Yaser Birjas
Yaser Birjas is an Islamic scholar, educator, family consultant, and community leader recognised for his contributions to Islamic law, marriage and family education, and community empowerment in the West. He currently serves as Imam at Valley Ranch Islamic Center in Dallas, Texas, and is Head of the Islamic Law and Theory Department at AlMaghrib Institute. Birjas is noted for his expertise in Fiqh, youth mentorship, and educational outreach through seminars and counselling.
Early Life and Education
Yaser Birjas was born in Kuwait in 1970 to a Palestinian family and spent his formative years in Kuwait and Jordan. He initially began his career in electronic engineering in the United Arab Emirates before pursuing formal Islamic education. In 1992, Birjas moved to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, where he studied at the Islamic University of Madinah and graduated as valedictorian from the College of Shariah (Fiqh and Usul) in 1996, earning the “City of Madinah” award for academic excellence.
He had the privilege of learning directly from distinguished scholars, including Shaikh Al-Uthaimeen and Shaikh Ash-Shanqitee. In 2013, Birjas furthered his studies with a master's degree in Adult Education and Training at the University of Phoenix in the United States.
Career
After graduating from Madinah, Birjas worked as a youth counsellor and relief programme aide in Bosnia, assisting in post-war efforts. He then immigrated to the United States, serving as Imam at Islamic Centre El Paso, Texas, and director of English outreach programmes at Orland Park Prayer Center in Illinois.
Since 2010, he has been the Imam and religious director at Valley Ranch Islamic Center in Irving, Texas. Birjas is also a senior instructor at AlMaghrib Institute, where he teaches popular double-weekend seminars and courses on Islamic law, marriage, and family issues, including “The Code Evolved: The Evolution of Fiqh” and “Fiqh of Love: Marriage in Islam”. He has delivered nationally recognised workshops on marriage, youth guidance, parenting, and conflict resolution, and has trained numerous Muslim communities in relationship enrichment and personal development.
Birjas is a founder of Usrah 360, a family pastoral counselling and coaching initiative, and is frequently consulted for marriage and family coaching services both online and in person.
Achievements
- Popularised educational approaches that combine scholarship in Islamic law with practical guidance for family, youth, and community issues.
- Valedictorian of his graduating class at the Islamic University of Madinah and recipient of “City of Madinah” award for academic achievement.
- Pioneered marriage and family education for Muslim communities in the West through seminars, workshops, and counselling services.
- Trained thousands of students through AlMaghrib Institute, helping develop a new generation of Islamic leaders and educators.
Books and Publications
Yaser Birjas has authored and contributed to books focusing on marriage, love, and Islamic relationships:
- Sex Matters: Love, Marriage, and the Sunnah (MuslimMatters Special).
- Fiqh of Love: Marriage in Islam – Seminar notes and materials widely distributed and referenced.
He has also written articles for MuslimMatters.org and appeared in Islamic podcasts and lecture series.
Personal Life
Birjas has resided in the United States for over two decades, serving various communities nationwide and internationally. He is married and has four children. Multilingual, he is fluent in Arabic, English, and has limited proficiency in Bosnian. His private life is noted for its focus on personal development, family values, and spiritual growth.
Legacy and Impact
Yaser Birjas is regarded as a leading figure in contemporary Islamic scholarship, particularly for his educational impact on marriage, family relationships, and youth mentorship among Western Muslim communities. His courses, workshops, writings, and counselling have empowered numerous individuals and families, promoting holistic well-being and spiritual integrity. His legacy continues through his students, community work, and innovative educational leadership.
