Sound Minds - Uprooting Deconstructive Thinking #05 Chasing the Right Approval

Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith, also known as Michael V. Smith, is a renowned Islamic scholar and instructor at Qalam. As a dedicated faculty member at the Qalam Seminary, he imparts knowledge in the fields of Tafsir, Seerah, Aqeedah, and Hadith. His teachings are accessible to a broader audience through his regular contributions to the Qalam Podcast and his published works, including “With the Heart in Mind” and “When Hearing Becomes Listening,” available on Qalam Books.

Shaykh Mikaeel’s journey to Islamic scholarship is both unique and inspiring. Raised in a deeply spiritual Christian home in Buffalo, NY, he embraced Islam at the age of 18 after reading the Qur’an and the Autobiography of Malcolm X. His passion for learning led him to complete the memorization of the Qur’an and pursue further studies at Jami’a Abu Noor in Damascus, Syria.

In 2012, Shaykh Mikaeel earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies from Dar ul-Uloom Canada in Chatham, Ontario. His academic pursuits have equipped him with a profound understanding of Islamic sciences, which he now shares with students and the community at large. Before joining Qalam, he served as a resident scholar at the Islamic Society of Annapolis and the Islamic Society of Baltimore, where he played a crucial role in community education and spiritual guidance.

Shaykh Mikaeel’s expertise is not limited to traditional Islamic sciences; he is also an accomplished author. His book, “With the Heart in Mind,” explores the moral and emotional intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, providing readers with insights into the character and virtues of the Prophet. This work, along with his other writings, has earned him recognition and respect within the Muslim community and beyond.

Currently residing in Dallas, TX, with his wife and three children, Shaykh Mikaeel continues to inspire and educate through his lectures, classes, and publications. His commitment to spreading knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of Islam makes him a pivotal figure in contemporary Islamic scholarship. Through his work at Qalam and his contributions to Islamic literature, Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith remains a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for Muslims worldwide.