Bashir Ali has 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, he serves as the Midwest Section Convener and National Convener of Imams in association with the Community of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. Locally, Bashir has also served as a board member and president of several community organizations, and as a state and federal prison Chaplain. Currently, Imam Dr. Ali writes books and lectures throughout the country on the Qur’anic foundations of developing model Muslim communities.

 

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 also worked collaboratively to create the Midwest Leadership Conference and Community Leadership Summit to address critical areas of community life including: Marriage and Family Life; Education; Business and Economic Development; Culture; Government and Civic Engagement; and Next Generation Leadership Development.

 

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 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.

 

Imam Dr. Bashir Ali has been blessed with a beautiful family including his wife Aishah, nine children, and twenty-four grandchildren.