Biography of Imam Dr Zakir Ahmed

Dr. Zakir Ahmed is a New York-based imam and educator, and the founder and president of Rawdah Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Islamic education, youth empowerment, and nurturing the next generation of Muslim leaders. He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences from the International Islamic University Malaysia. Outside of his work in teaching and community leadership, Dr. Zakir cherishes his role as a father of three and values spending time with his family and loved ones.

Early Life and Education

Imam Dr Zakir Ahmed was born in Bangladesh and moved to the United States with his family at the young age of three. He was raised and educated in New York, where his spiritual journey began early. A pivotal achievement in his youth was the memorization of the Holy Qur’an, which he completed under the guidance of the world-renowned Qari, Shaykh Hassan Saleh, at the Muslim American Society’s (MAS) Qur’an Institute. His secular and religious education progressed in parallel. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from Queens College, where he also demonstrated early leadership qualities by serving as the president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA). Driven by a passion for sacred knowledge, he pursued advanced Islamic studies abroad. In 2013, he obtained a certificate in Arabic language and Qur’anic recitation from the esteemed Iqra Institute in Cairo, Egypt. A year later, in 2014, he completed an intensive course on classical Islamic texts under the world-class scholar Shaykh Dr. Akram Nadwi, earning a diploma from Cambridge Islamic College in the United Kingdom. He further synthesized his knowledge by earning a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations from Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, equipping him with the scholarly tools for interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Career and Leadership

Imam Zakir Ahmed has built a career centered on education, spiritual guidance, and community leadership. As an employee of the New York City Department of Education, he contributes to the public school system while simultaneously serving the Muslim community’s religious needs. He is a sought-after speaker, delivering weekly Friday Sermons (Khutbahs) and lectures at his local masjid and various other communities across New York. Beyond the pulpit, he is widely sought after to officiate Muslim marriages, where his delivery of the marriage sermon (Khutbah al-Nikah) has made him a popular and respected figure for couples starting their new life. His role as a community leader is further exemplified by his presence at significant public events.

Recently, he was honored to deliver a poignant speech at the funeral service for fallen NYPD officer Didarul Islam, representing the Muslim community in a moment of shared grief and respect.

His academic leadership is demonstrated by his service at prestigious universities. He served as a religious life fellow at Columbia University and currently serves as a lecturer and advisor at Fordham University, where he continues to mentor and educate the next generation. Imam Zakir is also pursuing his PhD in Qur’an and Sunnah studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, ensuring his scholarship remains at the cutting edge.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Imam Dr. Zakir Ahmed
Date of Birth	Not publicly available
Age	Not publicly available
Birthplace	Bangladesh
Gender	Male
Occupation	Imam, Lecturer, Advisor, Educator
Education	B.A. (Queens College), M.A. (Hartford Seminary), PhD Candidate (IIUM), Diploma (Cambridge Islamic College), Certificate (Iqra Institute)
Known For	Youth empowerment, community leadership, pastoral services (marriages, funerals), Islamic education, and interfaith dialogue.

Career Timeline

Year Unknown

Birth and Early Years

Imam Zakir Ahmed was born in Bangladesh and moved to New York, USA, at the age of three, where he was raised and received his foundational education.

Year Unknown

Qur'an Memorization

He completed the memorization of the Holy Qur'an under Shaykh Hassan Saleh at the Muslim American Society’s Qur'an Institute in New York.

Year Unknown

Bachelor's Degree and MSA Presidency

He graduated from Queens College with a B.A. in History and Education. During his time there, he served as the president of the Muslim Students Association.

2013

Certification in Arabic and Qur’anic Recitation

He traveled to Cairo, Egypt, and obtained a certificate in Arabic language and Qur’anic recitation from the Iqra Institute.

2014

Diploma in Classical Islamic Texts

He studied under Shaykh Dr. Akram Nadwi and was awarded a diploma from Cambridge Islamic College, UK, deepening his knowledge of classical Islamic sciences.

Year Unknown

Master's Degree

He earned a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations from Hartford Seminary, Connecticut.

Year Unknown

Columbia University Fellowship

He served as a religious life fellow at Columbia University, providing spiritual counsel and support to the student body.

Present – Career and Doctoral Studies

Imam Zakir is currently employed with the New York City Dept. of Education, serves as a lecturer and advisor at Fordham University, and is pursuing a PhD. He remains a highly active Imam and speaker, known for officiating marriages and representing the community at significant events, such as delivering a speech at the funeral for NYPD Officer Didarul Islam.

Philosophy and Views

Imam Zakir Ahmed’s approach to Islam is balanced and deeply rooted in both traditional scholarship and contemporary reality. His education under classical scholars like Shaykh Akram Nadwi grounds him in the rich Islamic tradition, while his American upbringing and academic training give him a profound understanding of modern challenges. His Master’s degree in Christian-Muslim Relations highlights a commitment to fostering interfaith understanding and constructive dialogue. He focuses on practical, relevant Islam that empowers individuals to be confident in their faith while contributing positively to society. He has maintained a positive public profile, focusing on education and community building.

Personal Life and Challenges

Imam Zakir balances his demanding public life with his personal responsibilities. He is a father to his young daughter, Maryam, and in his personal time, he enjoys reading and traveling. One of the significant challenges he navigates is balancing his full-time employment, rigorous PhD studies, extensive community commitments, and family life—a testament to his discipline and dedication. Within the community, he is perceived as an approachable, knowledgeable, and sincere leader who genuinely cares for the well-being of those he serves.

Legacy and Impact

Imam Dr. Zakir Ahmed’s legacy is being built through his multifaceted service. He is primarily remembered for his tireless work in youth development and for shepherding the community through moments of both joy and sorrow. His influence is felt in the college campuses he serves, the families he unites in marriage, and the communities that benefit from his sermons. By bridging the gap between classical Islam and modern American life, he is helping shape a confident, knowledgeable, and engaged generation of Muslims. His ongoing work will undoubtedly continue to enrich the landscape of Islamic scholarship and leadership in the West for years to come.