Imam Dr. Bashir Ali serves as the Midwest Section Convener and National Convener of Imams in association with the Community of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. He has also been the Resident Imam and President of the Muslim Education & Community Association (MECA) of Peoria, Illinois since 1993. He became a member of the Nation of Islam in 1970. Since 1975, he has been a student of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. In addition to his responsibilities as a resident Imam, Bashir has served in leadership roles for community organizations, and state and national professional associations. He has also served as a state and federal prison Chaplain.
As an Islamic community leader, Imam Dr. Ali writes books and lectures throughout the country on the Qur’anic foundations of developing model Muslim communities and “Fitrah-The Natural Pattern for Our Development” (his upcoming book). Recognizing the need to cultivate a new generation of community leaders, he has been instrumental in developing the current Islamic Leadership Training and Development Program (ILTDP). Dr. Ali also acts as the team leader for the Community Leadership component of the ILTDP.
In his capacity as Midwest and National Convener, Imam Dr. Ali has had the opportunity to work with Imams and other community leaders across the region and country to develop leadership skills, training programs, and community development initiatives. He has worked collaboratively with community leaders to create the annual Imams’ Conferences, Midwest Leadership Conferences, and Community Leadership Summits to address critical areas of community life and development; develop the institutions of community governance and leadership; and develop the skill-sets of Imams and Islamic community leaders.
Bashir grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois in Architecture. He began his career as an Architectural Engineer. He retired in 2012 as the Director of Workforce Development for Central Illinois. He has also been director of a community-based organization and a community college administrator. For thirty years Bashir was a recognized leader in economic, workforce and community development and has been the recipient of numerous international, national, and state awards. He received his Doctoral degree from Global Oved Dei Seminary and University.