Biography of Imam Zaid Shakir

Early Life and Background

Imam Zaid Shakir, born in 1956 in Berkeley, California, is a prominent American Muslim scholar, lecturer, and community leader. Raised in a working-class family, he grew up during the social and political upheavals of the 1960s and 70s, which shaped his awareness of social justice, civil rights, and community responsibility. Originally named Ricky Daryl Mitchell, he converted to Islam in 1977 and later adopted the name Zaid Shakir.

Short Biography of Imam Zaid Shakir

• Full Name: Ricky Daryl Mitchell (later known as Imam Zaid Shakir)

• Father: Not Publicly Available

• Wife: Saliha Shakir

• Date of Birth: 1956

• Age: 69 (as of 2025)

• Place of Birth: Berkeley, California, USA

• Nationality: American

• Religion: Islam

• Education:

  • B.A. in International Relations – American University (Washington, D.C.)

  • M.A. in Political Science – Rutgers University

  • Islamic Studies – Abu Noor University, Damascus, Syria (and other Middle Eastern institutions)

• Profession: Islamic Scholar, Lecturer, Imam, Author, Co-founder of Zaytuna College

• Born: 1956, Berkeley, California, USA

• Eye Color: Not Publicly Available

• Hair Color: Black (with gray, later in life)

• Zodiac Sign: Not Publicly Available

• Awards:

  • Author of an award-winning text, “Treatise for the Seekers of Guidance”
  • Recognized as one of the “most influential scholars” in the West by The 500 Most Influential Muslims

• Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Teaching, Community Service (publicly known interests)

• Marital Status: Married (name of wife not disclosed)

• Children: Not Publicly Available

• Height: Not Publicly Available

• Hometown: Berkeley, California

• Founder of:

  • Co-founder of Zaytuna College
  • Co-founder of New Brunswick Islamic Center (formerly Masjid al-Huda)
  • Co-founder of Masjid Al-Islam (in New Haven, Connecticut)
  • Co-founder of the Tri-State Muslim Education Initiative
  • Co-founder of the Connecticut Muslim Coordinating Committee
  • Co-founder of the Lighthouse Mosque in Oakland, CA
  • Co-founder and Chairman of United For Change

• Channel: Lectures often published via Zaytuna College media, YouTube, and Islamic organizations

• Other Activities:

  • Social Justice Advocacy

  • Interfaith Dialogue

  • Public Speaking

  • Writing Books (Scattered Pictures, Treatise for the Seekers of Guidance, etc.)

Education

Imam Zaid Shakir’s pursuit of knowledge is extensive, combining both Western academia and traditional Islamic scholarship.

• He earned a B.A. in International Relations from American University in Washington, D.C.

• Completed an M.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University.

• Pursued Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Shariah in the Middle East, studying for several years in Syria, Egypt, and Morocco.

• He graduated from Abu Noor University in Damascus, Syria, with a specialization in Islamic sciences.

His educational journey allowed him to bridge the gap between modern intellectual thought and traditional Islamic scholarship.

Religious Training and Islamic Scholarship

Imam Zaid studied with renowned scholars in the Muslim world, gaining a deep understanding of:

• Qur’an and Tafsir (exegesis)

• Hadith (Prophetic traditions)

• Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)

• Arabic language and grammar

• Sufism (Islamic spirituality)

This training gave him the tools to address the challenges of Muslim communities living in the West, especially in the United States.

Career and Contributions

Imam Zaid Shakir is recognized as one of the leading Islamic scholars in the Western world. His work spans education, social justice, and spiritual guidance.

• Co-Founder of Zaytuna College (2009): Alongside Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Hatem Bazian, Imam Zaid co-founded Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California—the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the United States. The college aims to combine rigorous Islamic scholarship with modern intellectual traditions.

• Imam and Teacher: He has served as an Imam in various communities across the U.S., offering guidance on religious, social, and moral issues.

• Author: Imam Zaid is the author of several influential works, including Scattered Pictures: Reflections of an American Muslim, Treatise for the Seekers of Guidance, and Where I’m Coming From: The Year In Review.

• Public Speaker: He has delivered lectures worldwide on topics such as spirituality, social justice, racial equality, and interfaith understanding.

Social Activism

Imam Zaid Shakir has been a strong advocate for justice, peace, and social reform. His activism focuses on:

• Addressing issues of racism and inequality in America.

• Promoting Muslim unity and interfaith dialogue.

• Supporting global humanitarian causes, particularly in conflict zones.

• Encouraging Muslims to engage positively in society while maintaining their faith and identity.

Recognition and Influence

Imam Zaid Shakir has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential Muslim scholars in the West. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (Jordan) has frequently listed him in The Muslim 500: The World’s Most Influential Muslims.

He is admired for his ability to articulate Islam’s spiritual and ethical teachings in a way that resonates with Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Personal Life

Imam Zaid Shakir is known for his humility, deep spirituality, and commitment to service. He emphasizes personal discipline, prayer, and moral integrity. His life story reflects his journey from a young man searching for truth in turbulent times to a leading voice of Islamic scholarship and spirituality in America.

Legacy

Imam Zaid Shakir’s legacy is built on scholarship, leadership, and activism. As a co-founder of Zaytuna College, he has left an enduring institution that will educate future generations of Muslim leaders. His writings, lectures, and community work continue to inspire Muslims to live with faith, integrity, and a sense of responsibility toward humanity.