He has a BA in Western Philosophy and Sociology, and a certificate in Cultural Diversity studies from John Carroll University. During his studies at John Carroll University he also attended Borromeo Seminary for 2 and ½ years wherein he studied Catholic Theology & Catholic Philosophy. After finishing his BA in Philosophy and Sociology he completed a second BA in Islamic Studies from Islamic American University. In addition, he studied abroad for 5 years traditionally in Egypt during which he studied in al-Azhar,ash-Sharif Mudiafa al-Adawi and Masjid Dardir as well as other centers of learning where he acquired ijazat and studied with some of the most revered scholars in Egypt. During that time he also studied Arabic in Diwan and Sibawayh Language Centers. Yusuf has also done graduate work in Education with Notre Dame College in Ohio and is near completion of an MA in Islamic Education with Guidance College. He has training in Social Work and Mental health and Islamic Trauma Therapy and is a founding member of the 3 Puerto Rican Imams Project (a Relief and Social Services Org.) and the founder and Director of the Shaukani Study Circle