Joe Bradford is a highly respected American Islamic finance expert, advisor, and scholar with over 15 years of experience in Shariah-compliant finance and ethical investing. He holds master's degrees in Islamic Law and Finance, is a Certified Shariah Adviser and Auditor (CSAA) accredited by AAOIFI, and is currently pursuing a PhD in financial injustice at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. He is currently the resident scholar at the Islamic Da'wah Center, Houston TX, In-house Zakat Advisor for Zakat Foundation of America, and CSO (Chief Sharia Officer) for NylaBank.
Education Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies | Islamic University of Minnesota Advanced Studies in Fiqh – Through mosque halaqat and traditional learning Certified Participant – AMJA (Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America) Attended the Annual Imams Conference for nearly 20 years, with issued certificates focused on contemporary Islamic finance and Fiqh issues in the West Certified in 'Developing Annual Sustainability' – Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Certified in 'Principles and Techniques of Fundraising' – Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Shaikh Abdullah Muhammad Ashraf is an Imam and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Jurisprudence and a Master of Arts in Comparative Fiqh from the Islamic University of Madinah, where his graduate research was a study on the section of Islamic Transactions from the famous classical book on comparative Fiqh; Bidayat Al-Mujtahid. He is a 2026 Certified Shari'ah Adviser and Auditor and has completed the Certificate of Contract Law from Harvard Business School. Professionally, he serves as the Imam and Religious Director at El Farouq Islamic Center in Houston, Texas, providing services such as business contract reviews, financial dispute mediation, Islamic inheritance distribution and Family Services. He also serves as the Chaplain at the University of Houston. Shaikh Abdullah has also conducted Zakah policy reviews for major organizations like LaunchGood and HHRD along with contract reviews for businesses around Houston.
At Barakah Mortgage, we provide more than just financing — we provide peace of mind. Every product is built on ethical and transparent principles, designed to help you own your home with confidence.
Our solutions have been carefully reviewed by industry experts, giving you confidence that your journey is transparent and trustworthy.
Through our cost-plus model, you build ownership with every payment — replacing debt with transparency and fairness.
Our team of finance professional advisors walk you through each step with clarity and care.
We believe contracts should empower, not confuse. That's why our agreements are written in plain language with no hidden terms or surprises.
SHAPE Knowledge Services
Dated August 1, 2025 — review of the updated SHAPE® Installment Credit Sale Contract (Murabahah) and Security Instrument, confirming compliance with the principles of Shariah.
Barakah Mortgage
Dated December 10, 2025 — review by Joe Bradford of the Wakala Temporary Agency Agreement, SHAPE® Installment Credit Sale Contract (Murabahah), related Security Instrument, and required state and federal disclosures.
