Ismael Mukhtar is the eldest son and a student of the late Shaykh Ibrahim al-Mukhtar, a prominent scholar and Mufti of Eritrea. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant by profession and author of several publications, including Manitoba Muslims, a history of resilience and growth. His extensive and wide-ranging community contributions include serving as president of the Manitoba Islamic Association, vice-president of the Muslim Student Association, editor-in-chief of the Manitoba Muslim Magazine, volunteer imam, and counsellor. He is an Islamic scholar, regularly lecturing and writing on Muslim issues. He is the current chair of the Manitoba Fiqh Council.