About Us

BAB AL ILM, Arabic for The Door of Knowledge, is a faith-based organization fostering spiritual wisdom, community enrichment, and interfaith/intercultural story sharing guided by the ethos of compassion and social action.

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Embracing the Journey

At the heart of our approach lies the wisdom of diverse spiritual and philosophical teachings, guiding us to embrace life with an open heart and mind. We acknowledge that the rich tapestry of human experience - whether in spirituality, science, or cultural expressions - is interconnected through a profound, underlying wisdom. This perspective invites us to explore these diverse paths, recognizing their unity at the core, and to appreciate the universal truths that bind them.

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OUR WORK IS ROOTED IN THE FOLLOWING BELIEFS:

  • A Higher Intelligent Power from whom all life flows and to whom all life returns.

  • The Oneness of Being.

  • An uninterrupted continuous intelligent Law governing the universe, seen and unseen.

  • Our moral conduct to be governed by the values of Love, Mercy, Truth, Justice, Beauty, and Majesty.

  • Our worship to be in Remembrance.

  • In a primordial truth that is present in all traditions and paths.

  • We define Spirituality, Mysticism, Sciences, and Wisdom Traditions, as the paths of returning to The Origin, inclusive of any religion or tradition.

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Our Door Is Open To Everyone

Embracing the spirit of unity, we strive to create a welcoming space for truth-seekers from all walks of life. Our commitment to "Harmony in Diversity" guides us as we empower those who often find themselves on the margins through genuine camaraderie and equitable practices. Our steadfast commitment is to foster an inclusive community where each individual can learn, lead, and flourish, free from the constraints of labels – united solely by our collective yearning for illumination.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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  • President

    Abraham Sharkas is an elected member of the board of Bab Al Ilm and a dedicated seeker of truth and knowledge across various traditions. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is close to completing a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as a Level 5 Degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the United Kingdom. With this education and training, he hopes to use theoretical approaches to assist others on their journey of self-discovery and self-inquiry to live harmonious lives.

    In addition to his academic pursuits, Abraham is also a published poet with two books, "The Mystic Path of Ordinary Beings" and "The Threads That Weave The Universe," which he uses as a creative medium to articulate spiritual truths and universal ways of living. With a multicultural background, he is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces both personally as he enters the field as a associate professional counselor, and as a member of the board of Bab Al Ilm, where he hopes to actively advocate for anyone seeking inquiry or discovery to enter the organization with an open door and open heart.

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  • Vice President

    Over the past 2 decades, Antwan has devoted his life to uncovering happiness, healing from trauma, and expanding consciousness. Antwan is a visionary, a meditation teacher, a poet, a lover of life, and one of the most loving, self-expressed, authentic, compassionate, and sought-after people. He was fascinated with travel, spirituality, and human potential from an early age. Antwan has completed a BA and MA in Maharishi Vedic Science, Consciousness & Human Potential, and an MBA in Human Resource Management with concentrations in Leadership and certification in Conflict Resolution.

    Antwan has been recognized through acknowledgments, awards, and honors in the field of Maharishi Vedic Science, and for Outstanding Performance at Carnegie Hall’s Change Begins Within Benefit Concert for his contribution to the success of the Quiet Time Meditation Program aimed to assist at-risk youth in the NYC area. He spends his time traveling the world, researching medically supervised water fasting, taking courses online, and doing what he calls "Travel Therapy & Poetry" as part of his healing process. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Maharishi Vedic Science with emphasis on Mystical Poetry while providing mentorship, consultation, and advice in think tanks and community service organizations through his 2002 founded enterprise Yosher 3476 Inc.

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  • Secretary/Treasurer

    Osama studied Mathematics and Physics at Rutgers University, laying a foundation of analytical thinking that complements his creative pursuits. As a beat-maker and music producer, he explores the intriguing connections between music, philosophy, and spirituality.

    Born in Jordan with Circassian roots, Osama's move to the US in 2004 sparked a journey of inner exploration and spiritual discovery. An avid student of the Sufi tradition, he continues to seek wisdom that bridges cultures and disciplines, finding harmony in the interplay of art and spirituality.