The luminosity of knowledge has the potential to castaway darkness in all its forms and manifestations: the darkness of ignorance, hate, oppression, bigotry and confusion can be nullified through the radiance, power and efficacy of knowledge. After graduating from the University of Florida's college of journalism in 2009, I recognized that although I loved Islam, I needed to strengthen my knowledge of my religion to secure my faith and to better live my life according to Islam's ideals; I knew that I had to seek this light to illuminate my heart. 

Allah's blessing upon me to be able to travel and study in the Middle East has given me the opportunity to see that our ability to preserve the radiant knowledge from our righteous forefathers is at risk. The Prophet (may Allah bless him, and may He grant him peace) said, "Allah does not lift knowledge from my ummah by extracting it from the breasts of men; rather, He takes knowledge through the death of the scholars." So our ability to utilize the power of knowledge to wipe away ignorance, spread love and share the beauty of Islam with others is in danger.

Beyond one individual: Our community's future 

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an, "Indeed, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me."

Indeed, this is a project I am starting myself, but I must stress that this a project for Islam, its preservation, the well being of the Muslims and, consequently, it is for the benefit of all our brothers and sisters from other faiths. This project is aimed at giving us the ability to use our Islamic tradition to dispel stereotypes, refute dangerous extremist ideologies and re-connect all mankind with the illustrious heritage of our Prophet (may Allah bless him, and may He grant him peace). Furthermore, this project is one that I hope will be as a model that other students of the Islamic sciences can use as an example to also raise funds to support their studies.  We must reacquaint ourselves with the mercy, beauty and magnanimity, which our Prophet (may Allah bless him, and may He grant him peace) epitomized. 

Being able to articulate an Islam that is both firmly rooted in our scholastic tradition and practical for the issues we face as Muslims is my main goal for the future. Whether it is through public talks, lectures, writing articles or private one-on-one teaching, my aim is to spread what I have learned and benefited from in the Middle East. My home town is South Florida, and it is from here that I hope I can start small by being a source of knowledge and counsel for my community so it can grow and be a shining example Islam's potential to change individuals, communities and entire peoples. 

The Project

The funds received from this project will go exclusively to furthering my studies in Amman, Jordan. While living in Cairo, Egypt, I  studied the Arabic language for 2 years (not counting my early studies at the University of Florida) along with studies in the Prophetic seerah, Islamic jurisprudence and Qur'anic exegesis. In 2012, I moved to Amman, Jordan, where I am seeking a BA in Arabic Language and Literature. Outside of my university, I focus on Hanafi Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic creed. I have memorized over 2/3s of the Qur'an, and I look forward to completing my memorization within a year. Your funds will allow me to delve deeper into my studies and further explore the vastness of our Islamic heritage, which will give me the ability to spread the beauty of our Prophet's legacy based on sound knowledge and rigorous scholastic training. Your contribution will allow me to fulfill my dream of completing my studies and allow me to come back home to share what knowledge I have gathered with our brothers and sisters who live in communities that are in severe need of teachers of the Islamic tradition. 

How You Can Help

The Prophet (may Allah bless him, and may He grant him peace) said, "Giving charity does not reduce wealth!" Any contribution helps. Nothing is too small. We live in times of turbulence, and it is knowledge and sound application of it with love and wisdom that will help us weather the storm.