Imam Hanif Fouse serves as the Resident Imam of United Muslim Masjid (UMM) in Center City, Philadelphia, a position he has held since November 2017. Born in Compton, California, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2000, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Exeter in the UK. With over 18 years of teaching experience, including 13 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Imam Fouse has developed a deep expertise in Islamic education and Arabic instruction.
During his eight-year residence in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Imam Fouse dedicated his time to seeking knowledge from local scholars and students of knowledge, enriching his understanding of Islamic sciences. He is also the Vice President of QARI (Quran Arabic Reflection Institute) and the Director of its Accessible Arabic program, which offers structured courses designed to help students develop Arabic literacy skills for religious purposes. The program features multiple levels, catering to learners from beginners to advanced students, and emphasizes practical application of Arabic in understanding the Qur’an and Hadith.
In addition to his roles at UMM and QARI, Imam Fouse contributes to Islamic scholarship through translations of foundational Islamic texts. Notably, he has translated chapters from Dr. Sa’d bin Nasir Ash-Shithri’s works, making complex legal principles accessible to English-speaking audiences. His commitment to education and community engagement continues to impact the Muslim community in Philadelphia and beyond.