About Us

Imam Refai Arefin — Imam & Curriculum Head

 Imam Refai holds a B.A. in International Relations from Brown University and a J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law. He is fluent in Arabic and conversant in French, Urdu, Bengali, and Spanish.

 He serves as Imam and Curriculum Head at ICCP, overseeing Sunday School, Interfaith, Youth, Young Professionals, Seniors, and Sisters’ programs, as well as other initiatives close to his heart. Previously, he served for eight years as the Imam of the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford and as Deputy Chaplain of the Connecticut State Legislature.

His Islamic studies include Sharia and Arabic scholarship at Al-Azhar University (Cairo), Al-Balqaa’ University (Amman), and mentorship under scholars in Fez and Damascus.

 In addition to his community work, Imam Refai founded his own law firm in 2013, providing dedicated legal advocacy in state and federal courts throughout Connecticut.

At ICCP, he leads weekly programs including the Sunday Tafsir Series “Treasures & Gems from the Qur’an” and Thursday Evening Halaqa, and he also provides counseling to support community members spiritually, emotionally, and personally.

 He combines deep scholarship with active community engagement, nurturing spiritual growth and fostering understanding within the community and beyond.

Dr. Tarek Elgawhary — Scholar‑in‑Residence, ICCP

Dr. Tarek Elgawhary is a distinguished Islamic scholar, educator, and thought leader. He holds a PhD in Islamic Law from Princeton University and completed his traditional seminary studies at Al‑Azhar Seminary in Cairo.

At ICCP, Dr. Tarek leads our weekly Halaqa on Islamic spirituality, currently focusing on the Risālah of Imam Qushayrī, and hosts Ask Dr. Tarek, an open forum where community members explore questions of faith, ethics, and daily life. He also provides spiritual counseling and is deeply involved in interfaith outreach.

As the founder of @makingsenseofislam, he produces accessible content that connects Islamic wisdom with mindfulness and modern issues. In addition to his teaching, Dr. Tarek is a published author: his works include Rewriting Islamic Law, In Search of Mindfulness, and the Daily Contemplations Journal.

Beyond ICCP, he teaches at the WISE English Academy and co-founded Coexist Research International and the Coexist Foundation to foster dialogue between faith and society. He is also involved in media ethics initiatives, including the Global Media Style Guide on Islam.

Dr. Tarek’s work reflects his vision: to harmonize deep Islamic scholarship with active community engagement, helping individuals understand their faith intellectually and experience it authentically in their lives.

Qari Anas Benzari — Qur’an Recitation & Tajwīd Program Lead

Qari Anas Benzari is a Hafiz of the Qur’an and an accomplished Qari, highly skilled in Tajwīd (the rules of proper recitation) and Tartīl (the measured, melodic manner of recitation). His exceptional talent has earned him several prestigious awards in Qur’an recitation, both in his native Morocco and at international competitions.

At ICCP, he serves as Qur’an Recitation & Tajwīd Program Lead, teaching in our Sunday School, mentoring teachers and their assistants, and guiding students to uphold the highest standards of Qur’anic learning and practice. He leads daily congregational prayers, Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, and the monthly Qiyam program, inspiring the community through both worship and education.

Qari Anas’s presence continues to inspire students and congregants alike, nurturing a love for the Qur’an through both his recitation and dedication to Islamic education.