Knowledge Branch Lead | Advising Scholar, Tarbiya Institute Co Founder, Tarbiya Seminary Director

Dr. Imam Sherif Ahmed holds a Ph.D. in Nonprofit Management and is currently completing his Master’s in Islamic Studies, blending advanced academic training with deep practical experience in teaching, mentorship, and community development. He has studied under traditional Islamic scholars, grounding his work in authentic scholarship while making it accessible and relevant for contemporary communities. His efforts focus on nurturing spiritual growth, cultivating knowledge (‘ilm), and developing skills that empower individuals and communities to live purposeful, faith-centered lives.

Dr. Sherif is the co-founder of Tarbiya Institute and serves as the Dean of Tarbiya Seminary, where he has designed and implemented programs that integrate traditional Islamic scholarship with modern life skills. He has developed comprehensive curricula for tarbiyah (personal and spiritual development), irshād (mentorship), and leadership, fostering spaces for spiritual reflection, inquiry, and growth. His programs include interactive workshops, community-based initiatives, events, and structured learning that cultivate both knowledge and character.

In addition to his work at Tarbiya, Dr. Sherif serves as a visiting instructor at Hikmah Seminary and a visiting scholar at Bayan Islamic Graduate School, sharing his knowledge and mentorship with wider communities of learners. Over the course of his career, he has taught more than 20 courses, delivered over 35 lectures and workshops nationwide, and mentored countless students seeking guidance in faith, personal development, and professional growth.

The guiding principles of Dr. Sherif and suhbah tayyibah in service are ṣuḥbah (companionship), ‘ilm (sacred knowledge), and service (khidma). He actively engages in chaplaincy and counseling, providing spiritual guidance, personal support, and mentorship to individuals, families, and community leaders. Beyond teaching, he fosters community research initiatives, collaborates with local MSAs, nonprofits, and other organizations, and creates opportunities for practical engagement and collaborative learning.

Khidmah Branch Lead

Ali Beshnak is a Palestinian originally from Damascus, Syria. He now lives in the United States with his wife, Raghdah, and their two daughters, Lilah and Talia. His community work is driven by gratitude to Allah and by a desire to raise his family with the understanding that service is a natural expression of faith.

Ali serves as the Service (Khidmah) Branch Lead for Suhbah Ṭayyibah, where he helps guide community service initiatives, coordinate volunteer efforts, and cultivate a culture of compassion and benefit among students. In this role, he supports the program’s vision of transforming knowledge into meaningful action and encouraging members to embody Prophetic service.

He has also served with Tarbiya’s chaplaincy program, supporting new Muslims, visiting patients in hospitals, and assisting families with end-of-life spiritual care. His participation in Imam Sherif’s Al Qalam Halaqa further strengthened his connection to Islamic learning and community leadership.

Ali’s volunteer efforts include supporting refugee families with REDA, distributing food and essentials through Al Misbaah, and contributing to programs run by several local community organizations. He currently serves on the SFIS Board and volunteers as a Qur’an teacher for the school’s 6th grade students.

Professionally, Ali is a manager in Operational Technology and SCADA at PG&E, where he works on protecting and ensuring the reliability of the electric grid. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering along with an MBA.

In every role, Ali strives to embody the Prophetic teaching that the best people are those who bring the most benefit to others. His goal is to serve Allah by serving the community and to raise his daughters upon that example.