(HFSAA Shariah Advisor, USA)
Shaykh Hamzah wald Maqbul
Shaykh C Hamzah Wald Maqbul is an accomplished Islamic scholar, educator, and cultural explorer with a unique academic and spiritual journey. Known for his profound knowledge of Islamic creed (aqidah) and his contributions to reviving Muslim heritage through immersive educational experiences, Shaykh Hamzah Wald Maqbul’s impact on students extends beyond the classroom into the real world, where faith, history, and cultural understanding intersect.
Early Academic Journey
Born and raised in the United States, Shaykh Hamzah Wald Maqbul demonstrated a passion for both the sciences and languages from a young age. This intellectual curiosity led him to pursue a double major in Biochemistry and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Washington. His academic journey, while focused on the sciences, also allowed him to cultivate a deep connection with his Islamic faith, and he began to explore avenues for formal religious study.
Shaykh Hamzah Wald Maqbul’s time at the University of Washington opened several doors. His proficiency in languages, including the ability to learn Uzbek, is a testament to his academic rigor and love for diverse cultures. During his undergraduate years, he took the opportunity to combine independent study with a study-abroad trip to Mauritania, where he studied under esteemed scholars. This experience was pivotal in shaping his future as an Islamic scholar.
Islamic Studies and Path to Scholarship
Shaykh Hamzah’s journey into Islamic scholarship took him to several parts of the Muslim world. After his formative experience in Mauritania, he continued his studies in the UAE. Later, he enrolled at Jamia al-Madaniya in Pakistan, where he spent four years deepening his knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and Arabic. His training under traditional scholars in both Africa and South Asia grounded him in a classical understanding of Islam, giving him a strong foundation to teach and inspire students.
Through his academic achievements, Shaykh Hamzah developed a strong affinity for both the spiritual and intellectual aspects of Islam. His studies allowed him to master the intricate details of aqidah (Islamic creed) and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), areas in which he has become a sought-after teacher.
Teaching and Contributions
Today, Shaykh Hamzah serves as a lead instructor with the Imam Ghazali Institute, an organization dedicated to providing Islamic education in the modern world. His primary focus is on teaching aqidah intensives across the United States, where he aims to provide clarity and understanding of core Islamic beliefs to a wide audience of students.
In addition to his teaching, Shaykh Hamzah has a deep love for Islamic history and heritage. This passion has driven him to organize and lead heritage trips to significant Muslim historical sites around the world, including Turkey, Uzbekistan, Sicily, and Bosnia. One of the more memorable moments from these trips was when Shaykh Hamzah, while leading a group through Samarkand, shocked both his students and a local barista by ordering coffee in fluent Uzbek. His fluency in the language and familiarity with local culture made it clear that his approach to education goes beyond textbooks; he immerses himself fully in the places and people he studies.
Founder of Ribat and Local Teaching in Chicago
In addition to his work with the Imam Ghazali Institute, Shaykh Hamzah is also the founder of Ribat, an organization dedicated to local Islamic education. Based in the Chicago area, Ribat offers a range of classes and workshops that aim to empower Muslims with the tools to better understand their faith in a modern context. Shaykh Hamzah’s work with Ribat reflects his commitment to making Islamic knowledge accessible to Muslims in his local community, as well as across the United States.
His teaching style is deeply engaging, blending traditional Islamic sciences with contemporary issues. His students appreciate his ability to make complex theological concepts easy to understand, while also highlighting their relevance to everyday life. Whether teaching in a classroom, a mosque, or while leading a group through the streets of historical Muslim cities, Shaykh Hamzah’s presence is both commanding and approachable, making him a beloved instructor to students of all ages.
Heritage Tours: Bringing Islamic History to Life
Shaykh Hamzah’s involvement in leading Muslim Legacy tours is a unique aspect of his work. These heritage trips are designed to reconnect Muslims with their rich history and cultural heritage. Through these tours, students are able to explore the remnants of the Islamic Golden Age, from the breathtaking architecture of Turkey and Uzbekistan to the historical traces of Muslim civilization in Sicily and Bosnia. Shaykh Hamzah’s deep knowledge of these regions' history and his fluency in languages like Uzbek enriches the experience, bringing Islamic history to life for his students.
Conclusion
Shaykh C Hamzah Wald Maqbul is a multifaceted Islamic scholar whose contributions to Islamic education, both in the classroom and through immersive cultural experiences, have left a lasting impact. Whether he is teaching the essentials of aqidah or guiding a group through the ancient streets of Samarkand, Shaykh Hamzah Wald Maqbul’s commitment to knowledge, cultural understanding, and spiritual growth is evident in everything he does. His unique blend of scholarship and practical experience makes him a valuable teacher and mentor in the modern Muslim world.
You can Listen to his Tracks on : https://soundcloud.com/hmaqbul
