October 2, 2014

Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini is a charismatic leader who has achieved recognition as a religious educator, leader and author. Born in the city of Karbala, Iraq, in 1961. Imam Al-Qazwini traces his lineage forty-two generations back to the holy prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

With his high moral values, modesty and spirituality, he provides the Muslim and non-Muslim community with means of access to authentic knowledge and teachings of Islam, which are deeply rooted in the holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Ahlul-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them).

He is recognized for his clear ideas and realistic solutions to issues of concern to Muslims. His vision and teachings cover many aspects of Islam including family, human rights, religious freedom, non-violence, tolerance and forgiveness, debate and discussion, and democracy. Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini has developed a body of knowledge in his years of discernment, reflection, study and practice, to educate the people of his community and the world for that matter. All those who have had the benefit of encountering him can attest to his devotion to teach others the visionary, historic and pragmatic aspects of Islam, specifically addressing that Islam and democracy are compatible.

Imam Al-Qazwini initiated his higher religious studies in Qum, Iran where he was awarded with a B.A. and M.A. in Islamic Studies in 1985. During 1987-1989 he served as professor of Islamic Studies at the Islamic seminary in Damascus, Syria. From 1989-1994 he contributed as associated imam and professor of Islamic Studies at several Islamic centers and foundations in London, England.

Shortly after his arrival in California in 1994, Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini became the founder and director of the Islamic Cultural Center of San Diego, California. This center was the first Shia mosque established in San Diego County for religious and social events. His prosperity in San Diego paved the way for his next mission—a mosque in Orange County, California.

In September 1996, he founded the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County (I.E.C.O.C.). Drawing on his 18 years of experience in Islamic Studies, he has maturated the center for educational, religious and social events. As the founder and director of I.E.C.O.C., he serves as a mentor and facilitator for the Muslims.

Imam Al-Qazwini’s past associations has included: being chairman of the Development and World Events Committee of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California (an umbrella organization for sixty-four mosques and Islamic centers), a board member of the council of Shia Muslim scholars of North America. For the past five years he has co-chaired the West Coast Dialogue of Muslims and Catholics, and has been an advisor for the United Muslim American Association for five years. He spends much of his time lecturing across the world and nationally at churches, universities and on panels with other parishioners. Imam Al-Qazwini is married and has five children and three grandchildren.