The CURE Community Leaders

Tahir Kukiqi
Tahir Kukiqi was educated at Al Az’Har University in Ciaro, Egypt, where he received a PH.D. in Islamic Philosophy (2002), a Master’s Degree in Islamic Philosophy (1997), engaged in post-graduate studies in Comparative Religion and Philosophy (1994) and also received a B.A. in Faith and Philosophy (1989). He is fluent in Albanian, Arabic, English, Bosnian-Yugoslavian.

Imam Kukiqi currently serves as a preacher to the Islamic community and performs various religious services at the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center in Staten Island, NY, where he has presided since 2003. In addition, Imam Kukiqi serves as an Islamic Studies teacher at the Miraj Islamic School in Staten Island, where he provides lessons on Islamic history to over 150 students and serves as an editor of Al-Miraj Magazine.

Imam Kukiqi is also a prominent lecturer and guest speaker, having provided presentations and lectures on Islamic Studies at various religious organizations within England, Norway, Michigan, and New York – including the American Humanitarian Organization; Mercy International; Snug Harbor; Wagner College; BBC /MBC; and Islamic Relief.

From 1996 through 2003 Imam Kukiqi served as Director of Albanian Programming for Egyptian Radio And TV Union in Cairo, Egypt, where he developed strategic programming plans with its Board of Directors, spoke about important Albanian issues on various Egyptian TV channels, and trained future announcers. From 1990 through 1996, he served as announcer, translator, and editor, preparing radio scripts as well as orchestrating and hosting various radio programs on History and Religion which were broadcast live throughout the Balkans.

From 1995 through 1999, Imam Kukiqi served on the Islamic Council of Kosovo in Cairo, Egypt, where he acted as a liaison between Egyptian and Albanian authorities. From 1995 through 1997, he served as Albanian Delegation host to the Foreign Ministry of Egypt, where he acted as a tour guide to various political leaders, served as a translator to the Foreign Minister of Egypt, and provided instructor on freedom issues and Religion. From 1991 through 1995, he served as Deputy Chairman to the Albanian Islamic International Committee in Shkodra, Albania, where he conducted seminars and TV specials on “Knowing Islam”, and maintained contacts within various Islamic organizations.

Imam Kukiqi is an extensive author and translator. He translated the following books in Albanian:
Man And Devil
The Good And Bad
The Pillars Of Islam Belief

He authored the following books, in Albanian/Arabic (which were published by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs):
Thoughts About Qur’an
The Credibility Of Holy Books
The Scientific Miracles Of Qur’an
101 Questions And Answers About Islam
Thirty Truths About Islam
Ibni Arabi And Ibni Taymia (Mysticism And Islamic Philosophy)
Albanian Identity and Religion

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