Academy Faculty
Imam Yusuf Rios
Resident Scholar at ICNA Chicago
Imam Yusuf Rios was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to a devout Christian family. In his late teens he yearned strongly to be a Catholic Monk. Later he joined the Capuchin Franciscans Program at Borromeo Seminary in Wickliffe Ohio where he studied for two and half years discerning a vocation as a Priest while in his early twenties. During his studies at Borromeo Seminary he studied Catholic and Western Philosophy and theology. It is during this period in his life where he discovered the path to Islam.
He joined the Muslim community in Cleveland and began studying Islam more seriously for a number of years. His passion of learning Islam led him to join the student body at Islamic American University in Detroit where he received his foundation in the Arabic & Islamic Sciences.
He then traveled to Cairo, Egypt where he continued his pursuit of Islamic knowledge for many years. He studied at the Asheera Academy for Higher Education in Islamic Psychology and Tradition (under the auspices of Al-Azhar University), Madrasatul-Hamd, and Masjid Al-Azhar. He was honored to study (both privately and publicly) with some of the most pre-eminent scholars of the Islamic sciences from Al-Azhar University. Some of his most influential teachers include Shaykh Sa’ad Al-Jawesh Al-Azhari from whom he received both specialized and general ijazaat in hadith sciences and transmission, as well as Dr. Ahmad Taha Rayyan–one of the most renowned scholars of Maliki fiqh.
Imam Yusuf has a BA in Western Philosophy and Sociology from John Carroll University and is working on a Masters in Islamic Sciences at the Islamic University of Minnesota. He has served as an instructor with Islamic American University, al-Huda University, Guidance College and the Shaukani Institute.
Imam Yusuf's Courses
Exalted & Purified: A Nooraniyah Course for Sisters
Begin your journey of reading the Quran with Islamic Learning Foundation. In this course we will cover the basics of how to read the Arabic alphabet and build until you are able to read the verse of Quran. This class will be for sisters only.
50
25
Who Wants a Caliphate?
A historical narrative of Islamic governance, it's emphasis in the Islamic tradition, and the religious impact of post-colonial secular governance in the Muslim world.
free
Building a Relationship with the Book of God
A practical guide for approaching Quran, studying its message, and living by its guidance
50
The Four Concepts by Maulana Maududi
The Quranic message can be summarized into four fundamental concepts: Ilah, Rabb, Ibadah, and Din.
50
Access to Quranic Arabic
This is our foundational Arabic course with an emphasis on reading comprehension.
50
Al Bayquniyya Explained (Private Session)
free
Building The Muslim Mind
Develop a grounded intellectual paradigm to deal with contemporary ideological, moral, and ethical constructs.
50
Conviction: The Creed of Imam Tahawi
A rational exposition on the fundamentals of Islamic Belief
free
Fiqh of Tahara and Salah (According to the Hanafi School)
free
Fundamental Islamic Spirituality
Soften the heart, enliven the soul. How to reconnect with God.
50
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