Chaplain and Director of Muslim Life

Imam Dr. Hadi Qazwini

Imam Dr. Hadi Qazwini serves as the Chaplain and Director of Muslim Life at The Claremont Colleges, where he supports the religious, spiritual, intellectual, and communal life of Muslims across the consortium. Working primarily with undergraduate and graduate students while also serving faculty and staff, he provides spiritual and pastoral care, religious guidance, educational programming, and opportunities for worship, reflection, and community building.

Imam Qazwini works closely with the Muslim Student Association and other student groups and campus partners to support a vibrant and diverse Muslim community in Claremont. He oversees and leads Jumma prayers, Islamic learning and discussion sessions (halaqas), Ramadan and Eid observances, community gatherings, and other religious and educational initiatives. He also meets individually with members of the community for confidential spiritual care and guidance and works with colleagues across The Claremont Colleges to support the religious needs and well-being of Muslim students.

An important dimension of Imam Qazwini’s work is fostering religious literacy and engagement across religious and cultural difference. As a member of the Religious and Spiritual Life chaplains team, he collaborates with fellow chaplains, faculty, staff, and campus partners on interfaith programs, educational initiatives, and conversations about religion and its role in university and public life.

Imam Qazwini is also a scholar and educator specializing in Islamic studies. He received his Ph.D. in Religion with a focus on Global Islam from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed advanced training in the traditional Islamic disciplines in Qum, Iran. His scholarly and educational interests include Islamic thought and history, Sunni-Shi’i relations, Islamic law and theology, and religion in contemporary society. For more than two decades, he has taught and spoken to audiences in academic, religious, and community settings in the United States and internationally.

At the heart of Imam Qazwini’s chaplaincy is a commitment to helping students cultivate meaningful religious and spiritual lives while navigating the opportunities and challenges of their university experiences. Students of all backgrounds and levels of religious practice are welcome to connect with him for conversation, guidance, support, or simply a place to talk. Feel free to stop by his office (at the McAlister Center) during regular business hours or weekly office hours (Wednesdays, 2-4 pm) or to make an appointment: hadi.qazwini@claremont.edu