Join us for TISA’s Third Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10 a.m.
The Islamic Seminary of America (TISA) is honored to invite you to our 2026 Commencement Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center, at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) in Richardson, Texas. Join us as we celebrate the landmark achievements of our 2026 graduating class, and be a part of the future as our students take the next step in their journey towards rooted, relevant, and rigorous Muslim leadership.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Tamara Gray, is the founder of Rabata, an institution dedicated to Muslim women teachers, faith leaders, and community stewards in every digital and local neighborhood around the world. As President and CEO, she focuses on uplifting Muslim women within the community and without. Dr. Gray is also an author and translator. Her publications range from several culturally appropriate English language curriculum programs to translations of sacred texts.
We look forward to your presence, along with that of our esteemed Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yasir Qadhi, many of our renowned faculty and instructors, TISA alumni, and the TISA Board of Trustees.
*Please note, our ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., so we ask that guests arrive 15 minutes in advance to allow time to check in and be seated.
Master of Arts – Islamic Studies / Islamic Sciences Concentration (Fall 2025)
Born in Egypt and raised in Maryland, Ahmed Lotfy Rashed began his dawah journey as a graduate student and MSA Public Relations Officer. Known for his approachable demeanor and ability to simplify complex religious and historical contexts, he has spent over two decades presenting Islam at schools and houses of worship. Ahmed served as a head instructor for Islam101 and a WhyIslam.org volunteer for over 16 years in Boston. Now based in Columbus, Ohio, he leads a weekly youth halaqa focused on Islam’s relevance in daily life, equipping the next generation with a balanced, practical understanding of faith.
Master of Arts – Islamic Studies / Islamic Leadership Concentration (Spring 2026)
Ziad is a Palestinian-American whose life has been shaped by a rich journey across six countries. As a father of four, he balances his career in the corporate world as an Area Vice President with a deep commitment to service. Ziad is actively involved with multiple advocacy organizations and volunteers with youth sports. Ziad’s passion is to invest in the next generation of Muslim leaders. His enrollment at the Islamic Seminary of America reflects his belief that intellectual and spiritual growth are lifelong pursuits in the service of God and community.
Master of Arts – Islamic Studies / Islamic Sciences Concentration (Spring 2026)
Peter lives in Green Bay, WI, with his wife Karla and his son Yahya. He works as a Classical Arabic instructor, and his interests include Arabic Linguistics, Islamic education, and the Islamic sciences. After graduation, he hopes to continue developing an Arabic curriculum based on traditional Islamic pedagogical methods to assist students in overcoming their initial struggles to directly access Islamic texts and understand the Qur’an in its original Arabic.
Master of Arts – Islamic Studies / Islamic Sciences Concentration (Spring 2026)
Anika Munshi is a Licensed Professional Counselor and doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision. She integrates Islamic scholarship with clinical practice, focusing on spiritual identity, faith development, and mental health within Muslim communities. Her work explores how individuals navigate inherited beliefs, cultural expectations, and personal meaning. Anika is committed to training the next generation of counselors and creating spaces where faith can be engaged with depth, honesty, and psychological insight.
Graduate Certificate in Islamic Leadership and Management
Mebarek Nouiouat is married and a father of five sons. He has served as the Community Development Manager at the Islamic Center of Irving for 12 years, leading programs such as youth sports, skill-building courses, and creative projects that support and strengthen the community. He is also a freelance journalist and poet who is fluent in English, Arabic, and French. He has been honored with the Visionary Leadership Certificate from TISA, a Nonprofit Organizations Management Certificate from the Center for Nonprofit Management, and several awards from the Islamic Center of Irving.
Graduate Certificate in Islamic Leadership and Management
Amal Fayad, MSC, L.P.C., is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience who brings passion and a special focus to serving Muslim clients, integrating her Islamic education from TISA into her clinical work. She has over 20 years of service in the Muslim community in varying roles, such as a board member of the Islamic Center of Tempe and as Tarbiya Lead for the Muslim American Society Arizona chapter. Amal has dedicated herself to teaching and leading various tarbiya spaces, breaking mental health stigma, and empowering youth to thrive.
