Dr. Mustafa Qasim

Areas of Expertise

Islamic law, pastoral care

Biography

Dr. Mustafa Qasim holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Law from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. His dissertation examined the principles and guidelines of Islamic jurisprudence in the writings of Ibn al-Qayyim. His further qualifications include a higher diploma in judgement and master’s degrees in Islamic studies, criminal justice and business administration.

He has taught Islamic finance, psychology and communication studies at Effat University in Jeddah, business courses at Niagara College in Makkah and Islamic studies online. His professional experience includes translation, guidance and work in the live fatwa department at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, alongside religious outreach. He serves as an imam in a Massachusetts state prison, providing prayers, sermons, Qur’an instruction, counseling and educational programs for incarcerated individuals, staff and families.

Selected Publications and Work

Kassem, M., A Commentary on the Principles and Rules for Islamic Jurisprudence Applied to Criminal Justice as Mentioned in the Writings of Ibn Al Qayyim. PhD dissertation, the College of Islamic Law and Religious Studies, Umm Al Qura University. Kassem, M., Jurisprudential Opinions Based on the Actions of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad in the Hanbali School of Legal Thought – Master’s Dissertation, the College of Islamic Law and Religious Studies, Umm Al Qura University. Kassem, M., “Islamic Guidelines for the Proper Usage of Mosque Loudspeakers”, Ajman Journal of Studies and Research (AJSR), the Rashed Ben Humaid Award for Cultural and Scientific Development in UAE and GCC states, volume 20, issue 1, 2020. Kassem, M., “Fatwa in the Era of Globalization”, in Ifta’ and Fatwa in the Muslim World and the West (conference proceedings), Herndon: International Institute of Islamic Thought, 2014. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvkc670w.9 Kassem, M., An Index for Islamic Bank Shariah Board Rulings in the Arab World, Umm Al Qura University, An Index for Medical Jurisprudential Research, Umm Al Qura University.

Selected BIS Teaching

• IRL-545 Comparative Fiqh of the Family
• IRL-543 Uṣūl al-Fiqh (Legal Theory) & Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿa (Objectives of Islamic Law)
• IRL-732 Principles of Pastoral Care

These are courses taught at BIS. For current academic information, explore the graduate program.

Professional and Community Service

* Founder and president of the American Imams' Society
* Research Associate at the Institute of Manuscripts and Islamic Heritage of Umm Al Qura University
* Taught courses in religious law, Arabic language, and research methodology at Fordham and Effat Universities
* Chaplain with Massachsetts DOC