Ammar AlShukry
Ammar Alshukry is a Sudanese-American imam, Islamic educator, poet, and author, widely noted for his contributions in the arena of contemporary Islamic education and creative spiritual expression. A director at AlMaghrib Institute and Imam at Clear Lake Islamic Center, he is recognised for his engaging teaching style and for using poetry as a medium for Islamic reflection and outreach.
Early Life and Education
Ammar Alshukry was born in Sudan and raised in Queens, New York, United States. In Sudan, he began his education in the Arabic language at an early age. Upon returning to New York, Ammar continued his Islamic studies locally, taking advantage of diverse opportunities to learn the Qur’an, hadith, aqeedah, fiqh, and tafsir under accomplished instructors. He later benefited from further study under scholars such as Dr Salah Al-Sawwy and Dr Waleed Basyouni in Houston, Texas.
He holds dual bachelor's degrees in Islamic Studies and Marketing, consolidating both his religious training and contemporary educational experience.
Career
Alshukry is Imam and Resident Scholar at River Oaks Islamic Center and Clear Lake Islamic Center in Houston, Texas. He is a director and instructor at AlMaghrib Institute, where he delivers popular seminars and teaches courses such as “A Mindful Salah,” “Majesty: The Names of Allah,” and “The Venom & The Serum.” He is recognised as AlMaghrib’s Grand Slam Champion for his involvement in teaching, administration, and community outreach.
As Content Director for FaithEssentials and FaithIQ, Ammar curates and creates educational content for Muslims of all backgrounds. He regularly teaches weekly sessions for the University of Houston Muslim Student Association (UHMSA) and was a leading educator during their virtual lectures on “40 Hadith of Imam An-Nawawi”.
Ammar Alshukry is an acclaimed performance poet, known especially for works such as “Jannah,” “Until I See You,” and “The Witr Du’a.” He frequently tours as a public speaker, delivering keynote presentations at conferences, retreats, and interfaith events, while acting as a bridge between generations within Muslim communities.
Achievements
- Content Development: Directs and shapes multimedia faith education at FaithEssentials and FaithIQ, impacting thousands of learners online.
- Community Leadership: Imam at notable Islamic centres; educator to both youth and adults across North America.
- Educational Innovation: Pioneered interactive courses at AlMaghrib Institute and online platforms for accessible Islamic learning.
- Poetic Spokesmanship: Widely recognised for thought-provoking Islamic poetry and spoken word performances, influencing a global Muslim audience.
Books and Publications
Alshukry’s signature book is:
- What the Pen Wrote: The Collected Poems of Ammar Alshukry (AlMaghrib Institute, 2018), a collection in three parts: personal reflective poems, mandhumas (traditional Islamic poetry summarising sciences or key concepts), and creative verse inspired by classical themes.
His poetry has been adapted for seminars, lectures, and digital portfolios, making creative Islamic reflection highly accessible for a modern audience. He has also contributed written work to MuslimMatters.org and other Islamic media outlets.
Personal Life
Ammar Alshukry, motivated by personal experiences including supporting a parent through breast cancer, occasionally references his life story as part of his talks and creative performances. He is multilingual, fluent in English and Arabic, and lives in Houston, Texas.
Legacy and Impact
Ammar Alshukry is credited with revitalising Islamic education for American and Western Muslim youth, making spiritual themes and legal concepts accessible through poetry, creative courses, and modern pedagogy. He is recognised for his ability to connect across generational divides, inspiring both traditional and contemporary learners. His sustained commitment to community leadership, education, and creative expression continues to leave a mark on Islamic teaching and cultural dialogue across the English-speaking world.
