MCCGP STAFF
Imam Dr. Shamsan is not only a religious and academic leader but also a dedicated father, husband, and son who values family as a cornerstone of faith and service.
Shaykh Shamsan is a Yemeni American who hails from the ancient city of San'aa.
Imam Shamsan grew up and started the memorization of the holy Quran at an early age in a family of 9 Hafiz including his own mother who was the dynamic person behind all the Hafizs in the household.
On top of the initial household Quran environment, he attended different circles, institutions and intensive Quran camps in different cities and participated in many different intensive Quran programs via many notable Quranic institutions in Yemen.
He recited with certified reciters (Qu'rra) in Yemen and Egypt.
He received certificates (Ijazaat) in various modes of recitations (Qira'at), namely:
- حفص Hafs
- شعبة Shoua'ba
- قالون Qaloun
- يعقوب الحضرمي Yacob Al-Hadrami
- خلف عن حمزة Khalaf from Hamza
- ورش Warsh
Imam Shamsan started his Islamic studies journey alongside his Quran journey by attending intensive educational gatherings of Islamic learning, spending eleven years in the company of several renowned senior Islamic scholars, such as:
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Isma'il al-'Amrani who died in 2021, one of the World-wide senior renowned Yemeni scholars, who gave Ijazaat to Shaykh Muhammad al-Hassan Walid al-Dido al-Shanqiti.
Imam Muqbil bin Hadi al-Wadi'i, who was the founder of the Madrasa in Dammaj which was known as a centre for Hadith Intensive scholarly Programs and its multi-national student population. Shaykh Shamsan had the honor of attending several of Imam Muqbil's lessons and lectures before his passing—he was only 13 years old when the Shaykh died. Afterward, he continued his pursuit of knowledge under the tutelage of many of Imam Muqbil's prominent students, including Shaykh Abu al-Hasan al-Ma'rabi, Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Imam, Shaykh Yahya al-Ra'zahi, Shaykh Muhammad al-Sawmali, Shaykh Abdulaziz al-Bar'ei, and others. He attended the Sana'a branch of the Dammaj school, which was supervised by several of Imam Muqbil's students.
During this period, Shaykh Shamsan studied some of the major hadith compilations such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Quranic exegesis (tafsir) works such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Sa'di, and the Jalalayn. He also studied works in theology, jurisprudence, and prophetic biography (Sirah), Arabic (Nahw Grammers).
He also attended different systematic Islamic studies programs and was awarded many certifications.
He did a three-year diploma program in التنمية البشرية (Human Development) and is a certified Social Counselor (مصلح إجتماعي وأسري).
He later completed his Masters in Islamic theology (Thoughts and Sects).
In addition, he received an equivalency certification for another Master's degree in Poetic Rhetoric and Literary Criticism in 2019.
He then earned his Ph.D. in 2025, in the beginning of the month of Ramadan, with a dissertation entitled:
"The Impact of Political Pressure on Hadith Narrations in the First Six Centuries"
This Ph.D. is a unique interdisciplinary study that brings together the sciences of Hadith, Islamic history, and political science. It explores the intersection of seemingly distinct disciplines to uncover how political pressures shaped hadith transmission and narration, demonstrating a deep and integrative approach to understanding early Islamic scholarship.
Due to his strong work ethic:
Shaykh Shamsan excelled in secular studies and was a top performer nationwide in Yemen and the Middle East in high-school education and graduated with honor as number 2 top student among 100k students in the scientific section.
Due to his excellence in his international high school diploma, he was thus a recipient of a medical-school scholarship award to study in the U.S.
He acquired his Bachelors in Biology at the California State University, Bakersfield.
He also completed a minor in Mathematics, in addition to a minor in Organic Chemistry.
He worked as a tutor at Henry Ford Community College as well as at California State University during his undergraduate studies.
And a minor in organic chemistry from the same school, while working as an Imam in different Islamic centers throughout his secular educational journey.
Shaykh Shamsan is currently enrolled in another Ph.D programs with dissertation:
"Fundamentals of Secret Intelligence in the Islamic History"
Imam Dr. Shamsan joined the Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (MCCGP) in 2021. Since his arrival, he has been a transformative force in the community, bringing a vision that reshaped the spiritual, educational, and social fabric of the center. His dynamic leadership and dedication introduced dozens of groundbreaking initiatives and programs that had never been seen before in the region. These initiatives have revitalized the community and laid down a sustainable foundation for future generations.
Key Roles and Responsibilities at MCCGP:
- Leading the five daily congregational prayers.
- Delivering the Friday khutbahs and Eid sermons.
- Leading the full Ramadan Taraweeh prayers.
- Offering marital and parental counseling.
- Conducting funeral prayers and overseeing Janazah services.
- Managing the Adhan system, including workshops and annual competitions.
- Organizing and supervising Sunday school teacher development programs.
Educational and Community Programs Initiated:
- Tajweed and Quran Recitation programs for children.
- Hifz memorization program.
- Sisters' and brothers' Quran practice circles.
- Youth mentorship and Young Scholars program.
- Annual and Ramadan Quran competitions.
- Movie and family activity nights.
- Public speaking and Adhan workshops.
Through these programs, Shaykh Shamsan has not only uplifted the spiritual well-being of the community but also fostered an inclusive and vibrant Islamic environment. His efforts continue to inspire and shape a growing, united Muslim presence in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Imam Shamsan Al-Jabi is not only a distinguished religious leader, but also a passionate artist, poet, and Islamic vocalist with a deep commitment to preserving and promoting classical Arabic and Islamic arts.
Poetic Accomplishments:
A devoted poet, Imam Shamsan is a recognized member of the Poetic Elite in Classical Arabic.
He holds a certification of Master in Poetic and Rhetorical Criticism.
He is currently finalizing the publication of his own ديوان شعري (Poetic Collection), which is under review and printing.
Mastery of Vocal Arts (Maqamat):
He studied the intricate art of Maqamat (vocal modalities).
Participated in several prestigious vocal training courses and competitions, including the acclaimed Al-Mizmar Al-Thahabi (The Golden Flute).
Islamic Nasheed and Performance:
A talented and experienced Munshid (Islamic singer).
Performs traditional Arabic religious odes (qasā'id/na'at).
Has led numerous festivals and religious celebrations across the United States and abroad.
Proudly represented Yemen in various Nasheed competitions.
Community Media Engagement:
Elected in 2022 as the host of the Munshid Al-Sharijah Community, where he leads interviews and dialogue sessions with prominent Munshids and vocalists, fostering artistic collaboration and Islamic cultural awareness.
Qur'anic Recitation Recognition:
Honored by the Yemeni Qur'an Committee with the title of Mushaf Murattal Qāriʾ, recognizing his excellence in tajwīd and Qur'anic recitation.
Prior to joining MCCGP, Imam Shamsan served numerous vibrant communities across the United States:
Served for over 8 years as:
- Imām Rātib
- Weekend School Principal
- Islamic Studies Teacher
Including at:
- The Islamic Center of Dearborn, Michigan
- Farmington Hills Masjid, Indiana
- Al-Huda Foundation, Fishers, Indiana
Worked for 5 years as a Marriage Counselor and Human Development Adviser, supported by his diploma in Human Development Sciences.
Served as Youth Director for 4 years, complementing his role as Imam, developing mentorship programs for young Muslims.
Contributed significantly to several respected Islamic humanitarian organizations including:
- Mercy USA
- IMANA
- Pure Hands
- Islamic Relief USA
- Member of the Yemeni Quran International Committee
- Active member of the Arab Poetry Committee, with numerous published poems and recognition as one of the youngest poets in the field
- Certified Black Belt Martial Arts Coach by:
- World Taekwondo Federation (South Korea)
- American Taekwondo Federation
Shaykh Shamsan holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo from South Korea, Yemen, and USA.
He represented California in many Taekwondo tournaments and won several international Taekwondo awards.
He is a world certified Taekwondo coach and a member in the World Taekwondo Federation, in South Korea.
Shaykh Shamsan is charged with leading the daily Salat and Taraweeh in Ramadan; and establishing and running a Quran Tajweed and Memorization program at MCCGP.
Office & Facilities Manager