Idris Abdul-Zahir
Imam and Islam Expert
Education
- Drexel University – General Studies: Business Systems Management & Analysis
- Temple University – Management Information Systems (Minor: Accounting)
- Bayan Claremont – Arabic Language Studies
Professional Achievements
- Had multiple appearances alongside interfaith leaders on NBC’s Today Show, offering spiritual guidance in segments on gratitude and holiday reflections
- Been interviewed by Marc Lamont Hill on multiple occasions, including on TheGrio News and Hill’s long-form programs, where they discussed the intersections of faith, race, and justice
- Received profile coverage in The New Yorker and a feature on the BBC World News
- Has engaged diverse audiences through keynotes and panel discussions with organizations like Oxford University, NAACP, University of Pennsylvania, AFL-CIO, and Chestnut Hill College
- Selected as a USA Leader by the Obama Foundation in 2024
- Created the web series Ask A Muslim to challenge Islamophobia through the lens of Black American Muslim identity
- Contributed to public history efforts like Muslim Voices of Philadelphia
Certifications & Organizations
- Appointed Deputy Chief Information Officer, Public Sector (2024-Present)
- Former Chief of Staff, Public Sector – Office of Innovation & Technology (2022-2024)
- Appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs (2023-2025)
- Appointed to Philadelphia’s Inaugural Commission on Muslim Engagement (2024)
- Resident Imam & Board Chair, Masjidullah: The Center for Human Excellence (since 2020)
- Appointed to Honorary Deputy Sheriff Executive Committee by Sheriff Rochelle Bilal (2023)
- Member of the National Association of Black Journalists
Favorite Piece of Advice
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Co-authored Articles (18)
How to
Greet in Islam
In our era of globalization, we often come into contact with people different from us. This is particularly true in international business settings. Want to greet a Muslim respectfully? A few simple rules will help you d...
What Are the Ten Rules of Islam?
Discover the core religious principles of the Islamic faithAlthough the Qur’an has the same prophets as Jewish and Christian texts, it doesn’t have a list of 10 primary commandments for Muslims to follow. However, Is...
How to
Become a Muslim
At almost two billion members and growing, Islam is, by some measures, the fastest-growing religion in the world. Unique among the world's religions in the ease with which new members may join its ranks, Islam requires o...
What Does "Inshallah" Mean & How Do You Use It?
Learn when and how the Arabic word “Inshallah” is used in daily life “Inshallah” is one of the most commonly used phrases in Arabic. It roughly translates to “if God wills” but has many different meanings dep...
A Full Translation of the Ayatul Kursi & Its Many Benefits
Discover the power of this sacred passage of the Qur’anThe Qu’ran is full of beautiful and powerful verses, and the Ayatul Kursi (آيَةُ ٱلْكُرْسِيِّ) is often viewed as the most powerful of them all....
Why Is Eating Pork Forbidden in Islam? Religious & Cultural Reasons
Exploring Islamic dietary laws & other religions that don't eat pork Many religions dictate certain foods that can or can’t be eaten—and in the Islamic religion, pork is expressly forbidden. That’s because Islamic...
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pray Fajr Salaah
When & how to pray Fajr for men & womenA series of five daily prayers, or salah, is a key part of the Muslim faith. The Fajr Salat, or dawn prayer, is the first of those salah. Muslim prayer has a very specific series of...
How to
Perform Tayammum
Imagine you are in a situation in which you need to perform Wudu but you don’t have access to any water. Or you are calling in sick and you can't touch the water with your bare hands. In these instances, you can perfor...
What Are the 6 Kalimas and What Are Their Benefits?
Say these Kalma after your daily prayers to affirm your faithThe 6 Kalimas (also called the 6 Traditions or the 6 Phrases) are a form of Islamic worship (dhikr) and declarations of faith. 22 May 2025.. When you recite th...
How to
Tie a Turban
People from many religions and cultures wear turbans as a part of everyday attire, and turbans are often associated with followers of the Sikh religion. Turbans can also be used to keep your head and hair protected from ...
How to
Wear a Hijab
The hijab is an important part of a Muslim woman's modesty. The Islamic dress code requires a woman to cover her entire body, except for her hands and face, with loose clothing. The term hijab refers to the principle of ...
How to Pray with a Misbaha
Learn to wear, store, and use your tasbeeh, or prayer beads The misbaha (also sometimes called a “tasbih” or “tasbeeh”) is a string of beads used by Muslims to count recitations of phrases used to praise or glori...
How to Perform Dua e Hajat
Ask Allah for marriage, wealth, protection, and more The dua e hajat (prayer of need) is a voluntary prayer separate from the 5 daily obligatory prayers in Islam. With this dua, worshipers ask Allah for guidance or help ...
How to
Perform Ablution (Shia)
Ablution, or ''wudu'', is a means of purifying yourself to prepare for prayer or worship. 22 May 2025. Without ablution, you cannot read the Qur'an, pray, or make tawaf. This article will teach you how to perform ablutio...
How to
Ask Dua
Dua is defined as any invocation or prayer addressed to Allah. It is the essence of ibadah or worship. Dua should be the first and the last resort of the believer, as it is at its core a conversation with Allah. Perspect...
How to
Choose Whether to Wear the Hijab
Many Muslim girls struggle with the question of whether they should wear the hijab, especially if they live somewhere where Islam isn't the predominant religion. While the choice is ultimately up to you, there will undou...
What Does SWT Mean? + Other Common Islamic Acronyms
Unpacking the religious meaning & the dating app meaningSWT, or subhanahu wa ta’ala سبحانه وتعالى, is an honorific for the Muslim god Allah سبحانه وتعالى that means “Glory to He, the exalted.�...
How to
Be a Clean Muslim
Islam has many rules pertaining to cleanliness and emphasizes the importance of being clean. In the Qur'an, it says "Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure". This article will teach you how to be a clean Mu...
