Ali Camarata

Growing up Christian in America, my life transformed after 9/11. As a young soldier in the U.S. Army at the time, media coverage of Islam sparked my curiosity. My online research revealed a beautiful faith, far different from how it was portrayed in the media. The truth of Islam resonated so deeply that I took my shahada while still serving, which began a journey that would reshape my entire purpose.

After military service, I immersed myself in Islamic studies available in my area. I studied at IIASA, Dar al-Arqam, IHC, Al-Maghrib, IOU, and other institutions; with scholars such as Jaafar Idris, Yousuf Idris, Muhammad al-Shareef, Yasir Qadhi, Yasir Birjas, Muhammad ibn Faqih, Abdulbary Yahya, Waleed Basyouni, Abu AbdulRahman Zahr, Bilal Philips, and many others. I also received ijazah in a few works, such as al-Iqna. In 2014, I began teaching with eDialogue as well as at masajid, schools, and online platforms.

That same year, I founded the us-Sunnah Foundation— a charity organization focused on humanitarian aid for thousands of refugees and supporting orphans in need. Authentic Islamic practice must always include service to humanity. Whether through providing accurate information about Islam, distributing food to orphans, or supporting prisoners on their spiritual journey, the foundation embodies the comprehensive mercy that Islam teaches.

Today, my life revolves around three passions: serving as Imam at LECI, leading the us-Sunnah Foundation, and working to establish Conneaut's first masjid. My background in software engineering supports these goals as well as various Islamic tech projects.

My journey from Christianity to Islam, from soldier to Imam, from self-taught programmer to enterprise developer, has been guided by Allah's wisdom. Every experience has prepared me for my current mission: serving the Muslim community through spiritual guidance, practical leadership, and innovative technology.

As I work to establish Conneaut's first masjid and continue serving at the correctional facility, I'm reminded daily that Islam is not just a religion, but a complete way of life that transforms individuals and communities. This transformation—both my own and that of others—is what drives my continued dedication to Islamic work and da'wah.

Above all, I thank Allah for every blessing in my life. Among the greatest of those blessings is my beautiful and supportive family, who have walked this path with me, uplifted me in times of hardship, and helped me in ways only Allah truly knows. May Allah bless them—and you— with steadfast faith, mercy, and the highest level of Jannatul Firdaus al-A‘la. Ameen.