Imam Christopher J Caras
Imam Chris converted to Islam as a high school junior in October 2001 in Peoria, Illinois. He was raised Christian and previously attended both Lutheran and Greek Orthodox churches. Chris accepted Islam mesmerized by the Quran’s grand and penetrating message and had not yet met any practicing Muslims. Before converting, Chris intended to become the US president and vowed never to smoke, drink, or have girlfriends.
Brother Chris began pursuing Islamic studies after being appointed secretary of the Knox College Islamic Club and imam of Galesburg, IL. After deciding to study Islam, Chris left college to save money to travel abroad. He worked in retail and welding until he performed the Islamic "Hajj" pilgrimage to Mecca in 2006. During pilgrimage, he applied and was granted scholarship to study at the renowned Islamic University of Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Chris completed their two-year Arabic learning institute followed by their four-year bachelor's degree program in Islamic theology, history, and education, graduating with honors in 2013. He taught grade school Islamic studies for one year in Peoria, and then went to Malaysia for two years to earn his masters in Islamic Law and Legal Theory, finishing in 2016 from the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM aka UIA Universiti Islamiya Antarabangsa). His master’s research topics included studies of mass surveillance as well as transgenderism.
Chris and family moved to St Louis, Missouri in late 2016. He first worked with CAIR-Missouri and taught Quran and religion at Al-Salam Day School while simultaneously serving as imam-spiritual leader of Belleville, Illinois Masjid and Islamic Education Center. Chris designed programs for mentoring and teaching new Muslim converts, as well as published dozens of articles on his personal blog specifically for new Muslims on how to cope with Islam, life, and relationships after making the testimony of faith. He also designed full theological, Arabic and history curricula.
Chris has always enjoyed a good relationship with his parents who have been together for over 40 years. His father is a judge and veteran, and his mother an RN, both retired. Imam Chris’ wife is an accomplished Quran recital teacher of Pakistani descent, born in Louisiana while raised in Saudi Arabia, where they married in 2008. Both husband and wife are soft-spoken introverts that are raising their three extroverted sprouts together.
Outside of community work, Chris likes videogames, nutrition, and sports — with a preference for golf and running. Chris follows the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, and Chicago Bulls.
A message from Imam Chris:
My mission is to educate and inspire towards Islamic multi-cultural cohesion and eradicate spiritual ignorance to combat extremism and nurture a healthy rounded Western Muslim identity, appreciative of our legacy, optimistic and adaptive for our future. I believe imams and religious educators are not merely for performing familiar duties, but are the most fundamental elements of the Muslim community, signifying long-term spiritual leadership that worshipers may come to trust for decades.
The masjid should not be policed by uncles and aunties but be inclusive and welcoming places for all who seek greater purpose within the Islamic worldview. I hope to educate and inspire not only within the walls of the masjid but to coordinate with other masjids, local MSAs, prisons, interfaith groups, libraries and educational institutions. I'm not afraid of big and new ideas or benefiting from the good practices of other communities.
I look at fiqh comparatively and holistically although I lean towards Hanbali opinions, which I have generally found to be the most flexible and accommodating. I follow athari scriptural theological creed, have a deep love for history, the Arabic language, and the Prophet’s Sunnah legacy. I believe western based scholars are the most proper source for answers and solutions to western questions and dilemmas, but I study the opinions of traditional scholars, whether long deceased or living in Muslim countries, as a starting point for related ijtihad. Whenever I preach and teach, I work to do so in a manner that garners hearts and stimulates minds.
Networking and consultation are gold to me. I view our community as a team with a common goal. I see the benefits of interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural conversations and working together towards common good without sacrificing values. Politically, I lean towards progressive economic policies and conservative social stances, but I am mostly independent. I believe the first and most important step in da`wah is living by admirable prophetic example, grass roots involvement and volunteering for local social causes.
Contact the Imam
Imam Open Office Hours
(subject to change day-to-day based on events, community needs, programming, and seasons)
Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday: 2 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 3 PM - 8 PM
All other times, by appointment only
NOTE: Imam Chris speaks English and Fusha Arabic only. The Imam is not entertaining requests for:
Marriage, family, mental health, or addiction counseling - except as a listener and friend who may or may not have suggestions. The Imam may recommend you see a licensed counselor, although the Imam does not refer to any specific professionals as you should consult your healthcare provider and local resources.
Sadaqah requests. Contact the main office, treasurer or any member of the Sadaqah committee.
If you want to apply to marry through the ICP, please use the dedicated ICP marriage application form, and you may also read the document posted there to know what to expect.
If you are seeking an Islamic nikah separation via talaaq or khul`ah, please be advised that this is a process that may take several weeks or months depending on all that is involved. Delay is by design in hopes that the couple will sort things out by themselves in the meantime. Impatience will not speed up this process. Respectfully.
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