Zulqarnain Abdu-Shahid

Imam Zulqarnain Abdu-Shahid is a resident of Staten Island, NY and serves as the Islamic
Chaplain for Staten Island University Hospital for over 14 years. One of his many
accomplishments was establishing a prayer room for employees, patients and their
families, conducting and maintaining Friday services for worshippers at the facility.

Alongside his chaplaincy, Imam Abdu -Shahid is the Founder of House of Community, Baitul
Jamaat - whose mission is to provide food security, mental health awareness throught the
arts, various activities, programs, educational series and advocacy support, to the
underserved families borough-wide; starting right here in our base of-Staten Island. To
date, over 59,678 families have been serviced.

Awards and Certifications include: NYC Marriage Officiant; Recognition of Excellence
Award – 2020; Family Development Credential, Cornell University; Community Mediation
Services, Interfaith Center of New York; Pastoral Crisis Intervention, FEMA/Islamic Relief
USA; NYC Dept of Corrections Appreciation Award, 2009;

Imam Abdu Shahid attained both his Master’s Degree in Education and Special Education
from Mercy College,1998; Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Mercy College, 1994 and
Associates in Law, Bronx Community College, 1989.

He is currently a member of the following: Staten Island Clergy Leadership Committee;
Staten Island Interfaith Advisory Group, Office of Faith Based Initiatives; Staten Island
Hunger Task Force and Masjidus Sabur Inc.

One of his many passions is his love for Percussion/ Congas. Imam Abdu-Shahid has
performed both nationally and internationally. Such places include: Canada, Dubai, Abu
Dabi, London, and Australia performing alongside Yusuf Islam aka Cat Stevens, Native
Deen, Mahir Zain and Zain Bhikha to name a few.

Imam Abdu Shahid is happily married to wife, Jamilah LaSalle, Executive Director of Baitul
Jamaat – House of Community for 14 years. Together they have 3 children.