Leadership

Mufti Sajjad Raza is an Islamic scholar, peacebuilder, and community leader dedicated to fostering coexistence, interfaith harmony, and civic engagement in America. As the Founding Chairman of the American Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) and Chief Imam at the AMAN Center in Brooklyn, New York, he has become a leading voice for shaping a confident, inclusive model of American Muslim identity rooted in faith and open to dialogue.

Mufti Sajjad Raza pursued over a decade of advanced studies at Jamia tul Madina, where he received his Ijazat (religious degrees) in Islamic law, theology, and related sciences, ultimately qualifying with the title of Mufti. He later earned an M.Phil. in Social Sciences, combining classical scholarship with modern academic perspectives.

With more than 15 years of experience in scholarship, teaching, research, and media, Mufti Sajjad Raza has worked with some of Pakistan’s most respected media houses, including Geo TV Network, Express TV, ARY Digital, PTV, Hum TV, and GTV News, hosting and advising on religious and social programs. His career also includes leadership roles such as Director of Dialogue & Advocacy at IRISS, Project Manager at the Peace and Education Foundation, and Chairman of the Irtiqa Foundation, where he advanced initiatives in interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and democratic values. His contributions earned him recognition at the national level, including the National Peace Award (2018) and the National Democracy Award (2020).

In his earlier years, Mufti Sajjad Raza held strong political and sectarian views, but meaningful encounters with diverse communities led him to embrace a broader, more inclusive path. Since relocating to New York City in 2022, he has emerged as a bridge-builder within Brooklyn’s vibrant Muslim community, while also engaging in interfaith efforts that strengthen relationships across faiths and cultures.

At AMAN, Mufti Sajjad Raza is committed to creating spaces where American Muslims can practice their faith with confidence, contribute positively to society, and engage meaningfully with people of all backgrounds. His work brings together Islamic scholarship, social responsibility, and civic values to inspire communities toward peace, respect, and shared progress.