Imam Shamshad Nasir

With the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan a local mosque sees the beginning of a new missionary, Imam Shamshad Nasir.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist group that claims to be the first Muslim organization in the United States. The Community has a regional mosque, Baetul Jamaay, located in Glen Ellyn just off of the intersection of IL route 53 and Butterfield road. Its national headquarters are located in Silver Spring, MD.

With this switch Glen Ellyn sees the departure of Imam Kausser to Australia who was the Imam and Missionary in this area for the past 4 years, and the enthusiastic entrance of Nasir from California.

However this is not Imam Shamshad’s first time around the block. He has devoted his life to serving Islam since 1973 after graduating from seven-year missionary school in Rabwah, Pakistan known as Jamia Ahmadiyya. He has over 40 years of experience in places as far as Pakistan, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. Most recently he has served in California for ten years, Texas 4 years, Ohio 4 years and the community’s headquarters in Maryland for 8 years.

Baitul ul Jaam’e Mosque in suburbs of Chicago

Imam Shamshad is the regional missionary and will be overseeing Ahmadi Mosques throughout the Midwest.

The timing of his arrival in the holy month of Ramadan allows him to connect with the community’s members through his an hour long sermons each night before the breaking Fast from the teachings of the Quran, saying of the Prophet Mohammad. He did not want a welcoming ceremony, he says the best way to welcome him is to fill the rows of the prayer hall in the mosque.

Although he may miss the community members and friends he made in California Imam Shamshad is excited to continue spreading the message of Islam throughout the Midwest and preaching the Ahmadiyya Communities motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None.” He can be reached at (630) 790-4100,  his cell 909 636 8332 andshamshadanasir@gmail.com. For more information on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, visit www.ahmadiyya.us and www.muslimsforpeace.org.