Ismail ibn Tata Menk, also known as Mufti Menk, is a Muslim cleric from Zimbabwe. Head of the country's fatwa department, Menk has been identified as a Salafi.
Menk undertook his initial studies in Harare with his father, memorizing the Quran and learning Arabic, Urdu, and Hanafi fiqh. He went to St. John's College (Harare) for senior school. He later specialized in Hanbali fiqh at the Islamic University of Madinah.
He has millions of followers across his social media platforms. His personable style and down to earth approach has made him one of the most sought after scholars of our time. He has endeared himself to people with his much loved lecture series, a Mufti Menk hallmark.
Mufti travels the world spreading a simple but profound message: “Do good, help others while preparing for the Hereafter”.
He is active in the international arena and is a strong proponent of peace and justice, speaking up against all forms of terrorism.
Menk opposes terrorism and has pledged his aid in curbing religious extremism in the Maldives. On 31 March 2018, he urged Liberian Muslims to avoid Muslim-Christian violence, arguing that Muslims and Christians are brothers and sisters from one father, the Prophet Adam. He blames Western media for misleading the world that Muslims are generally terrorists. According to Gulf News, Menk said that everyone on this earth is a part of a family and has one maker, therefore, no one has the right to force any belief or faith on another.
Menk was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Social Guidance by Aldersgate College, the Philippines, and its collaborative partner Aldersgate College – Dublin, Ireland on 16 April 2016.
Menk was also honored with KSBEA 2015 Awards – Global Leadership Award in Social Guidance which was awarded by the Cochin Herald.
He was listed as one of The 500 Most Influential Muslims in 2014 and 2017.