Mohamed Hussein, a first-generation Somali American, grew up in a bustling household in Northern Virginia, where he developed his skills as an interpreter and entrepreneur from an early age. Responding to his parents’ Somali in English and always finding ways to earn pocket money, Mohamed’s hustle continued into his early 20s when he taught English and facilitated livestock deals in Saudi Arabia. In 2013, he founded PGLS (Piedmont Global Language Solutions) in Arlington, Virginia.
The company, boasting 57 employees, offers translation, interpretation, and related services in over 200 languages across 18 countries, making it a significant player in the $60.5 billion industry. Despite his success, it’s fascinating to think that Mohamed once considered becoming a doctor.
Shaykh Abdullah Waheed, born and raised in Detroit, MI, began his studies at ten, memorizing the Quran in Toronto, Canada. By thirteen, he completed the memorization and pursued a seven-year Shariah program in Toronto. His thirst for knowledge led him on global journeys to Pakistan, Kuwait, England, and other countries, specializing in the Tafseer of the Quran. As a co-founder and instructor at Miftaah Institute and Director of Islamic Affairs at Flint Islamic Center, Shaykh Abdullah travels across North America for khutbas, workshops, and seminars.
His motivational and enthusiastic speaking style leaves the audience inspired to better themselves, reflecting his deep understanding and mastery of the Holy Quran’s language and beauty.
Abdullah Waheed
Board Treasurer
Syed Waqas Haris – Loves Basketball and giving back to his community. He was able to combine both of his passions by coaching youth teams in Metro Detroit. With over 10 years of experience in Business Management and Supply Chain, he has joined Human Development Fund’s Board to volunteer as the Treasurer of the Organization.
Dr. Waleed Al-Maneesi
Advisory Chair
Dr. Waleed, originally from Alexandria, Egypt, now resides in the United States of America. He holds several prestigious roles, including being a senior member of the Permanent Fatwa Committee of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America (AMJA), the president of the Islamic University of Minnesota, and a member of the board of trustees of the North American Imams Federation (NAIF).
Dr. Waleed’s academic achievements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Language from Alexandria University, a Master’s degree in Islamic Jurisprudence from the American Open University, and a PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence from the Graduate Theological Foundation. His studies were under renowned scholars such as Sheikh Ben Baaz and Sheikh Ben Uthaymeen. Dr. Waleed is also distinguished as a Quranic reciter, having memorized the Quran in ten recitations and completed the four Shawaadh recitations. He holds Ijaazah (certificates of transmission) with continuous chains linked to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), making his chain of narrators one of the shortest to the Prophet (PBUH).
Imam Fuad Mohamed
Imam Fuad, a resident scholar with MAS Bay Area, hails from Seattle, Washington. He began his quest for knowledge at a young age, learning from his local imam before embarking on further studies at al-Azhar in Egypt. Returning to Seattle, he has since served as an Imam and lecturer in various masjids, establishing learning centers for all age groups. With over 50 Ijazahs in fields like hadith, fiqh, and tafsir, Imam Fuad is deeply committed to Islamic scholarship.
Alongside his academic pursuits at the University of Washington, where he is pursuing a double major in Community Psychology and Educational Studies with a minor in Policy Studies, he embraces his Ethiopian heritage, cherishing Islamic history and literature while enjoying time with his wife and three children, Suhila, Hussain, and Essa.
Dr. Mustaf Shariff
Dr. Mustaf Shariff, an Internal Medicine physician at Cuyuna Regional Hospital in Crosby, MN. Specializing in the general medical care of hospitalized patients. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Northside Gwinnett Hospital and holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the American University of Antigua. With a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biology Magna Cum Laude from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors from Husson College, Dr. Shariff has a strong educational background.
His previous roles as a COVID-19 task force/educational consultant, college/career development coach, health fair organizer, academic tutor, and research coordinator reflect his dedication to community outreach and healthcare. Beyond his practice, he enjoys engaging in global health, hiking, playing basketball, and following various sports.