Abdullah, a famous instructor at the Klein College of Media and Communication and a well-known imam in Philadelphia’s Muslim community, will take on this responsibility while maintaining his current posts at the institution. He is a faculty member in the Department of Communication and Social Influence and program director for the Master of Science in Communication Management. His distinct viewpoint and deep relationships to the religious community throughout the region qualify him to bridge gaps and establish meaningful communication between city authorities and Philadelphia’s varied Muslim population. Parker praised the appointment as an important step toward more inclusiveness and representation among the city’s officials.
Throughout his career, Abdullah has been a dedicated champion for understanding and cooperation, especially during times of high tension, such as the continuing Middle East war. His efforts have resulted in significant prizes, including Temple University’s Outstanding Faculty Service Award.
Abdullah, who has lived in West Philadelphia for the past 24 years, is the board chair of Interfaith Philadelphia, co-president of the Association for Conflict Resolution, and a previous co-chair of the Mayor’s Commission on Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs of Philadelphia. He also serves as an imam at West Philadelphia’s Masjid Quba.
Abdullah is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and has worked with Temple University since 2000. His educational history is thoroughly anchored in Temple, where he acquired three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Religion, and Asian Studies, a Master’s degree in Adult and Educational Development, and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. While studying, he also taught at a private primary school and did night shifts.
Abdullah started working in the IT department at Temple in 2004, and he also taught classes half time. He began full-time teaching in the College of Education and Human Development in 2016, then moved to Klein College in 2019. He is currently an assistant professor who specializes in conflict resolution.
Abdullah expressed his gratitude for representing the city’s more than 250,000 Muslims at over 70 places of worship in Philadelphia. However, he highlighted that his position will allow him to be inclusive of all people.