Why Tarek?

Who am I, and why should you trust me? These are the real questions, aren't they? And you have every right to ask them. There are a lot of voices out there teaching Islam — why should you listen to me? What do I have to offer that is not already being offered somewhere else, by someone else? Like you, I had questions early on about Islam, religion, life, and the answer "that's just the way it is!" never proved satisfactory for me.

Al-Azhar mosque minarets in Cairo

A quarter century of serious study.

My quest has taken me to numerous universities in North America — including Princeton, where I obtained my PhD in Islamic studies — as well as several centers of Sunni learning throughout the Muslim world, most notably al-Azhar seminary in Cairo where I did the bulk of my training.

(Going to al-Azhar was like stepping through platform 9¾ and attending Hogwarts — we should talk about it sometime!)

  • Undergraduate degree in comparative religions, with a focus on Judaism.
  • First MA in a special combined program of Hinduism and Islam — a deep study of the Dharmic faiths.
  • Seminary training focused on fiqh, usul al-fiqh (including how to issue fatwas), and Sufism.
  • PhD in contemporary Islamic law, Princeton University, 2014.
Tarek Elgawhary speaking at a Coexistence event

Theory without application is knowledge that doesn't last.

It was always important to me for my theoretical understanding of Islam to be coupled with application. Without actually using what you've learned, you will end up losing it. Without interacting with people on a regular basis, you lose touch with the real issues people face — and lose the ability to link faith to reality.

On average, I spend around 100 hours per month teaching students through private instruction, tending to the needs of local community members, answering questions about Islam, and counseling couples. That work has taught me:

  • People need more than simple Islamic instruction; they need guidance on how to experience the faith.
  • Most of us need to work on our personal issues, and we need tools grounded in our own faith paradigm to do so.
  • Stress comes from many angles — an Islam-based wellness toolkit for daily use is essential.
  • Relationship problems are common; Quran and Sunna guidance needs to be paired with practical, applicable strategies.
Tarek Elgawhary in a leadership context

Islam in the public square — from the inside.

In addition to my studies and community work, I have been an entrepreneur since 2003. I formed two successful companies, and run a charitable foundation — The Coexist Foundation — all while keeping up with teaching and writing.

My work has given me the opportunity to engage some of the most challenging and sensitive issues related to Islam and the public square today. I have worked with large media corporations, leading newspapers, investment banks, heads of state, military personnel, law enforcement groups, intelligence officers, universities, and international faith leaders.

  • The relationship between Islam, scholars, and government.
  • The process and trends of issuing fatwas in the contemporary Muslim world.
  • Addressing the threat of violence and extremism.
  • The inner workings of how both government and media cover Islam.
Princeton University campus

The tradition is capable of meeting us where we are.

My study of Islam, coupled with the work that I do, gives me some unique insights into how we make sense of Islam today — how we apply something timeless and sacred in a rapidly changing world.

On this platform I will distill complex issues into small packets of usable information. My hope is to inspire you to the beauty of our faith, and teach you strategies and techniques to make sense of Islam every day in your life.

Explore the Podcast Work With Tarek