Imam Shakil was born and raised in Bolton, Greater Manchester, U.K. He is the youngest of five siblings. He attended local primary and high schools in Bolton until the age of fifteen, following which, in accordance with his late father’s wishes, he enrolled at the Islamic Institute of Islamic Education in Dewsbury, U.K. There, he completed his high school education and pursued studies in Islamic Theology.

After devoting approximately nine years to extensive studying, Imam Shakil achieved the title of “Scholar of Islamic Sciences and Arabic Literature.” He also acquired the title of “Qari” after studying the ten different ways of reciting the Holy Quran. Following his graduation, Imam Shakil spent a year abroad engaging in missionary work in remote villages in the Asian subcontinent, as per the institute’s practice. Upon his return, he embarked on a career as an Imam and began serving as a chaplain at a hospital in Ireland. Later, he moved to Liverpool and continued his chaplaincy work there. In addition to his religious duties, he taught the recitation of the Quran in Braille to Muslim children at the local blind school.

In 2004, Imam Shakil immigrated to the United States, initially settling in Florida. There, he served as the lead Imam and Nazarah Program Director for the Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area for five years. In 2011, he relocated to Texas and assumed the roles of Imam and Nazarah Program Director at the Islamic Center of Frisco, Texas. He also served as the ‘Kateeb’ for other local mosques in the area. During his time in Texas, Imam Shakil connected with organizations such as Basmah, Texas Women’s, and Alfurqan Foundation, where he became a motivational speaker. In 2020, Imam Shakil embarked on chaplaincy studies at Texas Health, Dallas. He subsequently pursued a residency in chaplaincy in Austin, Texas, where he successfully completed his training and became an endorsed Chaplain. Alhamdulillah.

Imam Shakil currently serves as the staff chaplain at Lakeland Regional Hospital, where he provides spiritual support and guidance to patients, their families, and hospital staff. In addition to his chaplaincy role, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Divinity, further enriching his knowledge and understanding of religious studies and pastoral care.