Imam Azhar Subedar

Imam Azhar Subedar: Imam Azhar Subedar is an Islamic leader and scholar born and raised in Canada. He completed a transformative decade of Islamic studies in the United Kingdom, earning a Master's in Islamic Sciences and Arabic Literature. Imam Subedar addresses contemporary social issues through the lens of the Quran. Since 2002, he has been a driving force within U.S. Muslim communities, serving as an advocate, strategist for Islamic organizations, and a respected spiritual leader. His...See more

Imam Azhar Subedar: Imam Azhar Subedar is an Islamic leader and scholar born and raised in Canada. He completed a transformative decade of Islamic studies in the United Kingdom, earning a Master's in Islamic Sciences and Arabic Literature. Imam Subedar addresses contemporary social issues through the lens of the Quran. Since 2002, he has been a driving force within U.S. Muslim communities, serving as an advocate, strategist for Islamic organizations, and a respected spiritual leader. His commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community growth was shaped by September 11, 2001. On that day, while traveling by bus from Pakistan to New Delhi, India, he learned how the world had changed shortly after arriving. The troubling signs he experienced on his journey foreshadowed the challenges that would follow from that moment on; his life as a Muslim and as an Imam was forever altered. He made it his mission to combat the Islamophobia that arose in the aftermath of 9/11 and to dispel the collective guilt unfairly assigned to all Muslims due to the actions of extremists who misuse the name of Islam. Imam Subedar recognizes that, in addition to his spiritual responsibilities to his congregations and community, he must educate both Muslims and non-Muslims about the often misunderstood verses in the Quran, including those regarding jihad. He has been acknowledged for his contributions within his community and beyond, receiving recognition from politicians across the political spectrum, including Republicans and Democrats. He served on President George W. Bush's White House Faith-Based and Community Initiative Committee and was the first Muslim to deliver the opening prayer at the Florida Senate. Additionally, he offered the prayer at President Biden's Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. Imam Subedar has become an integral part of the fabric of both Islam and America, offering counsel during the tragedy of the Pulse nightclub shooting and attending the funeral of Muhammad Ali. In various ways, he continues to work towards building bridges and fostering understanding in the community. See less