Imam Farooq S. Aboelzahab has served the Toledo Community since 1998. As Imam and Director of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo for 16 years, Imam Farooq has prepared and delivered engaging sermons and lectures on a weekly basis covering a variety of topics. A memorizer of the Holy Qur’an at the age of 10, Imam Farooq received his B.A. degree in the Arabic Language from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, followed by two Graduate Diplomas in the same discipline. His expertise in the Arabic Language has allowed him to give so much insight into the interpretation of the Qur’an and makes him a great resource for community members looking for guidance on various issues. He has developed and led several courses and workshops on Qur’an memorization, Tafseer and other topics.
In addition to his service to the Muslim Community, Imam Farooq has built strong relationships with the Toledo community at large. He participates in tens of interfaith dialogues and events each year and organizes several himself. He meets regularly with area clergy and has been invited as a distinguished speaker at regional houses of worship, universities, schools, cultural and government venues. He has led tens of tour groups each month to introduce non-Muslims to Islam and serves as a regular contributor to local news outlets as an expert on Islam.
Previously, Imam Farooq held the position of Imam and Director of the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids, Iowa for 7 years and served as an Assistant Imam with the same Toledo community as his most recent tenure. Before coming to the United States in 1989, Imam Farooq was chosen to represent Al-Azhar 3 times in the Da’wa field while continuing to hold his full-time position as a teacher in the Al-Azhar high school institutions. While still in college, Imam Farooq was chosen to lead a mosque in Egypt as Imam and Khateeb, followed by being delegated by Al-Azhar to Islamabad, Pakistan to teach Arabic and Islam from 1982 to 1986 at the International Islamic University of Islamabad. In 1989, he received the 1st place honor in a national competition to be an Al-Azhar delegate to the United States, where he has resided ever since.
Imam Farooq and his wife Nagat Ebrahem are proud parents of 4 children and 12 grandchildren.