EXECUTIVE BOARD
Arqum Rashid
Director & chair
Arqum Rashid is the Resident Scholar and Imam at the Islamic Society of Central Delaware in Dover, Delaware. He is a graduate of Al-Azhar University with a degree in Islamic Law and a graduate of Delaware Law School with a JD. Arqum is a licensed Attorney and currently pursuing a Master's in inter-religious studies at Hartford Seminary.
Arqum was born in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Delaware. He memorized the entire Quran and has led the Taraweeh prayers for the past 12 years and continues to do so. Upon completing high school, he traveled to Egypt to further his studies in Arabic and Religion.
It was there where he completed a year-long-intensive Arabic certificate program. He then decided to join the prestigious Al-Azhar University, and after five years of rigorous study at Al-Azhar, Arqum graduated with a degree in Islamic Law. While at Al-Azhar, he also enrolled in other institutes and sat with some of the world's most renowned Islamic Scholars from whom he was granted various Ijazat (Islamic licenses).
While in Egypt, he presented an array of TV shows on Huda TV and other channels, such as "The Quran Circle" and "Let's Talk," which air internationally.
Arqum regularly delivers khutbahs, lectures and conducts many programs in the NJ, PA, and DE areas.
Sumera Ali
Vice chair & head of programs
Sumera Ali is currently a Dentist practicing in the DMV Region. She received her DMD degree from Temple University & her BS in Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware. Her position in Riwaq is uprooted through her experiences with leadership, passion, and teamwork.
Sumera believes in helping shape the youth of today, allowing them to take faith as an expression of knowledge and self-confidence. Her work in Riwaq aligns with her personal goal to uplift others through Islamic understanding, education, and deen.
She hopes that Riwaq Institute offers a place, either physically or spiritually, for individuals to feel at home. Helping make that change possible is what allows Sumera to serve towards this cause.
NOOR JAMAL
Secretary
Noor obtained her Master of Public Health degree from New York University, and currently works on the operational end of a hospital system in New York City. After receiving her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Delaware, she has since been involved in Islamic organizations, including Riwaq. She hopes her work with Riwaq will spread knowledge and passion for Islam, while sharpening her personal skills and giving back to community.
HASSAAN SHEIKH
Treasurer
Hassaan graduated from Drexel University with a BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering. He was involved in various organizations throughout his college career and is very passionate about giving back to the community. Hassaan loves serving others and making an impact in people’s lives. He hopes that his work with Riwaq provides people the platform to truly appreciate and love Islam.
BOARD & TEAM
SABA ALI
Social Media
Saba received her BS from University of Delaware in Biochemistry and is now pursuing a career as a Biochemist. Saba enjoys engaging with the Muslim community. She hopes through Riwaq Institute she can create a interactive islamic platform for youth and adults. With the role of handing social media and events, she strives to offer a friendly and keen environment for people to grow intellectually.
AMAAD RAFI
Programs - UDMADRASA
Amaad is currently a Software Engineer who received his BS in Computer Science from the University of Delaware. His passion for seeking Islamic knowledge is what led him to Riwaq Institute, and he hopes that his work here aids in fostering a welcoming environment that imparts Islamic education and inspires others to embark on their journey.
ILSA NASEER
Programs - UDMADRASA
NURUL NAYEM
Graphic Design
MARWANE ADLANI
Programs - UDMADRASA
Marwane graduated from the University of Delaware in 2021 with a degree in Computer Science and is currently furthering his education. His passion with Riwaq Institute stems from his interest in seeking Islamic knowledge and hopes both he and our attendees benefit from these events.
AHMAD HAMID
Team
Ahmad is currently a medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine, pursuing his MD degree. His academic journey began with a BS in Neuroscience and a minor in Computer Science from Temple University. Ahmad deeply values a traditional path to Islamic education, which led him to become a team member at Riwaq Institute.
SHAYMAA ISMAEEL
Outreach
FATEMAH BUTT
Programs - UDMADRASA
ALI KHAN
Team
ABEER JAFIL
Programs - Retreat Coordinator
Abeer received a Master’s in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware, complemented by a bachelors in Psychology. She has been actively involved in initiatives committed to creating a positive societal impact. Passionate about fostering educational & engaging Islamic spaces, she finds joy in giving back to the Muslim community through Riwaq.
RAZA SANDHU
Programs - UDMADRASA
Raza received his BS in Applied Math from the University of Delaware in 2024. He has always enjoyed being an attendee at Riwaq events - especially its ability to provide Islamic knowledge in a unique manner. He wants to help create opportunities for other young adults to be able to take advantage of what Riwaq has to offer, ultimately increasing their knowledge.