About
Biography
Imam Aly M. Lela is a Ph.D. candidate in Islamic Studies at the Oriental Institute of Oxford University in the U.K.. He holds an M.A. in Near Eastern Civilizations and Languages from Wayne State University and a B.A. in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Cairo University.
He served as Imam in the US for 20+ years in the Islamic Center of Pittsburg, PA, Muslim American Society, Dearborn, MI and IAGD, Rochester Hills, MI. His key research interests include modern and pre-modern Islamic law and jurisprudence, Islamic legislation and ethics and contemporary Islamic thought. Courses: Introduction to Islam, Controversial Islam, Islamic Ethics, Islam in America, and Islam in the Modern World.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The best among you is one who learns and teaches the Qur’ān.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Community
The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The best of your leaders are those whom you love and who love you, who pray for you and you pray for them.”
An Imam is the spiritual epitome of his community. Often times on call 24/7 the work of an Imam is never quite done. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Responding to crisis, public engagements, attending memorial services, attending to media, attending community events, visiting local schools and colleges, conducting marriages, interfaith engagement, welcoming mosque visitors, conducting shahada, Q&A, delivering Friday sermons, leading daily prayers, funeral rights, leading Ramadan prayers, Islamic study circles, mediating disputes, visiting the sick, visiting prisoners and much more.
Interfaith and Intra-faith
Interfaith work is a part of our daily lives, but to be trained as a specialist in the area is another matter. Opening the doors to surrounding neighbors, partners in faith, people who seek knowledge and the general community at large is the responsibility of the spiritual leader of the community.
Imam Aly has conducted numerous open houses. From places of worship to municipalities and institutions of higher learning, Imam Aly has spoken on a diverse array of the spectrum and has a proven track record as a bridge builder in interfaith partnership and promoting intra-faith harmony.
