Meet
Our Imams
Sheikh Bassam Obeid, Lead Imam
About
Sheikh Bassam Obeid is a warm, approachable scholar whose leadership blends deep classical training with everyday care for families, youth, and the wider community. Known for his humility and clarity, he listens first, teaches with precision, and remains deeply engaged in the practical realities of mosque life. His work at the Islamic Center of Charlotte reflects a lifelong commitment to unity, service, and spiritual guidance.
Early Roots
Born in Tripoli, Lebanon in 1964 and raised in the coastal town of Kalamun, Sheikh Bassam grew up in a household where faith was woven into daily life. As the youngest of 14 siblings, he was shaped by his father’s love for Qur’anic stories and his mother’s devotion. Neighborhood halaqas and local shuyukh instilled in him the belief that religious knowledge must meet real human needs. Among his most influential teachers was Sheikh Muhammad Abdul Hayy, a fisherman and zahid whose depth of character and scholarship left a lasting imprint on Sheikh Bassam’s spiritual path.
Education and Formation
Sheikh Bassam’s path of learning began with a strong foundation in the sciences, graduating high school in 1984 with a concentration in Experimental Science. His pursuit of sacred knowledge then led him to the Islamic University of Madina, Saudi Arabia, where in 1991 he earned a Bachelor of Sharia (Islamic Law). During these years, he combined formal coursework with nightly halaqas at Masjid Al-Nabawi, gaining wisdom from some of the most respected scholars of the time.
In 1995, he deepened his Qur’anic expertise by receiving an Ijazah and sanad with tajweed in two recitations, Aasim and Ibn Katheer, from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs of Qatar. This certification affirmed his mastery of Qur’anic recitation and transmission.
His academic journey continued in the United States, where he pursued advanced studies at the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana. There he completed a Master’s in Islamic Studies in 2007, followed by a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2009. His doctoral dissertation, “The Chapter of Joseph in Light of Narrative Discourse and Critical Analysis,” showcased his ability to bridge classical tafsir with modern scholarly methods, blending traditional depth with contemporary analysis.
Journey and Service in the United States
After teaching in Pakistan for three years, where he became principal of a division serving 500 international students, Sheikh Bassam moved to Qatar, then to the United States in 1997. He served in Tucson, Arizona, before settling in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has served the community for over two decades. His early focus was on unifying ethnically divided communities, forming inter-masjid committees for Ramadan and Eid. Today, his priority is youth development, recognizing that the future of the Muslim community depends on inspiring the next generation to live their faith with confidence and clarity.
Role with AMJA and Wider Engagement
Sheikh Bassam is an active member of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), an organization that brings together a relatively select group of scholars to develop fiqh and guidance tailored to Muslims living in North America. Membership and the organization’s expert panels tend to include well-regarded jurists and academics who contribute fatwas, research, and practical guidance; examples of scholars associated with AMJA’s membership and expert lists include established names such as Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, and Prof. Abd Al‑Muhsin Ahmed, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on scholarly credentials and community-focused jurisprudence.
Personal Approach and Vision
Sheikh Bassam favors simple, usable guidance over abstract debate. He invests his time in one-on-one mentorship, youth programs, and collaborative projects between mosques. He hopes to strengthen imam networks, build lasting educational resources for the next generation, and keep mosque life focused on compassionate service, learning, and unity.
Sheikh Bassam’s Facebook Page
Imam Ahmed E. Mostafa
About
Imam Ahmed E. Mostafa is a respected Islamic scholar, educator, and khateeb (preacher) whose work bridges tradition and contemporary relevance. With over two decades of teaching experience and a rich academic background, he brings spiritual depth, linguistic expertise, and a passion for service to the Islamic Center of Charlotte.
Early Life & Foundations
Born and raised in Egypt, Imam Ahmed’s journey into Islamic scholarship began early. His dedication to the Qur’an led him to pursue multiple ijazahs in Hafs recitation and advanced Qira’at, laying the foundation for a life devoted to teaching and spiritual leadership.
Education & Academic Credentials
Imam Ahmed holds multiple degrees from renowned institutions, including Al-Azhar University and Zagazig University. His academic path reflects a rare blend of Islamic studies, linguistics, translation, and English literature:
Post-Graduate Two-Year Pre-Masters in English Linguistics & Translation, Al-Azhar University (2021)
B.A. Candidate in Islamic Studies in English, Al-Azhar University
B.A. in English Language and Literature, Zagazig University (2019)
B.A. in Simultaneous Interpretation, Al-Azhar University (2014)
Three Ijazahs in Hafs Qur’anic recitation (2010)
Candidate for advanced Ijazahs in the Ten Qira’at (Al-Ashr Al-Sughra and Al-Kubra) under Dr. Ezzat Nawfal, a leading authority at Al-Azhar University
- M.A candidate in English Linguistics & Translation (Al-Azhar University)
Teaching & Professional Journey
Imam Ahmed has taught Qur’an, Arabic, and Islamic studies for over 18 years in Egypt and 5 years in the United States, with a special focus on non-native Arabic speakers. His teaching style is rooted in clarity, compassion, and accessibility.
He has served as:
A researcher at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Al-Azhar University
A licensed khatib and Islamic preacher in Egypt and the United States since 2005
A lecturer of English language at the Egyptian Aviation Academy (EAA), Ministry of Civil Aviation
A lecturer in English and translation at MYF Academy
Community Impact
At ICC, Imam Ahmed plays a vital role in guiding congregants, delivering khutbahs, and fostering spiritual growth. His leadership is marked by humility, scholarship, and a sincere commitment to serving the Charlotte community with integrity and faith.