(M.B., Ch.B., Founder & President of Building Blocks of Islam)
Dr Shaykh Hatem al-Haj
Dr. Shaykh Hatem al-Haj is an esteemed Islamic scholar, pediatrician, and educator with a profound background in both Islamic jurisprudence and medicine. As the founder and president of Building Blocks of Islam, Dr. Hatem al-Haj combines his expertise in Islamic law with his medical practice, offering a unique perspective on health, family, and Islamic ethics. His dual career as a board-certified pediatrician and an Islamic scholar makes him a prominent figure in both fields, respected for his scholarly contributions and compassionate care for children.
Educational Background: A Dual Expertise
Dr. Hatem al-Haj’s academic journey is remarkable for its breadth and depth, covering both Islamic jurisprudence and modern medical science. His Islamic studies began with a Master’s Degree in Islamic Law from the American Open University, where he graduated with the highest distinction. He further pursued a PhD in Comparative Fiqh from Al-Jinan University in Tripoli, Lebanon, where he focused on understanding the diverse legal schools within Islam and how they interact with contemporary issues. His expertise in Comparative Fiqh has positioned him as a leading authority on Islamic legal theory, particularly in matters of Islamic law as applied in modern contexts.
Parallel to his Islamic education, Dr. Hatem is also a medical professional, board-certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics. His medical qualifications allow him to approach issues of health and ethics from both an Islamic and scientific standpoint, offering unique insights into the ethical dimensions of medical practice.
Career in Islamic Scholarship and Leadership
In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Hatem has played a significant role in Islamic education and scholarship. He served as the Dean of Islamic Studies in English at Mishkah University, where he was responsible for developing curriculum and leading students in the study of Islamic sciences. His tenure at Mishkah University is a testament to his commitment to the dissemination of Islamic knowledge, particularly for English-speaking audiences.
As a senior member of the Fatwa Committee of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), Dr. Hatem al-Haj provides guidance on complex legal and ethical issues affecting Muslims in the West. His role involves issuing fatwas (Islamic legal rulings) on various matters, from personal issues like marriage and divorce to broader topics like medical ethics and financial transactions. His fatwas are particularly sought after for their depth, clarity, and relevance to the modern world.
Founder and President of Building Blocks of Islam
As the founder and president of Building Blocks of Islam, Dr. Hatem al-Haj has dedicated himself to the development of Islamic education and family welfare programs. Building Blocks of Islam focuses on providing essential Islamic knowledge to families, helping them integrate Islamic principles into everyday life. Dr. Hatem’s leadership has ensured that the organization addresses key issues such as parenting, family dynamics, and Islamic ethics, offering guidance to Muslim families seeking to raise children in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Through Building Blocks of Islam, Dr. Hatem has been instrumental in organizing educational programs, seminars, and workshops that equip Muslim parents with the knowledge they need to nurture faith and morality in their homes. His work emphasizes the role of the family as the cornerstone of Islamic society and highlights the importance of parenting based on the values of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Pediatric Practice and Islamic Medical Ethics
Dr. Hatem al-Haj’s medical practice as a Pediatric Hospitalist complements his Islamic scholarship, particularly in the field of Islamic medical ethics. His dual role as a physician and Islamic scholar allows him to provide guidance on critical issues such as pediatric care, vaccinations, and end-of-life decisions from an Islamic perspective. His insights into the ethics of medical practice are informed by both his deep understanding of Islamic law and his firsthand experience in treating children in hospital settings.
As a board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Hatem has extensive experience in Pediatric Hospital Medicine, providing specialized care for hospitalized children. His ability to bridge the gap between medicine and Islamic ethics has made him a sought-after speaker and lecturer on topics related to health, medicine, and Islamic jurisprudence. He frequently addresses issues such as the Islamic perspective on bioethics, organ transplantation, reproductive technologies, and end-of-life care.
Public Speaking and Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Hatem al-Haj is a respected public speaker, known for his engaging and accessible teaching style. He has delivered numerous lectures, seminars, and workshops on a wide range of topics, including:
- Comparative Fiqh: Understanding the differences and similarities between various Islamic legal schools and how these impact modern-day rulings.
- Medical Ethics in Islam: Addressing ethical dilemmas in healthcare from an Islamic perspective.
- Islamic Parenting: Offering guidance on how to raise children with strong Islamic values in a secular world.
- Pediatric Care in Islam: Providing Islamic perspectives on child health and medical interventions.
Through his scholarly work and public lectures, Dr. Hatem continues to contribute to the development of Islamic thought, particularly in areas where Islamic law intersects with modern medical practice. His contributions have made him a leading figure in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence and medical ethics.