The man behind the door

Get to Know Imam Sherif

Chaplain, counselor, and resident Imam — serving Stafford since 2010.

Imam Sherif
Background

A scholar, chaplain,
and neighbor

Imam Sherif Shehata has served as resident Imam of Masjid Aliya in Stafford, Virginia since 2010. In that time he has led thousands of prayers, delivered hundreds of khutbahs, and walked with countless families through their most significant moments — births, marriages, losses, and questions of faith.

"Every door I open is an invitation. Whether you are Muslim or not, whether you have a question or a burden — you are welcome here."

Beyond the masjid, he serves as chaplain to Stafford Fire & Rescue (since 2019) and the Stafford County Sheriff's Office — bringing pastoral care to first responders and those in crisis. He also serves on the Faith Leaders Advisory Committee.

Imam since 2010 Fire & Rescue Chaplain Sheriff's Chaplain English · Arabic · German Ain Shams · Al-Azhar Scholars
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Formation

Education & Training

Grounded in two of Egypt's most distinguished institutions of Islamic scholarship.

Cairo, Egypt

Ain Shams University

Law Degree — British, French & Islamic Law

Ain Shams brought the rigor of legal reasoning to his practice. Imam Sherif earned a law degree there, studying British, French, and Islamic law — a foundation that underpins his guidance on matters of marriage, family, contracts, and religious practice, offered with care, not just certainty.

Cairo, Egypt · Est. 970 AD

Al-Azhar Scholars

Hadith

Al-Azhar is one of the oldest and most respected institutions of Islamic learning in the world. There, Imam Sherif studied under Al-Azhar scholars with a focus on Hadith, giving him deep roots in prophetic tradition and the science of narration.

Public Service

Chaplaincy Beyond the Masjid

Pastoral care where it's needed most — in crisis, in grief, and in service.

Imam Sherif speaking at the United Muslim Community of America
Chaplain

Chaplain to Stafford Fire & Rescue

First responders carry weight that most people never see. Imam Sherif serves as chaplain to Stafford Fire & Rescue — providing emotional and spiritual support to firefighters and EMS personnel, facilitating critical incident stress debriefings, and going on calls alongside them to support community members in crisis.

When a call goes wrong, he's the one who helps people process what happened — regardless of their faith tradition.

Serving since 2019
Imam Sherif leading Eid prayer for the community
Chaplain

Chaplain to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office

In partnership with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, Imam Sherif provides chaplaincy to law enforcement officers as well as to the public — people in detention, families navigating the justice system, and community members in crisis.

His presence bridges gaps — offering counsel, dignity, and a steady voice in places where those things are often hard to find.

Serving Stafford County Law Enforcement
Community

Rooted in Stafford

Faith in action — across languages, agencies, and communities.

15+

Years serving Stafford,
Virginia

2

Public safety agencies
served as chaplain

3

Languages spoken:
English · Arabic · German

Active in the Faith Leaders Advisory Committee — building bridges across faiths, backgrounds, and communities every day.

Ready to meet?

Meet the Imam in person

Book a private appointment — for counseling, a question of faith, a nikah, or simply to talk. You're welcome here, regardless of your background.

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