About

Ibrahim Kazerooni was born in 1958 in the city of Al-Najaf in southern Iraq. Al-Najaf is holy to the Shi’ah Muslims. Ibrahim was born into a family of theologians. For as far back as anyone in his family can remember, the men in his family have been prominent Shiite clerics. Ibrahim began his religious studies at an early age and continued them until his life took an unexpected turn.

In 1974, he was arrested by Saddam Hussein’s regime. He was imprisoned for more than 5 months. After being released, Ibrahim decided to leave Iraq. He spent few years in theMiddle East and traveled to Lebanon, Turkey, and Iran in search of a safe place to stay. While in Iran, he completed his theological studies. Fearful of Iraq’s secret police, he fled toEngland and began his secular education.

Ibrahim has taught Comparative Mysticism, Introduction to Islamic Law & Theology, Qur’anic Exegeses, The History of Hadith, and Islamic History. He has traveled to many countries in pastoral capacity as an Imam for the Muslim communities as well as on lecture tours.

He currently resides in Denver and works as Imam for the Denver Muslim community. He is a former board member for the Housing Justice, Interfaith Alliance, Stapleton Interfaith, the religious advisory to the University of Denver Bridges to the Future Program and We Believe Colorado.

He is the former Director of the Abrahamic Initiative Program at St. John Cathedral in Denver. Currently he serves as a member of the Board of Religious advisers to the Denver Police.

He has received a number of awards for his bridge building and peace initiative, including, Faith to Faith Award for interfaith works. (2007), Martin Luther King Award for services in peace building (2007), the “Iliff/D.U Joint Ph.D. Award for Community Service(2007), and Honored with Congressional Record for working to end the war in Iraq. (2004)

In addition to Islamic Theological studies, Ibrahim holds a degree in Mining/Petroleum Eng., MBA in Management, Master in Global Studies (GSIS, D.U), and Master Theological Studies (Iliff School of Theology). Currently he is a Ph.D. candidate at the Joint Iliff and D.U. Ph.D. Program within Religion and Social Change Concentration. He is researching the role and contribution of Religion to International Relations