Our Team
Board of Directors
Board of Directors can be reached at bod@taqwa.net
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees can be reached at Trustee@taqwa.net
Dr. Abdulrahman Hejazi
Chairman
Term ending 04/23/2028
Dr. Hazem Hassan
Trustee
Term ending 04/23/2026
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed
Trustee
Term ending 04/23/2026
Br. Shahid Jamil
Trustee
Term ending 04/23/2028
Br. Altijani Hussin
Trustee
Term ending 04/23/2026
Committee Chairs
Dar Al-Taqwa thrives through the dedication of its many committees, each serving a vital role in supporting the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the community. From education, youth, and outreach programs to family support, special needs services, events, and facility maintenance, every committee helps strengthen our mosque’s mission and ensure its smooth operation. These committees are led by dedicated volunteers and guided by the Board of Directors, reflecting the values of service, inclusivity, and community care. Members of Dar Al-Taqwa are encouraged to contribute their time, skills, and passion by joining a committee that matches their interests—whether through teaching, organizing, outreach, technical expertise, or compassionate service. Volunteering is simple: explore the committee details below, connect with the listed chairperson, and, if there is an opening available—or to learn how you can play an active role in shaping the growth and well-being of our community.
By Laws Committee:
Chair: Damani Ingram
Contact: bylaws@taqwa.net
The Bylaws Committee at Dar Al‑Taqwa, currently chaired by Damani Ingram, plays a vital role in upholding the integrity and structure of the organization. The committee is tasked with ensuring that the Center’s bylaws—approved governing documents guiding operations—are properly interpreted, maintained, and updated as needed. As part of the committee structure, it acts under the oversight of the Board of Directors and supports good governance practices within the Islamic Center.
Advocacy Committee:
Chair: Ruba AlKhadeer
Contact: advocact@taqwa.net
The Advocacy Committee, chaired by Ruba AlKhadeer, serves as Dar Al‑Taqwa’s voice for outreach and representation, engaging in efforts to support and advocate for the wider Muslim community. This committee monitors current issues affecting Muslim individuals and families, partners with local organizations and authorities, and works to promote positive understanding and address community concerns through strategic initiatives and informed dialogue.
Clinical/Medical Committee:
Chair: Dr. Arif Mannan
Contact: medical@taqwa.net
The Clinical/Medical Committee, led by Dr. Arif Mannan, serves as Dar Al‑Taqwa’s dedicated healthcare arm. This committee plays a pivotal role in organizing health-related initiatives, such as vaccination clinics, wellness awareness events, and community medical outreach. It ensures that the broader Muslim and local community in Howard County has access to trusted healthcare resources and support through collaborative, compassionate, and professionally guided programs.
Construction & Maintenance Committee:
Chair: Abid Askari
Contact: construction@taqwa.net
The Construction & Maintenance Committee at Dar Al‑Taqwa is entrusted with overseeing the upkeep, safety, and functionality of the Center’s facilities. Chaired by Abid Askari, this dedicated team coordinates maintenance schedules, supervises facility improvements and repairs, and ensures that the building remains a welcoming, secure, and well-maintained environment for worshipers and community members alike.
Convert Sister's Committee:
Chair: Cecilia Umm Karim
Contact: converts@taqwa.net
The Convert Sisters Committee provides welcoming support and guidance for women who have embraced Islam. Led by Cecilia Umm Karim, the committee fosters a nurturing environment where new Muslim sisters can build community, deepen their understanding of faith, and access compassionate mentorship through inclusive programs and one-on-one outreach.
Convert Brother's Committee:
Chair: Abrahim Mohamed
Contact: brothers.converts@taqwa.net
The Convert Brothers Committee provides a warm and supportive environment for men embracing Islam. Led by Abrahim Mohammed, the committee offers mentorship, peer connection, and tailored programs—such as discussion circles and one-on-one guidance—to help new Muslim brothers grow in faith and community.
Education Committee:
Chair: Salah Elleithy
Contact: education.comm@taqwa.net
The Education Committee supports and enhances learning across Dar Al‑Taqwa’s diverse educational offerings—including Sunday School, Saturday School, AQSA Quran programs, youth initiatives, and homeschool groups. Led by Salah Elleithy, the committee helps ensure these programs are well-coordinated, impactful, and responsive to the needs of students and families in the community.
Elections Committee:
Chair: Saad Waqas
Contact: elections@taqwa.net
The Elections Committee oversees the fair and transparent conduct of all organizational elections—ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, coordinating candidate nominations, managing voting logistics, and upholding governance standards to support active and engaged community representation.
Events Committee:
Chair: Asim Khan
Contact: events@taqwa.net
The Events Committee leads the planning and execution of Dar Al‑Taqwa’s diverse community events—from Ramadan Iftars and Eid celebrations to educational seminars and fundraisers. Under Asim Khan’s guidance, the committee ensures gatherings are inclusive, well-organized, and spiritually enriching, strengthening bonds within our Muslim and broader Howard County community.
Finance Committee:
Chair: Currently Vacant
Contact: finance@taqwa.net
The Finance Committee is entrusted with overseeing Dar Al‑Taqwa’s fiscal health and stewardship. It guides budgeting, financial planning, transparent reporting, and ensures that the Center’s resources are managed responsibly and in alignment with Islamic principles and community trust.
Funeral Committee:
Chair: Sharique Rehman
Contact: janazah@taqwa.net
The Funeral (Janazah) Committee provides compassionate, respectful assistance during times of loss—guiding families through the arrangements for Islamic funeral services, coordinating the Janazah prayer at the center, and facilitating burial logistics at Columbia Memorial Park, all in accordance with the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
Green Team/Landscape:
Chair:Abdul Rahman Abukhdeir
Contact: greenteam@taqwa.net
The Green Team / Landscape Committee is dedicated to fostering sustainability, beautifying the mosque grounds, and caring for the environment. Under Khalid Puthawala’s guidance, the committee implements eco-friendly landscaping, promotes green initiatives like planting native flora and reducing waste, and cultivates a vibrant, welcoming outdoor space that reflects the spirit of stewardship within our community.
Information technology:
Chair: Yaqoob Ashai
Contact: it@taqwa.net
The Information Technology Committee, under Yaqoob Ashai’s leadership, supports Dar Al‑Taqwa’s mission by managing digital infrastructure, optimizing technology systems, and strengthening online services. The committee ensures smooth website operations, IT support for virtual classes and events, and secure, innovative technology solutions that empower the Center’s spiritual, educational, and community initiatives.
Membership Committee:
Chair: Dr. Rania Younis
Contact: membership@taqwa.net
The Membership Committee, under Samer Al Kamary’s guidance, oversees the enrollment and engagement of members—ensuring a seamless application and renewal process, managing membership eligibility, and promoting active participation within the community. The committee helps foster a sense of belonging and encourages trust by administering membership with efficiency and care.
Outreach Committee:
Chair: Usman Waheed
Contact: outreach@taqwa.net
The Outreach Committee, led by Usman Waheed, serves as Dar Al‑Taqwa’s bridge to both the local community and broader society. It organizes initiatives that raise awareness of Islamic teachings, facilitates interfaith engagement, and fosters meaningful partnerships—promoting goodwill, unity, and understanding within Howard County and beyond.
Sisters Committee:
Co-Chairs: Misbah Kashif & Doha Nassar
Contact: sisters@taqwa.net
The Sisters Committee, led jointly by Misbah Kashif and Doha Nassar, cultivates an empowering and inclusive environment for women at Dar Al‑Taqwa. The committee organizes engaging programs—such as study circles, social gatherings, and community workshops—to foster sisterhood, spiritual growth, and meaningful connection.
Youth Committee:
Chair: Yusuf Hizaji
Contact: youth@taqwa.net
The Youth Committee, under Yusuf Hijazi’s leadership, is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual, social, and personal development of young members of the community. Through dynamic youth programs, mentorship opportunities, and engaging events, the committee empowers the next generation to connect with their faith, strengthen bonds with peers, and lead with confidence.
Zakat Committee:
Chair: Qazi Ilyas
Contact: zakat@taqwa.net
The Zakat Committee serves as Dar Al‑Taqwa’s hub for charitable giving—collecting and distributing Zakat‑ul‑Maal and Fitra in accordance with Islamic principles. Chaired by Qazi Ilyas, the committee ensures that community members in need are supported through a structured application process (typically processed within 14 business days), while adhering to the Qur’an’s guidelines and ethical standards of care
Marketing Committee:
Chair: Hoda Fahmy
Contact: marketing@taqwa.net
The Marketing Committee spearheads the promotion and communication of Dar Al‑Taqwa’s message and activities. Under Hoda Fahmy’s leadership, the committee oversees branding, outreach materials, digital campaigns, and publicity efforts—ensuring our community stays informed, engaged, and unified through clear, consistent messaging.
Marriage Committee:
Chair: Currently Vacant
Contact: marriage@taqwa.net
The Marriage Committee facilitates Islamic marital services—providing support, coordination, and oversight for Nikah ceremonies according to Islamic law. The committee collaborates with the Marriage Services team to ensure that couples can smoothly initiate and celebrate their union in a dignified and spiritually meaningful way.
Special Need Services Committee:
Chair: Shahana Khan
Contact: specialneedservs@taqwa.net
The Special Needs Services Committee is dedicated to ensuring inclusivity and support for community members with special needs. Chaired by Shahana Khan, the committee fosters accommodations, specialized programming, and compassionate outreach—empowering individuals and families through thoughtful services that uphold dignity, accessibility, and belonging at Dar Al‑Taqwa.
Family Affairs Committee:
Chair: Aminah Salim
Contact: familyaffairs@taqwa.net
The Family Affairs Committee, under the leadership of Aminah Salim, offers compassionate outreach and support to families within our community—addressing diverse needs such as family dynamics, counseling resources, and community assistance programs. This committee aims to nurture family unity, resilience, and well-being by providing culturally sensitive guidance and personalized services, fostering a stronger and more caring community environment.
Taqwa Learning Center:
Chair: Abdul Rahman Abukhdeir
Contact: tlc@taqwa.net
Masjid Aesthetics Committee:
Chair: Shehla Khan
Shahana Khan
Special Need Services
specialneedservs@taqwa.net
Resident Scholars
The resident scholars at Dar Al-Taqwa serve as the spiritual guides and educators of our community, providing religious leadership rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. They deliver inspiring khutbahs, lead prayers, and teach classes that nurture faith and understanding across all ages. In addition to their scholarship, they offer pastoral care, counseling, and guidance to individuals and families—helping address both spiritual and practical needs. Through their dedication, our scholars strengthen the foundation of Islamic knowledge, foster community unity, and cultivate an environment where faith can flourish in every aspect of daily life.
Sheikh Aamir – Joined the Dar Al-Taqwa team on September 1, 2021. Shaikh Aamir currently serves as the Director of Religious Services at DAT. He oversees its various educational and spiritual programs and is critical in helping engage the community both inside and outside of the premises.
Shaikh Aamir previously served as the Imam of the Islamic Society of Annapolis, Makkah Learning Center and Masjid Alansar. He oversaw a weekend school, evening school, homeschool and hifz program, and various online learning programs. The Shaykh helped establish MDFID, the Maryland Foundation for Islamic Development, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving a citizen’s spiritual connection to God. He has participated in interfaith work through the Anne Arundel Muslim Council, ACT (a branch of the Industrial Areas Foundation), and GAIN (Greater Annapolis Interfaith Network). He has been a scholar, religious teacher, and spiritual guide in the Islamic field for over a decade in the Maryland area, and has authored multiple works.
Shaikh Aamir completed his Ifta (Mufti course – Specialization in Islamic Law) from Darul Uloom Chicago (Shariah Board) under the supervision of Mufti AbdulSattar Patel and Mufti NawalRahman (May Allah Taala preserve them) after his bachelors in Islamic Studies. Shaikh Aamir also has a Masters Degree in Education from Drexel University and a doctorate and has travelled to many places in the world for traditional study including Jordan, Morocco, and Syria. He has received numerous ijaazaat (licenses) in various fields of Islamic Sciences including Hadith and Fiqh.
Feel free to reach him at SheikhAamir@taqwa.net or Book an Appointment
Get Involved
Engage with your Masjid by becoming an active member of a Dar Al-Taqwa committee. Each committee plays a vital role in supporting and serving our community. Use the link below to explore the committees in detail and connect with them directly.