About

Imam Azhar Subedar is passionate about connecting with communities and serving the needs of humanity as a whole. He has dedicated his life to being a voice for Islam in all spaces, contributing to the structural development of Muslim organizations, and fostering spiritual and educational growth within the Muslim community.

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Working strategically for the betterment of the community, today, and for the continuity of Islam, tomorrow.
– Imam Azhar Subedar

Imam Azhar Subedar is a renowned Islamic scholar and spiritual leader known for his profound knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and theology. His passion for religious studies led him to pursue advanced Islamic education at prestigious institutions in America and later in UK.

Throughout his career, Imam Subedar has served as an imam and educator in various mosques and Islamic centers across the United States. His sermons and lectures are characterized by their clarity, depth of insight, and relevance to contemporary issues facing Muslims worldwide.

Imam Subedar is also noted for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and community outreach, promoting understanding and cooperation among people of different faiths. His efforts in fostering unity and tolerance have earned him respect both within the Muslim community and beyond.

Career Highlights & Accomplishments

O’ People Foundation

Founder of O’ People Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to creating space for Muslims in all aspects of society.

Quran Trek®

Founder of QuranTrek ®, a first of its kind mobile app that helps Muslims build a practical and memorable connection with the Quran in their daily lives.

Hajj & Umrah Tours

Imam Azhar has served hajj and umrah tours since 1999 and has led hundreds of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah tours through Meaningful Hajj & Umrah.

Muslim Psychology Center

Imam Azhar is the Religious Advisor for the Muslim Psychology Center, a platform developed to network mental health resources in the Muslim community.

Publications

I Am the Other
Imam Azhar is the co-author of I Am the Other, a book dedicated to sparking meaningful and real dialogue about Islam and Muslims. The goal of the book is to clarify misconceptions and misunderstanding of Muslims.

New Muslim 101 – Coming Soon!
Imam Azhar is the author of New Muslim 101 a three level educational series of books designed to assist new Muslims in their journey to understand Islamic belief, Islamic character and lifestyle changes.

Political Outreach & Advocacy

Imam Azhar has conducted local, state, and federal politicial outreach to advocate for Muslim Americans and advocating for issues important to the Muslim American community.

Imam Azhar is also the first Muslim American to deliver the Opening Prayer in the Florida Senate in its 174 year history.

Nov 2000

Graduated from Institute Of Islamic Education (IOIE) (United Kingdom)

M.S. Degree in Islamic Science and Arabic Literature

Nov 2000

Jan 2001

Continuing Education

Continued education at various reputable religious institutions and scholars in Saudi, Jordan, India, and Pakistan

Jan 2001

Oct 2002

Imam of the Islamic Center of Southwest Florida (Masjid Ibrahim)

Islamic Studies Teacher, Khatib, Licensed Clergy Member of Lee County, Florida

Oct 2002

Sep 2003

Member of the White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Under the GW Bush Administration

Sep 2003

Aug 2004

Hurricane Charley Relief Initiative

Under Governor Jeb Bush

Aug 2004

Sep 2005

Religious Advisor to the Florida Department Of Education “Faith and Community-based Advisory Board”

Served as Religious Advisor and consulted the State of Florida on Muslim community challenges and issues (2005-2018)

Sep 2005

Jan 2008

Imam of the Islamic Community of Southwest Florida (Masjid Nur)

Served as Imam. Developed and led community programs including Islamic education and youth programs

Jan 2008

Mar 2014

First Muslim to give opening prayer at Florida Senate

Delivered Prayers at Florida Senate

Mar 2014

Jan 2015

University of Tampa, Tampa, FL—Spiritual Director

Served as Spiritual Director for the University of Tampa

Jan 2015

Apr 2015

First Muslim to give opening prayer at Florida House of Representatives

Delivered opening prayer for The Florida House of Representatives

Apr 2015

Jun 2016

Orlando Shooting Clergy Response Team

Member of the official Clergy Response Team to the Orlando shooting

Jun 2016

Jan 2017

One of the Founders of The South Florida Muslim Federation

Jan 2017

Jun 2017

Director of Outreach for Divine Connect

A member of the team that installed the first-ever “live translation system” in the Haramain, KSA

Jun 2017

Jul 2017

Received Certificate of Appreciation from The Southern Poverty Law Center

In recognition of contribution against hatred and intolerance in America

Jul 2017

Aug 2018

Imam of the Islamic Association of Collin County, Plano, TX

Spiritual Director and Imam. Interfaith Leader. Pastoral Counselor