Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion with many differing sects which believes that:
- There is one all-knowing divinity (Allah) and Muhammad is his messenger.
- Perfect peace comes from total submission to Allah.
- By following the "Five Pillars of Faith" one can achieve perfect peace.
- The Qur'an and Hadith are sacred texts which outline the characteristics of Allah and offer guidance about how individuals should live.
- One day, Allah, with absolute justice and mercy, will judge all of human kind.
The Five Pillars of Islam
- To testify your belief in One God (called Allah in Arabic) and the Prophet Muhammed as His Last and Final Messenger (peace and blessings of God be upon him).
- To pray five daily prayers at their appointed times
- To fast from dawn to dusk during the lunar month of Ramadan.
- To pay alms on excess wealth.
- To make Pilgrimage to the Mosque in Mecca once in a lifetime, if one is able.
1. Religious Affiliation
Muslim
2. Educational History
B.MSc. 2003
M.D. 2004
M.B.A. 2010
3. Joined the U of A
2009
4. Current Focus at the U of A
I am primarily interested in helping students and staff at the University of Alberta meet their spiritual needs. I am also interested in developing a fusion of best management practices from Islamic tradition and modern management theory.
5. Other Passions and Interests
I enjoy anything in the outdoors. In the summer, I can be found mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and camping with my wife and six kids. In the winter, we like all manners of skiing and snowboarding. I work as a full-time emergency physician at a local hospital in Edmonton and also enjoy global travelling whenever possible.
6. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A
Every evil action on earth is the result of a diseased heart. It is only a sick heart that can steal, lie, cheat and senselessly harm others. However, there are enlightened humans who have removed these diseases from their hearts and are luminaries in our times. These spiritual cardiologists can help us cure our sick hearts. I am not a cardiologist (medically nor metaphysically) but I know where to find them.
7. Contact
1. Religious Affiliation
Sunni Muslim
2. Educational History
BA (Cum Laude) Humanities and Religious Studies
Graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy
MA Islamic Studies & Christian-Muslim Relations
Residency (2yrs) in Clinical Spiritual Care and Counselling (i.e., CPE)
3. Joined the U of A
2019
4. Current Focus at the U of A
I provide support for students and staff desiring spiritually-sensitive counsel, consultation, and education.
5. Other Passions and Interests
You probably won’t be surprised to know that I love to learn about all things religious and spiritual. In fact, I am fascinated by the various ways human beings presently and historically have engaged with spirituality and the sacred. However, I am also bit of a nerd. I enjoy reading academic, historical, and fictional books as well as watching Marvel and Star Wars movies. For fun, I also enjoy playing Katan and other games with family and friends.
6. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A
As a chaplain, I aim to provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts, concerns, and questions in a spiritually-sensitive, meaningful, and welcoming manner. I deeply believe in the need for support services and spaces that integrate culture, spirituality, and strategies for wellbeing. Whether you want to talk about life’s challenges, religion, spirituality, or just connect, I am here to help.
7. Contact
1. Religious Affiliation
Muslim
2. Educational History
BA Psychology & Sociology UAlberta
3. Joined the U of A
2016
4. Current Focus at the U of A
As an associate chaplain, my goal is to offer a compassionate and understanding presence providing a listening ear and thoughtful guidance. Whether you need someone to talk to seek advice or simply share your experiences I am here to support you in navigating university life with care and empathy.
5. Other Passions and Interests
I love exploring the city we live in whether it’s biking through the river valley or checking out a new cafe. I also enjoy traveling to different countries and experiencing various cultures and meeting new people. But at the end of the day I’m happiest when I’m having chai and catching up with family and friends.
6. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A
When I was an undergraduate student I found comfort and guidance through the support of a Muslim chaplain. This experience had a profound impact on me during a pivotal time in my life. My biggest motivation for becoming a chaplain at the University of Alberta is to give back to the space and community that provided me with such meaningful support and to offer the same care and guidance to others navigating their own journeys.
7. Contact
1. Religious Affiliation
My religious affiliation is Islam, and I consider myself to be a practicing Muslim.
2. Educational History
I have graduated with a Bachelor's of Science specializing in Psychology in 2022 from the U of A.
3. Joined the U of A
I first joined the U of A as a student in 2017, graduated in 2022, and now hope to return to campus as a professional.
4. Current Focus at the U of A
I now return to campus as an Associate Chaplain focusing on Peer Support.
5. Why I am a Chaplain at the U of A
I want to be a listening ear and a person any and all students can go to if they need support as they navigate their university careers. Regardless of anyone's spirituality or religion I hope to be someone that can be there to help, and be a safe person that students can comfortably speak to.
6. Other Passions and Interests
I enjoy art, specifically the acrylic medium and expressing themes and thoughts in painting. I also have a keen interest in books, film and TV.
7. Contact