About
Family Background
The Hawa family, with its ancestral roots tracing back to Hama, Syria, has a storied history deeply intertwined within the Islamic world. Renowned in the Islamic community, they gained prestige with the emergence of esteemed scholar, Sheikh Sa'id Hawa, may Allah have mercy on him, during the early 1950s. Sheikh Sa'id Hawa was a scholar of Islamic Jurisprudence (Shari'ah), taking on the responsibility of spreading the teachings of Islam. He embarked on journeys to various countries and authored numerous books on various Islamic sciences.
Sheikh Sa’id Hawa's children each excelled in specific fields of Islamic sciences under their father's guidance. His eldest son, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Sa'id Hawa, earned a professorial degree in Hadith. His second son, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Sa'id Hawa, father of Imam Jafar, exhibited exceptional expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in the teachings of the school of Imam Abu Hanifah. His third son, Sheikh Dr. Muadh Sa'id Hawa, specialized in field of purifying the soul (Tazkiyah).
Personal Background
1989 - 2005
Birth
Quran Journey
Imam Jafar Hawa, born in Amman, Jordan, in 1989, displayed his deep commitment to the Quran by memorizing it at the age of 14.
He began his journey as an Imam at a very young age by leading Taraweeh prayers in Amman and various cities worldwide.
2006 - 2014
Educational Pursuits
Recognition
At the age of 17, Imam Jafar earned an Ijaza certification directly linked to the Prophet (ﷺ), marking a significant milestone in his Quranic studies. By the age of 21, he secured first place in a national Quran recitation competition, highlighting his exceptional proficiency in Quranic recitation. His role as a young Imam and Quran instructor served as a source of motivation and inspiration for students of all ages.
His unwavering dedication to Islamic knowledge eventually led him to earn a Bachelor's degree in Islamic Banking in 2014.
2015 - April 2024
Leadership at the Prayer Center
The Quran Academy
Upon relocating to the Chicagoland area in 2015, Imam Jafar assumed the role of Imam and Associate Director at the Prayer Center of Orland Park. His Quranic recitations attracted many attendees to the mosque, and he further extended his reach by recording and live-streaming multiple complete Quran Khitmahs from the Taraweeh prayers, sharing them on YouTube and various popular podcast platforms. Imam Jafar significantly impacted multiple facets of the Prayer Center, particularly leaving a lasting impression on the youth through his active participation in their activities and programs.
In 2016, Imam Jafar was appointed as the Executive Director of the Quran Academy, where he established a unique structure for Quranic programs catering to all ages. His innovative plans included preparing young professionals with effective Quranic skills and essential education. Under his leadership, the Quran Academy successfully served approximately 600 students across all programs during the school year of 2023/2024, boasting a dedicated team of about 110 staff members. This achievement reflects Imam Jafar's impactful leadership and the team he diligently built over seven years of dedicated service.
May 2024 - Current
Leadership at the Mosque Foundation
Continued Services
In May 2024, Imam Jafar embarked on a new chapter in his journey as a full-time Imam at the Mosque Foundation, a prestigious mosque established in 1981 in Bridgeview, Illinois, often referred to as "Little Palestine." The Mosque Foundation was committed to its vision of becoming the leading mosque in the United States, dedicated to providing Islamic guidance and services to the community. Imam Jafar joined a significant team at the Mosque Foundation, which served a community of over 50,000 people, making a substantial impact through their collective efforts in spiritual leadership, education, outreach, and community service. This opportunity represented a pivotal moment in Imam Jafar's career, where he continued to contribute to the mosque's mission of enriching and supporting the lives of Muslims in the Chicagoland area.
Beyond these roles, Imam Jafar's commitment endures as he offers counseling, parenting guidance, and conducts both pre-marriage and post-marriage seminars, exemplifying his steadfast dedication to the Quran, Sunnah, and Islamic education.
Expertise
Experience You Can Benefit from
Quranic Sciences
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Ijaza (Sanad) & Tajweed Certification
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Memorization & Revision Techniques
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Curriculum Mapping
Counseling & Training
العلوم الشرعية باللغة العربية
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Family & Parenting
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Pre-Marriage & Post-Marriage
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Islamic Finance
تبسيط العلوم الشرعية المختلفة باللغة العربية، من علوم العقيدة والقرآن الكريم، إلى السيرة النبوية، وأحكام العبادات والمعاملات، وغيرها.
