Board of Directors
Sophia Said
Founder & Board Chair
She is the Founder and Board Chair of Madina Institute Arkansas. Sophia Said, former Program Director of the Interfaith Center of Arkansas, is a dedicated advocate for peace and interfaith collaboration. She holds a degree in Developmental Economics from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Clinton School of Public Service. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to foster understanding and cooperation among Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other faith communities in Arkansas.
Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Bin Yahya Al-Ninowy
Board Member
Shaykh Dr. Muhammad bin Yahya al-Ninowy is the Founder and Director of Madina Institute, an Islamic seminary in Atlanta,
Georgia, with campuses in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sudan, and Malaysia. Dr. Muhammad bin Yahya al-Ninowy is considered to be a Muhaddith; a scholar of Hadith sciences. He has authored books in Usul, Creed, Hadith, and Sufi sciences.
Dr. Mufiz Chauhan, MD
Board Member
Dr. Mufiz Chauhan, a radiologist in Newport, Arkansas, has over 48 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. He has served in leadership roles with the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America for 35 years and co-founded the Islamic Center of Little Rock, the largest mosque in Arkansas. A dedicated public servant and philanthropist, Dr. Chauhan has devoted his life to community service.
Dr. Sara Tariq, MD
Board Member
Dr. Sara Tariq, MD, is an internist with over 25 years of experience, formerly affiliated with UAMS Medical Center. A nationally recognized medical educator and advocate, she focuses on improving learning environments, addressing bias in healthcare, and serving underserved communities. Dr. Tariq has received numerous national and state awards for excellence in teaching, leadership, and compassionate service. She is also deeply committed to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and community inclusion initiatives.
Marcus Lowe
Board Member
Marcus earned his degree in Recording Arts and Sciences from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. A world-traveled music producer and former Arkansas Ambassador of Music, he embraced Islam in 2010 and has since dedicated his time and talents to serving the Muslim community. He enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing with his two children, Jack and Audrey.
Zahid Abbasi
Board Member
Dr. Mariama Balla
Board Member