Shaikh Aliou Traore

Profile: Shaikh Aliou Traore

Community Imam | Arabic Language & Islamic Studies Teacher | Islamic Education Specialist

Shaikh Aliou Traore is an experienced Arabic Language and Islamic Studies educator, community Imam, and religious instructor with more than two decades of experience in teaching, community leadership, and Islamic education. He has dedicated his career to promoting Arabic language learning, Islamic knowledge, and community development through teaching, sermons, and educational programs.

Shaikh Aliou earned a Bachelor’s Degree (Licence) in Islamic Law, Arabic Language, and Cultural Studies from the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and completed professional teacher training programs specializing in Arabic language instruction. His academic background includes advanced Islamic studies, Arabic education, and training for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers.

Throughout his career, Shaikh Aliou has served as an Arabic Language and Islamic Subjects teacher in several schools across Senegal, where he taught students at junior and high school levels. His teaching career includes positions at:

• Ibrahima Sidibé School (1998–2001) – Arabic Language and Islamic Subjects Teacher
• Medina Sabakh Junior High School, Kaolack, Senegal (2005–2010) – Arabic Language Teacher
• Keur Moussa Junior High School, Thiès, Senegal (2010–2020) – Arabic Language Teacher
• Adama Ndiaye Junior High School, Dakar, Senegal (2020–2022) – Arabic Language Teacher
• Ibrahima Sidibé Private High School (2010–2022) – Arabic Language and Islamic Subjects Teacher

In addition to his teaching career, Shaikh Aliou has served as a Community Imam, leading daily prayers, delivering Friday khutbahs, and providing weekly Islamic educational programs (halaqa) in mosques. His community leadership includes service at:

• Masdjidou Rahmane, Dakar (2013–2022)
• Masdjid Oumar Ben Khattab (2020 onward)

Before his long teaching career, Shaikh Aliou also worked with Dakar Dem Dikk Transport, Dakar, Senegal (2001–2005), gaining valuable public service and communication experience.

Shaikh Aliou holds additional certifications including:

• Certificate of English Language Study – American Cultural Center, Dakar, Senegal
• Arabic Language Teacher Training Certificate (CAEM) – Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (FASTEF)
• Certificate of Achievement in Teaching Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers – RWAQ Platform for Open Education (2016)
• Certificate in Islamic Jurisprudence Studies (Al Waraqāt Curriculum), RWAQ Platform (2016)

Shaikh Aliou is multilingual, with proficiency in:

Arabic: Advanced (listening, speaking, reading, writing)

• French: Intermediate
• English: Intermediate
• Bambara: Native fluency
• Wolof: Fluent

Currently he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies in English from the Islamic University of Minnesota. Shaikh Aliou is passionate about Islamic education, Arabic language development, community service, and helping learners gain a deeper understanding of Islamic values and knowledge.