Imam Development Program

There are many causes raising funds to build masajid, but without an active Imam present, the masjid remains an underutilised asset for the ummah. That's why developing qualified, active Imams is essential. And that’s what we do at the Imam Development Program.

Some nights the weight doesn't have a name. You can't explain what you're feeling, you just know something is wrong. Sheikh Bilal Ismail, the founder of IDP, compiled 6 Prophetic du'as for the nights you can't sleep, the grief you can't explain, and the anxiety you can't shake.

@Hishamabuyusuf videos have become a a regular feature at the office, during our daily morning Halaqas. Some of the IDP team are attending TPSS in Istanbul this week and had the pleasure of bumping into him in real life 🙂 Here’s what he had to say…

120 Imams. 5 countries. One question no one had asked them before: "Ya Imam, how are you doing?" Two days at Lake Malawi on madrassahs, masjids & community work. Guests Sh Abdullah Musleh & Sh Abdul Muhsin al Mutayri inspired on ikhlaas. Swipe for the retreat.

Alf mabrook to Imam Shaibu Kamwendo of Malawi, winner of our Community Engagement Bonus, with 459 verified visits to the sick, elderly & orphaned over 6 months. 64 Imams, 11 countries, 1,949 visits in total. This is leadership that walks beyond the masjid.

This Eid, your Qurbani didn't just fulfill a sunnah, it put food on tables, smiles on faces, and barakah in homes across Africa. From the animals to the distribution, every step was handled by imams on the ground who made sure no one was left out. JazakAllahu khayran.

You're too exhausted to explain what you're feeling, let alone know how to ask Allah for help. Sheikh Bilal Ismail, CEO of IDP, compiled 6 du'as for exactly those nights - for fear and anxiety. COMMENT "DUA" AND GET THE FREE EBOOK.

Comment "DUA" and we'll send you this booklet free 🤍 Some fear doesn't make sense and some anxiety doesn't have a reason. But the heart just... breaks, quietly, in moments no one else sees. Sheikh Bilal Ismail, CEO of the IDP, put together 6 duas for these moments.

Comment "DUA" and we'll send the E-book to you for free. Behind closed doors, even your Imam has moments where the weight of leading a community gets heavy. And like all of us, he turns to duaa' for strength. We've compiled this free duaa' guide for you. Get them free today.

15M tourists walk into Istanbul's masjids yearly, curious, with no one to talk to. Dukhtoor Fateh saw that gap and acted, building a dawah space near Hagia Sophia. The Sahabah crossed oceans to deliver this message. What's our excuse?

The Imam Leadership Retreat brought together imams from across Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Kuwait, and Egypt for days of learning, reflection, and connection. Because when imams are equipped and supported, entire communities thrive.

Sheikh Musa Kayinja made du'a for Umrah for a year in every Tahajjud. Through the generosity of IDP donors, Sheikh Musa didn't just get to go to Makkah. He got to go with his money still in his pocket. This is what your donations do. They move people to the House of Allah. 🕋

We rode along with Imam Ramadhan Mwagi on our most recent trip to Kenya and asked him to share any advice with all our audience, and here's what he said: So speak to each other. And if you do quarrel, the best of the two of our you is the one who gives salam first.

The imam gets a message after Isha. He replies. Then another one comes in. He replies to that too. He has Fajr in a few hours. Most people don't see what happens between the khutbah and the next one. He shows up every time. Be the support he usually doesn’t ask for.

A khateeb delivers a message and a leader delivers change. The difference? It’s the training and mentorship. IDP exists to close that gap, equipping Imams across Africa with the knowledge to lead beyond the minbar. Be part of closing this gap, donate at imamdp.org/donate

"He's fun. And you learn everything." That's Sister Farida, a student at Imam Taslim's madrassah in Lagos, Nigeria. A good Imam makes learning Islam feel like home, somewhere children want to come back to. Empower an Imam today → imamdp.org/donate

The Islamic New Year has arrived, and it shouldn't begin with celebrations. It should begin with fasting, reflection, and a quiet return to Allah. 🌙 Muharram 1448 is here, and with it, the blessed Day of 'Ashura on Friday, 26th June. New Islamic Year Mubarak from the IDP family.

A widow grieves, a teen questions faith, a parent seeks guidance, each leaves unheard. When imams lack emotional intelligence, people suffer in silence. We’re training compassionate imams across Africa to lead with wisdom, empathy, and presence. Help build stronger communities.

This year, 5 Imams from Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda are making the sacred journey of Hajj. This year, they returned with firsthand experience, renewed iman, and something their communities have never had before, an Imam who has actually been to the holy place.

1,560 kilometres just for his faith! Two days on the road. And he still showed up with a smile. Sheikh Mustafa made that journey because he believes his community deserves a better Imam. And that belief? That's exactly what IDP was built for. 🤍