I would describe Sheik Reda’s place on the social/political spectrum to be “middle of the road,” neither a conservative, nor a liberal but someone who has some ideals of both. Arriving in Brooklyn one year after September 11 from the northeastern part of Egypt, Sheik Reda became more than just an imam, he was a leader who would try to reconcile two cultures with polar ideals. According to the article Mr. Shata, as he is also called, “is neither a firebrand nor a ready advocate of progressive Islam.” Furthermore, the article says that some of the Sheik’s views would offend conservative Muslims and other beliefs would repel American liberals.

Like hundreds of imams living in the United States, Sheik Reda “must unify diverse congregations with often clashing Islamic traditions.” This is a great task, as each individual in the congregation deals with issues on an every day basis that conflicts with the Islamic religion. Mr. Shata explains that Islam is supposed to make a person’s life easier, not harder. This gives further evidence as to why the Sheik loosely interprets the Muslim faith when dealing with the issues of his congregation.