar, deeply rooted in his Palestinian heritage, now residing in Dallas, TX. With a rich background in Islamic studies and a fluent command of English, Arabic, and sign language, Qari Zakaria brings a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and innovative teaching methodologies to his roles. His career highlights include serving as a University Qur'ān Instructor, an Islamic Studies Instructor, and an Imam and Teacher in numerous masjids across the globe, including in Gaza, Egypt, Qatar, and the USA.
Qari Zakaria's commitment to fostering a safe and positive learning environment is evident through his personalized lesson plans and his ability to tailor assignments to the diverse needs of his students. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Al-Aqsa University in Gaza and a Master's in Dawah in English from the Islamic University of Minnesota. Qari Zakaria's is a master of the Ashara Qirāʼāt. Qari Zakaria is a survivor and eyewitness of the ongoing war and genocide in Gaza, Palestine. This harrowing experience has only deepened his passion for teaching and his love for children and the Qur’ān. It is this combination of deep scholarly knowledge, firsthand experience of adversity, and a profound love for guiding the younger generation that Qari Zakaria brings to his new role at ISRA, where he is set to inspire and educate with compassion and wisdom.
Imam and Qur’ān Teacher