Yusuf Estes

Yusuf Estes (b. 1363 AH / 1944 CE) is an American Islamic scholar and da'wah activist who converted to Islam in 1991 in Texas. Before his conversion, he was a music entrepreneur and a practicing Christian with a background in music education. His conversion came through an encounter with a Muslim business associate and study of the Quran, and he subsequently became one of the most recognizable American Muslim figures in English-language da'wah.

After embracing Islam, Yusuf Estes studied Islamic sciences and became active in da'wah work. He served as a Muslim chaplain for the United States Bureau of Prisons and for the United States military, ministering to Muslim inmates and service members. This chaplaincy work gave him extensive experience engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and communicating Islam in clear, accessible language.

He founded and operates several Islamic media projects, including Islam Newsroom and the Guide US TV network, which produce English-language Islamic content for global audiences. His online presence has made his lectures and explanations of Islamic basics accessible to millions of English-speaking Muslims and those interested in learning about Islam.

Yusuf Estes is particularly known for his warmth, humor, and ability to explain Islamic concepts in a relatable way for Western audiences. His da'wah work emphasizes the straightforward message of tawheed (monotheism) and the simplicity of the path to Islam. He has spoken at universities, churches, and community centers across the United States and internationally.

He follows the Athari/Salafi approach in aqeedah and has been supported by Saudi Islamic organizations in his outreach work. He continues to be active in da'wah and Islamic education, primarily through online media.