We are a collective of professionals, teachers, volunteers, and peers who understand firsthand the challenge of living as Muslims in the west and we strive to provide the necessary means to facilitate that reality.

Ali Dia

Interim Executive Director

“Ta’leef is not about buildings or spaces. Ta’leef is about the hearts that gather. Some hearts are greater than others. And when you encounter a heart that is connected to the greatest of hearts, the heart of the Prophet Muhammad, (peace and blessings be upon him) miracles take place!”

Suhaila Aziz

Operations Director

“A person is blessed to have one family, but to be able to say that I have two, is the greatest gift possible. I hope to share the gift of family at Ta’leef with everyone, and pray that its warmth can be felt for all of humanity.”.

Alaa Suliman

Programs Coordinator

“To paraphrase the narration of our beloved Messenger, if our hearts are sound then so are our bodies. For me, Ta’leef is an integral part of my heart-work journey.”

Aisha Ibrahim

Convert Support

“Ta’leef is a place where my heart feels content. A place where I can connect to my religious tradition while discovering the beauty of community over and over again.”

Maya Shweiky

Programs Manager

“Ta’leef is the new standard of Islam in America. Welcoming all with smiles and tea, we aim to honor the true spirit of our teachers, going back to the prophets. We’re all in this journey together. And Ta’leef supports and honors that journey, or process, for everyone involved—a true mark of community.”

W. El-Amin James

Re-entry Coordinator

“Ta’leef is a friendly place, where people really care about the well-being of others. I’m a person who wants nothing but good for people who have seen the very worse in life, and want people to understand that life is too short not to be good to one another.”

Mahdy Amine

Teacher & Convert Care

“I want people to feel the true beauty of Islam when they encounter Ta’leef. Was not our Prophet (upon him peace and blessings) the radiant embodiment of outer and inner beauty? One who saw him was in awe, and one who knew him fell in love. I hope Ta’leef translates that experiential beauty to a relevant American context, while honoring the ethos and principles of the rich Islamic tradition.”

Mike Swies

Advisor

“Serving my community at Ta’leef has helped me learn more than I could ever imagine about myself. I have been honored to experience the most joyous, the most trying, and even the most painful of times. Service is our hustle. Compassion is our vehicle. God is our destination. I am thankful for being given an opportunity to try and be of use to my people.”

Hala Mandil

Bookkeeper

“I love Ta’leef because of its ability to reach the heart of the youth and create a stronger connection between them and Islam. Ta’leef doesn’t turn anyone away, it is loving, with open arms.”

We’re excited to share the newest additions on our team! Please join us in welcoming them.

Chicago

Rod Westwood

Chicago Admin

Will Caldwell

Convert Care Coordinator

Jasmine Patton

Convert Care Coordinator

Ariel Syuhadayana

Hospitality Coordinator

Erum Qureshi

Hospitality Coordinator

William Bartholomew

Marketing, Social Media, Security, Fund Raising

Dima Dairanieh

Wellness Coordinator

Bay Area

Monica Ramos

Programs Coordinator and Convert Care Assistant

Seema Badar

Development Associate