Dr Abdul Hamid Bashir, a distinguished Islamic scholar and community leader, was recently named a 2025 Eisner Prize Fellow—one of the most prestigious honours recognising trailblasers advancing intergenerational work.
His project with Eisner Prize Fellowship is named “KinnConnect Circles”, a new, year-long pilot programme designed to strengthen emotional bonds, cultural identity, eschew violence and extremism and system navigation among Kinship/Grandfamilies.
It introduces a structured model for intergenerational healing and learning that blends cultural storytelling, peer mentoring, wellness support, and digital empowerment.
Currently based in the United States, Dr Bashir serves as the resident scholar at Markazul Quran, a subsidiary of the West African Community Centre (WAFCOM) in Philadelphia.
In this capacity, he delivers public lectures, conducts youth mentorship, provides Islamic legal consultation, and trains emerging faith leaders. His Friday sermons, workshops, and after-school programmes are widely attended by a diverse audience and praised for their clarity, balance, and contemporary relevance.
Holding a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies, from Franco-Arab International Private University and also a Diploma in Basic Education from the University of Cape Coast, Dr Bashir specialises in Quranic exegesis. His scholarship focuses on reclaiming authentic Islamic narratives from original and early sources to challenge theological distortions especially used by radical groups.
Beyond the mosque, Dr Bashir is deeply engaged in civic and interfaith initiatives. He is a selected Fellow of the King Abdullah International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) and a Faith for Our Planet Fellow, two prestigious global programmes that identify and support high-impact religious peace builders.
He also contributes to interfaith advisory boards, including with the African Union Interfaith Dialogue Platform, and frequently collaborates with Christian and Jewish leaders in addressing communal challenges, promoting shared values, and responding to crises across the U.S.
Towards the 2020 General Elections in Ghana, he led a project sponsored by KAICIID, dubbed “Religious Leaders against Electioneering Violence” reached over 100,000 youth and adults.
He trained local educators and religious leaders to recognise and challenge extremist narratives using textual and community-based tools. Visited mosques and churches across 12 of the 16 Administrative Regions of the country. The success of this initiative received attention from religious and interfaith councils and peace building organisations not only in Ghana but across the world.
His signature programme, “Faith, Civics & Security,” trains Muslim leaders on civic responsibility, religious literacy, and extremism prevention. Through lectures, workshops, and advisory roles with law enforcement and civic groups, Dr Bashir empowers communities to foster peace and counter radicalisation.
Famously called Sheikh Kishk and also known for his scholarly insight, humility, and practical approach, Dr Bashir’s work reflects a rare combination of academic depth and real-world impact— qualities that have earned him the Eisner Prize Fellowship and solidified his role as a leading voice in faith-based civic leadership.
BY TIMES REPORTER