Disciplines
African American Studies | African History | Black History | Islamic Studies | Latina/o Studies | Public History | Puerto Rican Studies | Religious Education | United States History
Abstract
As a leader, Rahman plays many roles beyond leading prayers. He serves as a counselor, advisor, and guide, especially for immigrants and first-generation college students who may lack extended family support. He helps community members navigate not only education but also careers, marriage, and faith-based decisions through an Islamic lens. At Fordham University, he works to build a Muslim community through programs such as Ramadan events, spiritual counseling, mentorship initiatives, and multifaith dialogue.
Overall, Imam Rahman's lived experience demonstrates the role of a religious leader who continues to support minority communities and immigrants. His messages and teachings show how Islam is not meant to be strict or limiting, but it can be looked at as a thoughtful guide for living with purpose and understanding of the faith. Through education, mentorship, and open dialogue, he continues to empower young Muslims to make meaningful choices while staying grounded in their beliefs.
LINK TO VIDEO RECORDING: http://cdm17265.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/baahp/id/127
Recommended Citation
Naison, Mark; Rosado, Anthony Abd-al Shafi; and Edward, Jane Kani, "Ammar Abdul Rahman" (2026). Oral Histories. 432.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/baahp_oralhist/432
Included in
African American Studies Commons, African History Commons, Black History Commons, Islamic Studies Commons, Latina/o Studies Commons, Public History Commons, Puerto Rican Studies Commons, Religious Education Commons, United States History Commons
Comments
Interviewee: Ammar Abdul Rahman
Interviewer: Anthony Abd-al Shafi Rosado and Dr. Jane Edward
Summary by: Hatoumata Tunkara
December 9, 2025
Born in Ghana, Imam Ammar Abdul Rahman grew up in a religious Muslim family where faith and community were equally important. As the grandson of a chief imam (Muslim religious leader) and the son of an Islamic school teacher, Islam played an important role in shaping his identity. After immigrating to the United States in 2012, he relocated to the Bronx, where he serves as the imam at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses. Imam Ammar Abdul Rahman’s experiences as a Muslim immigrant navigating faith, culture, and North American society shape his approach to leadership by pushing him to focus on education, open dialogue, and community support that help young Muslims reconcile Islamic values with modern life.
Imam Rahman emphasizes the challenges young Muslims face when it comes to relationships, marriage, and courtship in a society that often goes against Islamic values. He explained that in the Islamic world, courtship is a purposeful process meant to lead toward marriage, not just casual dating. He also emphasized the pressure young women experience from families, where they are being discouraged from interacting with men when they are young, then suddenly being expected to be married as an adult. To address this, Imam Rahman is working to educate parents and communities about healthy, halal (permissible or “lawful” under Islamic law) courtship practices that allow young people to make informed choices without fear or pressure.
Imam Rahman also emphasized the importance of creating spaces where Muslims can ask questions, think critically, and challenge ideas respectfully. He explained that throughout Islamic history, scholars openly debated and disagreed with one another while still maintaining mutual respect. In contrast, he believes many young Muslims are taught what to do without understanding why. His goal is to encourage learning that focuses on understanding, reasoning, and applying Islamic teachings thoughtfully in the modern world.