Imam Zulqarnain Abdu-Shahid is a resident of Staten Island, NY and serves as the Islamic Chaplain for Staten Island University Hospital for over 15 years. One of his many accomplishments was establishing a prayer room for employees, patients and their families as well as conducting and maintaining Friday services for worshippers at the facility. 

Alongside his chaplaincy, Imam Abdu -Shahid is the Founder of House of Community, Baitul Jamaat - whose mission is to provide food security (servicing over 82,000 families), mental health awareness the arts, various activities, programs, educational series, and advocacy support, to the underserved families borough-wide, starting right here in our base - Staten Island.  He is also the Halal Food Inspector for the Majlis Ash Shura of New York. A piloted program partnered with the NYC Department of Education; the Halal Certification program is the first halal certifying body in New York to certify public schools. To date, more than 50 schools have been certified to serve halal meals to Muslim and non- Muslim students. 

Imam Abdu Shahid attained his double master’s in education and special education from Mercy College,1998; Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Mercy College, 1994 and associate in law, Bronx Community College, 1989.  

One of his many passions is his love for Percussion/ Congas. Imam Abdu-Shahid has performed both nationally and internationally. Such places include Canada, Dubai, Abu Dabi, London, and Australia performing alongside Yusuf Islam aka Cat Stevens, Native Deen, Maher Zain, and Zain Bhikha to name a few. 

Awards and Certifications include NYC Marriage Officiant; Recognition of Excellence Award – 2020; Family Development Credential, Cornell University; Community Mediation Services, Interfaith Center of New York; Pastoral Crisis Intervention, FEMA/Islamic Relief USA; NYC Dept of Corrections Appreciation Award, 2009. 

Imam Abdu-Shahid is currently a member of the following: Staten Island Clergy Leadership Committee; Staten Island Interfaith Advisory Group, Office of Faith Based Initiatives; Staten Island Hunger Task Force; Masjidus Sabur and NYS Chaplain for MTA NYC - Staten Island. 

Imam Abdu Shahid is happily married to wife, Jamilah LaSalle, Executive Director of Baitul Jamaat – House of Community for 16 years. Together they have 3 children.