Sheikh Walid Fouad Mohamed Eliwa Mohamed Saleh is a recognized, well-respected scholar, educator, and community leader. A true Azhari, he harmonized his lifelong dedication to Islamic scholarship, entrenched in Al-Azhar’s finest traditions, with a sound contextual understanding of the American Muslim experience, enabling him to be the loved and trusted spiritual guide that he is today.
He began his journey of sacred knowledge at the illustrious Al-Azhar Al-Sharif at the age of five and half, remaining there after his eventual graduation from Al-Azhar University. From private study circles to sitting at the scholars’ feet, Sheikh Walid’s rooted his scholarly expertise in over three decades of extensive study with some of the best and most senior scholars that Al-Azhar has to offer.
From the beginning, he embodied the true spirit of a student of knowledge. The first one to arrive and the last one to leave, Sheikh Walid seized every opportunity he could to absorb the scintillating gems of Islamic knowledge. While other kids played in the playground, Sheikh Walid, following in the footsteps of the great Imam An-Nawawi, instead spent time with his teachers, seeing as it an opportunity to both benefit from them and to deepen his relationships with them. Through this, he inherited decades of experience and insights from his diverse teachers and professors, developing a maturity, a wisdom, and an openmindedness beyond his years. which has manifested into the very da’wah that he gives today. The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, and Sheikh Walid inherited from the scholars.
After graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Language from Al-Azhar, Sheikh Walid’s passion for learning sprouted into a passion for teaching. He served for over fifteen years at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, teaching Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies, and mentoring students in their academic and spiritual journeys. He traveled extensively as a da'ee (advocate), invited by numerous Islamic centers and institutions across Europe and North America, teaching Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic courses to diverse audiences. Throughout
He continued his pursuit of Qur’anic mastery by specialising in the ten canonical recitations, completing Al-Azhar’s advanced certifications in Aaliyat AlQira'aat and Takhassus AlQira'aat.
Sheikh Walid holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Language from Al-Azhar University, as well as several higher-level degrees in Education and related sciences. This includes his Postgraduate Degree in Education from Al-Azhar University, his Postgraduate Degree in Education Management from Al-Mansoura University, and his Master’s Degree in Education from the Islamic University of Minnesota. His academic and pedagogical expertise have led him to serve as a university lecturer and department head, where he continues to advance Islamic education through structured, evidence-based methodologies while preserving the spiritual depth of traditional learning.
Before moving to the United States, Sheikh Walid served for over fifteen years at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s Ta'leem wa Da'wah department. He taught Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies, and mentored students in their academic and spiritual journeys. He traveled extensively as a da'ee (missionary), invited by numerous Islamic centers and institutions across Europe and North America, teaching Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic courses to diverse audiences. Through this, he touched the hearts of many people with his eloquence, humility, passion, and ability to communicate timeless Islamic principles with clarity and balance.
From 2018 to 2025, Sheikh Walid served as the Resident Scholar and Director of Educational and Religious Programs at Dar Al-Taqwa Islamic Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. There, he led prayers, delivered Friday sermons, and provided expert faith-based counseling services to hundreds across the DMV area. Known for his clarity, wisdom, kindness, and accessibility, he has pioneered initiatives such as daily Qur’an exegesis sessions, post-Fajr tafsir halaqat, and educational programs for youth and families. His ability to connect classical Islamic scholarship with the realities of modern life has made him a trusted spiritual guide and community builder. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Family Counseling from the Islamic University of Minnesota, which he hopes will further enhance his ability as a spiritual guide in addressing some of the greatest challenges faced by the American Muslim community.
Sheikh Walid remains deeply committed to cultivating a generation of Muslims who embody knowledge, balance, and excellence (Ihsaan). Through his scholarship and his leadership, he hopes to leave a lasting impact on individuals and institutions across North America and beyond.