Nearly two decades ago, Emirati educator Faris Al Hammadi started attending mosque lectures with no intention of becoming a content creator. His journey from personal exploration of his faith evolved into a mission to make Islamic teachings accessible to those who find Arabic challenging.
Today, Al Hammadi’s straightforward and relatable videos have made him a notable Islamic voice online. Often recording from his car, he answers followers’ questions with calm honesty and humor, building trust with those hesitant to ask religious questions openly — even those that start with, “Is it haram to sell feet pics?”
Khaleej Times caught Al Hamadi filming a video at the Sharjah International Book Fair, urging visitors to read more. “Read, the first word revealed in the Quran,” he reminded. “Reading should be more than passing time. Dedicate an hour a day to a book instead of social media. I promise it will improve your life.”
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels
The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), running from 5 to 16 November, is organized by the Sharjah Book Authority under the theme “Tales That Transcend.” This annual event gathers authors, publishers, and readers globally for discussions, workshops, and cultural performances, reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a global literature and knowledge hub.
Al Hammadi, a Religious Advisor at Dubai’s Islamic Information Center, has amassed a strong online following with 881,000 Instagram followers and 770,000 on TikTok. He simplifies complex religious concepts into clear, conversational content.
“I studied Islam traditionally, attending lectures by PhD-holding scholars,” he said. “I noticed a gap in English-speaking resources. Many Muslims don’t speak Arabic and depend on unclear or limited online content. I wanted to bridge them with scholars.”
His style blends theology with modern education. Al Hammadi holds a master’s in marketing, a master’s in addiction science, a Harvard Medical School research certification, and an innovation diploma from Imperial College London.
“I’ve worked with doctors, engineers, and addiction patients,” he explained. “I understand how people think. Scholars use pure Islamic terminology naturally. I simplify it for those just wanting to understand their faith.”
This approach resonates especially with international audiences. “It’s more impactful in the West,” he said. “In the UAE, Arabic speakers have scholar access, but abroad there’s a need for simple, authentic education.”
When asked about the oddest question he’s received online, Al Hamadi laughed. “Someone asked about selling feet pictures. I didn’t know it was a trend. I answered casually, and it went viral.”
Despite the humor, his mission is serious: to foster curiosity and compassion through understanding.
“Islam is often misunderstood by both Muslims and non-Muslims,” he said. “If I can help someone feel more connected to their identity or faith, that’s enough.”
