Biography: Imam Ossama Bahloul, Ph.D., the Resident Scholar of the Islamic Center of Nashville, comes to Nashville with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Imam Ossama is a graduate of the renowned Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his BA in Islamic Studies, as well as his Master’s degree and ultimately his Ph.D. Dr. Bahloul completed his Ph.D. in Comparative Religions. His thesis titled Critique of Christian Issues within Will Durant’s “The Story of Civilization” is widely acclaimed. Dr. Bahloul’s passion in comparative religions has fueled over 16 years of experience in interfaith dialogue and numerous public corroborations with both Muslim organizations and religious leaders from other faiths. As an academic, he has worked on peer-reviewed research and has traveled extensively, lecturing at the university level about critical interfaith issues facing Muslims.​ As an Imam, Dr. Ossama has gained knowledge, experience, and insight in guiding community members to achieve their Islamic educational and spiritual goals. Dr. Bahloul’s unwavering commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance for the educational and spiritual growth and wellbeing of his community have culminated in his induction into the Fiqh Council of North America. Prior to his tenure at the Islamic Center of Nashville, Dr. Bahloul was the Imam at the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro where he led and supported the community through severe islamophobic attacks while building the only mosque in Murfreesboro, all of which was covered extensively by local and national media. Above all, Dr. Bahloul is a devoted and loving husband to his wife Ivey Bahloul, and a caring, compassionate father to his three beautiful children Jana, Adam, and Nora.