Arif Kamal
Bloomingdale
Summary
Detail-oriented educator and religious scholar with over 13+ years of experience in Quranic studies, curriculum development, community engagement, and instructional leadership. Expertise in teaching diverse learners, crafting structured lesson plans, and fostering spiritual growth to create a dynamic learning environment that promotes both academic and personal development. Committed to leveraging extensive teaching experience and strong communication skills to make a meaningful impact in an educator or Islamic studies-focused role. A passion for nurturing students' understanding and appreciation of Islamic teachings drives a dedication to excellence in education.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resident Quran Scholar
Masjid Uthman
01.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented Quranic educational workshops, fostering spiritual growth among congregation members.
- Led the Taraweeh Prayers during the month of Ramadan.
- Facilitated interfaith dialogues, promoting understanding and cooperation within diverse communities.
- Mentored junior volunteers and teachers providing guidance on best practices and skills of Quranic recitation.
- Participated in staff training sessions to continually enhance knowledge and skills.
Director of Quranic Studies
Darul Qasim
08.2015 - Current
- Guide students through an in-depth study of Quranic revelation, its historical context, and linguistic foundations.
- Teach rhetoric, tafsīr (exegesis), and proper recitation (tajwīd), ensuring students gain both conceptual understanding and practical fluency.
- Develop curriculum materials that align with classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary student needs.
- Prepare classrooms, teaching resources, and structured lesson plans to ensure an organized and engaging learning environment.
- Deliver instruction through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and multimedia tools to accommodate multiple learning styles.
- Set clear learning objectives for all units and communicate expectations effectively to students.
- Facilitate student inquiry through balanced instructional programs that include observation, analysis, and guided investigation.
- Maintain compliance with institutional policies while fostering a positive and respectful classroom culture.
- Collaborate with staff to refine academic programs and ensure alignment with institutional curriculum guidelines.
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration and operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices for effective liaison activities and relationship management.
- Analyzed feedback from stakeholders to inform improvements in program delivery and service offerings.
- Maintained a high degree of professionalism at all times, representing the organization with integrity in both internal and external interactions.
- Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with organizational objectives.
Resident Scholar
Islamic Foundation of Southwest Suburbs
04.2012 - Current
- Lead daily, weekly, and special religious services, fostering a spiritually uplifting environment for community members.
- Prepare and deliver educational sermons, lectures, and community talks on diverse Islamic topics.
- Provide ongoing spiritual counseling and guidance to individuals and families, addressing religious, emotional, and personal concerns.
- Design and teach structured Islamic education programs for youth, adults, and newcomers to the community.
- Serve as a resource for community questions on Islamic law, theology, and practical religious matters.
- Organize and support community events, interfaith engagements, and outreach initiatives to strengthen communal ties.
Imam
Muslim Association of Bolingbrook
05.2012 - 06.2015
- Taught Quranic studies and Seerah (life of Prophet Muhammad), ensuring clarity, authenticity, and accessibility for all age groups.
- Delivered Jumu'ah khutbahs, lectures, and spiritual reminders tailored to community needs.
- Provided spiritual support to congregants through counseling sessions and personal visits, including hospitals and homes.
- Conducted religious ceremonies including weddings, funerals, and other rites, ensuring respectful and proper observance.
- Participated in community and interfaith programs to promote understanding and unity.
- Assisted with administrative duties, community programs, and fundraising efforts to support organizational growth.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Education
Bachelors of Arts in Islamic Studies (Alim Course) - Islamic Studies
Institute of Islamic Education
Elgin, IL07.2012
Quran Memorization Program
Institute of Islamic Education
Elgin, IL06.2007
High School Diploma - undefined
Addison Trail High School
Addison, IL05.2005
Skills
- Bilingual in Arabic and Urdu
- Blue Belt in Mixed Martial Arts
- Volunteer experience at a mental health facility in Elgin
- Foreign language proficiency
- Academic writing
- Independent learning
- Interdisciplinary knowledge
- Analytical reasoning
- Time management
Certification
ijāzāt in the riwayah of Ḥafs by way of Āṣim,
ijāzāt in the riwayah of Ḥafs by way of Āṣim, the Qirā’at al-Sughrā, and Qirā’āt al-Kubrā.
His teachers include Shaykh al-Qurra of America Shaykh Waleed al-Maneese, Shaykh al-Qurra of Lebanon Shaykh Maḥmūd al-Akkāwī, the renowned teacher of Qur’an in Madinah al-Munawwarah Shaykh Abdullah al-Jarullah, Shaykh al-Qurra of Syria Shaykh Kurayyim Rājih, Shaykh al-Qurra of Egypt Shaykh Aḥmad Īsa al-Ma’sarāwī Shaykh Mustafa Muftah, Shaykh Mustafa Tolba, Shaykh Uthman Khan, Shaykh Ahmad Hazim.the Qirā’at al-Sughrā, and Qirā’āt al-Kubrā. His teachers include Shaykh al-Qurra of America Shaykh Waleed al-Maneese, Shaykh al-Qurra of Lebanon Shaykh Maḥmūd al-Akkāwī, the renowned teacher of Qur’an in Madinah al-Munawwarah Shaykh Abdullah al-Jarullah, Shaykh al-Qurra of Syria Shaykh Kurayyim Rājih, Shaykh al-Qurra of Egypt Shaykh Aḥmad Īsa al-Ma’sarāwī Shaykh Mustafa Muftah, Shaykh Mustafa Tolba, Shaykh Uthman Khan, Shaykh Ahmad Hazim.
Timeline
Resident Quran Scholar
Masjid Uthman
01.2023 - Current
Director of Quranic Studies
Darul Qasim
08.2015 - Current
Imam
Muslim Association of Bolingbrook
05.2012 - 06.2015
Resident Scholar
Islamic Foundation of Southwest Suburbs
04.2012 - Current
Quran Memorization Program
Institute of Islamic Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Addison Trail High School
Bachelors of Arts in Islamic Studies (Alim Course) - Islamic Studies
Institute of Islamic Education