IANA CONVENTION

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Event Speakers

Sheikh Yahya Al-Raaby
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Sheikh Yaser Birjas
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Ustadh Adam Al-Maghribi
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Sheikh Abdulbary Yahya
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Mufti Muneer
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Sheikh Ukasha Kemeny
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Ustadh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith
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Sheikh Salman Jama
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Imam Mowlid Ali
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Sheikh Abdirahman Kariye
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Sheikh Abdiaziz Ali
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The opinions expressed by the 2025 IANA Annual Convention guest speakers are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Islamic Association of North America (IANA).

Sheikh Yahya Raaby

Sheikh Yahya Raaby, born in Kolding, Denmark, and raised in London, England, is an emerging Islamic scholar and educator. He memorized the Qur’an in his teenage years and pursued studies in various Islamic sciences at Badr Academy under scholars from esteemed institutions in Saudi Arabia. Fluent in Arabic, is actively involved in teaching, delivering sermons, leading prayers and counseling the youth.

Sheikh Yaser Birjas

Sheikh Yasir Birjas is a distinguished Islamic scholar and educator, currently serving as the Head of the Islamic Law and Theory Department at AlMaghrib Institute and as the Imam at Valley Ranch Islamic Center in Irving, Texas. Originally from Palestine and born in Kuwait, he graduated as valedictorian with highest honors from the Islamic University of Madinah’s College of Shariah in 1996. His early career included humanitarian work in Bosnia, followed by roles as an Imam and educator in the United States. Sheikh Yasir holds a master’s degree in Adult Education and Training and is renowned for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and marital counseling, making significant contributions to community development and Islamic education.

Ustadh Adam Al-Maghribi

Ustadh Adam Al-Maghrib is an Islamic educator and speaker known for his transformative journey from a challenging past to becoming a dedicated student of knowledge. His personal story, including his embrace of Islam and subsequent commitment to Islamic studiesHe has delivered lectures at institutions like Al-Faruq Islamic Centre, where he presented topics such as “The 10 Principles of Manners.” His teachings often focus on character development, spirituality, and practical aspects of Islamic living.

Sheikh Abdulbary Yahya

Sheikh Abdulbary Yahya is known for his approachable teaching style and profound patience, often using personal anecdotes to elucidate complex Islamic concepts. Born in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and raised in Seattle, Washington, he pursued Islamic studies at the Islamic University of Madinah, graduating from the College of Shariah.Post-graduation, he served as a teacher and director of the Umm al-Qura Charity Organization in Vietnam and Cambodia.Currently, he is the Imam of Masjid Jaamiul Muslimeen in Seattle, President of the Cham Refugee Community, and Vice-President of the Islamic Center of Washington State.

Mufti Muhammad Ibn Muneer

Mufti Muhammad Ibn Muneer, also known as Mufti Muneer, is a dynamic Islamic scholar from Philadelphia. He pursued Islamic studies at the Islamic University of Madinah, obtaining both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Hadith and is currently pursuing his PhD. Mufti Muneer is renowned for his engaging and interactive teaching style, with a strong passion for Fiqh. He has studied under prominent scholars, including Sheikh Abdul Muhsin al-Abbad. Mufti Muneer is also the Imam at Masjid on the Van Wyck in Queens, New York

Sheikh Okasha Kameny

Sheikh Okasha Kameny is a distinguished Islamic scholar and the Founder and Executive Director of Al-Hirz Institute. He memorized the Qur’an by age nine and went on to study under prominent scholars across the Muslim world. Known for his exceptional memory and mastery of Islamic sciences, Sheikh Okasha has served as an imam and educator in multiple U.S. cities. Through Al-Hirz, he is dedicated to preserving and teaching classical Islamic knowledge to students across the globe.

Ustadh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith

Ustadh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith is an esteemed instructor at Qalam Seminary in Dallas, Texas, and a prominent voice in Islamic education. Raised in a devout Christian household in Buffalo, New York, he embraced Islam at 18 after reading the Qur’an and the Autobiography of Malcolm X. He memorized the Qur’an and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies from Dar ul-Uloom Canada. Shaykh Mikaeel is the author of “With the Heart in Mind,” a work exploring the emotional intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He is dedicated to addressing the needs of Muslim converts, youth education, and social justice.

Sheikh Salman Jama

Sheikh Salman Jama is a graduate of the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, where he earned his degree in Sharia (Islamic Law). With a strong foundation in traditional Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Salman has returned to serve and benefit the community through regular classes, lectures, and educational programs. His dedication to teaching and uplifting others has made him a trusted source of knowledge and guidance for those seeking to grow in their understanding and practice of Islam.

Imam Mowlid Ali

Imam Mowlid Khalif Ali is the Imam of the Abubakar As-Sadique Islamic Center in Minneapolis, MN, and serves as the director of the Abubakar Islamic Institute. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. He has over 15 years of experience teaching Islam to both young and adults.

Sheikh Abdirahman Kariye

Sheikh Abdirahman Kariye graduated with an     Arabic diploma from Al-Kalima Institute and earned an Islamic degree in Sharia from Al-Furqaan College. Having studied under senior ulama from Egypt & Somalia and receiving iAl-Farooqm them, he went on to serve as an Imam & Religious Leader at various Islamic institutions in the US. Sheikh Abdirahman is a significant mentor to the youth and community at large. He is constantly trying to keep up with how he can improve and progress the state of our community at large. He earned a degree in education. Currently, he serves as U.S. National Director for Helping Hand USA and as one of the Imams of Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington, MN.

Sheikh Abdiaziz Omar