The Dean of Dar al-Burhan
Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat Salem is the Dean at Dar al-Burhan Academy for Quran Studies in the city of Vaughan, Canada. The Shaykh is a world-renowned teacher and scholar of the Ten Major Qira’āt by way of Tayyibat al-Nashr, and the Ten Minor Qira’āt by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah and Al-Dorrah.
Learn More About the Dean
As the Dean of the academy, Shaykh Moaaz holds the faculty and its students to the highest expectations, conducts regular progress monitoring, adjusts teaching approaches as needed, and empowers students to take ownership of their journey in Quran recitation and memorization.
Shaykh Moaaz memorized the Jazariya with an Ijaza before reaching the age of four years old at the hands of the renowned Muqri Shaykh Ayman Suwayd. His journey in memorization continued with his father Shaykh Safwat Mahmoud Salem, until he completed it at the age of thirteen in the Sacred Precinct of Makkah. He furthered his studies by meeting with and studying at the feet of various scholars from across the globe, receiving Ijazat from some of the most credible sources. By the age of seventeen, Shaykh Moaaz was teaching advanced students and holding large classes in Quran recitation and Tajweed, in addition to attaining several teaching licenses from leading scholars in Quran and Hadith.
Shaykh Moaaz went on to complete a PhD in Qur’anic Recitations from the Department of Qira’āt in the Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. He also served as a Lecturer at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 2006 to 2016 in different departments. Shaykh Moaaz is a Member of the Curriculum Committee for Tafsir and Quranic Sciences Diploma and has hosted several televised programs on the history of the Quran and recitation.
Academic Degrees:
1. PhD in Qur’anic Recitations - Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2017]
2. MA in Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2010]
3. BA - Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2006]
Other Certificates:
1. Certificate in the Memorisation of the Holy Quran
2. Certificate of the Ten Qira’āt Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
3. Certificate in Jazariyyah Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
Ijazāt:
1. Ijazah in the Ten Major Qira’āt by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
2. Ijazah in the Ten Minor Qira’āt by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah and Al-Dorrah.
3. Two Ijazahs on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
4. Three Ijazat on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah.
5. Ijazah in the Four extra irregular Qira’āt by the way of Al-Fawā’id Al-Mu’tabarah.
6. Ijazah in the full transmission with the connected chain of narration of Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, Shamail Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Āthar of Muhammad bin Al-Hasan Al-Shaybani, Al-Shifa of Al-Qadi ‘Iyad, Forty Hadiths of Al-Nawawi, and Matn Abu Shujā’.
7. Ijazah in Al-Jazariyyah in Tajwid- Al-‘Aqilah in the Quranic Script- Nazimat Al-Zuhr.
8. Classical Training with Scholars in Hadith, Fiqh, Usul and Arabic sciences.
Work Experience:
1. Taught Tajwid and Qira’at at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1423-1427 AH
2. Lecturer at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1427 - 1438 AH at different departments
3. Supervising E-Learning Department
4. Member of Curriculum Committee for Tafsir & Quranic Sciences Diploma
5. Taught Intensive Courses on Tajwid, Recitation, Teaching Methods of Qira’at, Qur’an Teachers’ Training
6. Assisted some scholars in writing, annotating and publishing works on Tajwid and Qira’at
7. Presented various TV shows on the history of the Qur’an and live shows on how to recite
8. Revised the full audio -Qur’anic recording of some reciters
9. Recorded parts of the Qur’an in different recitations
10. Tarawih Imam since 1997
11. Referee & Judge in the Quranic Competition ‘Tartil’ since its inception to 1438 AH
Shaykh Moaaz memorized the Jazariya with an Ijaza before reaching the age of four years old at the hands of the renowned Muqri Shaykh Ayman Suwayd. His journey in memorization continued with his father Shaykh Safwat Mahmoud Salem, until he completed it at the age of thirteen in the Sacred Precinct of Makkah. He furthered his studies by meeting with and studying at the feet of various scholars from across the globe, receiving Ijazat from some of the most credible sources. By the age of seventeen, Shaykh Moaaz was teaching advanced students and holding large classes in Quran recitation and Tajweed, in addition to attaining several teaching licenses from leading scholars in Quran and Hadith.
Shaykh Moaaz went on to complete a PhD in Qur’anic Recitations from the Department of Qira’āt in the Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. He also served as a Lecturer at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 2006 to 2016 in different departments. Shaykh Moaaz is a Member of the Curriculum Committee for Tafsir and Quranic Sciences Diploma and has hosted several televised programs on the history of the Quran and recitation.
Academic Degrees:
1. PhD in Qur’anic Recitations - Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2017]
2. MA in Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2010]
3. BA - Qur’anic Recitations Department of Qira’āt- Faculty of Da’wah and Usul Al-Dīn - Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. [Excellent with First Grade Honour 2006]
Other Certificates:
1. Certificate in the Memorisation of the Holy Quran
2. Certificate of the Ten Qira’āt Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
3. Certificate in Jazariyyah Course from Imam Al-Shatibi Institute-Jeddah
Ijazāt:
1. Ijazah in the Ten Major Qira’āt by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
2. Ijazah in the Ten Minor Qira’āt by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah and Al-Dorrah.
3. Two Ijazahs on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Tayyibat al-Nashr.
4. Three Ijazat on the recitation of Hafs by the way of Al-Shatibiyyah.
5. Ijazah in the Four extra irregular Qira’āt by the way of Al-Fawā’id Al-Mu’tabarah.
6. Ijazah in the full transmission with the connected chain of narration of Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, Shamail Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Āthar of Muhammad bin Al-Hasan Al-Shaybani, Al-Shifa of Al-Qadi ‘Iyad, Forty Hadiths of Al-Nawawi, and Matn Abu Shujā’.
7. Ijazah in Al-Jazariyyah in Tajwid- Al-‘Aqilah in the Quranic Script- Nazimat Al-Zuhr.
8. Classical Training with Scholars in Hadith, Fiqh, Usul and Arabic sciences.
Work Experience:
1. Taught Tajwid and Qira’at at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1423-1427 AH
2. Lecturer at Imam Al-Shatibi Institute from 1427 - 1438 AH at different departments
3. Supervising E-Learning Department
4. Member of Curriculum Committee for Tafsir & Quranic Sciences Diploma
5. Taught Intensive Courses on Tajwid, Recitation, Teaching Methods of Qira’at, Qur’an Teachers’ Training
6. Assisted some scholars in writing, annotating and publishing works on Tajwid and Qira’at
7. Presented various TV shows on the history of the Qur’an and live shows on how to recite
8. Revised the full audio -Qur’anic recording of some reciters
9. Recorded parts of the Qur’an in different recitations
10. Tarawih Imam since 1997
11. Referee & Judge in the Quranic Competition ‘Tartil’ since its inception to 1438 AH
Quran Instructor (Male Students)
Shaykh Dr. Ahmed Al-Suwaid is the Lead Instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy for Quran Studies in the city of Vaughan, Canada. His gentle demeanour and serious approach to teaching the Quran engenders in his students; respect, love and reverence for the Book of Allah ﷻ.
Shaykh Ahmed's journey with the Quran began in the blessed city of Makkah where he was born and raised. Upon completing his memorization of the Quran, he was tasked with leading the Taraweeh prayers in various mosques throughout the holy city at only eleven years of age. From 1998 to 2012, Shaykh Ahmed was trained in the Sacred Precinct of Makkah under the tutelage of distinguished teachers and scholars, and completed the study of various classical texts in Tajweed, Tafseer (Quranic exegesis), and the Seven Readings of the Quran.
Shaykh Ahmed has received authorizations to teach and impart the Holy Quran from several prominent teachers, including Shaykh Dr. Hamid Al-Ansari, and has extensive teaching experience in various institutions throughout the Arabian peninsula, Jordan and Canada. Shaykh Ahmed possesses a Bachelors of Economics with a minor in Islamic Finance from Ummul Qura University with honours, and a Bachelors of Islamic Law (Shariah) with honours, from Darul Hadith Khayriyah College, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Shaykh Ahmed received his PhD from Al-Madinah International University in the specialty of Usul al-Fiqh graduating with Excellence and First Honours.
Shaykh Ahmed's journey with the Quran began in the blessed city of Makkah where he was born and raised. Upon completing his memorization of the Quran, he was tasked with leading the Taraweeh prayers in various mosques throughout the holy city at only eleven years of age. From 1998 to 2012, Shaykh Ahmed was trained in the Sacred Precinct of Makkah under the tutelage of distinguished teachers and scholars, and completed the study of various classical texts in Tajweed, Tafseer (Quranic exegesis), and the Seven Readings of the Quran.
Shaykh Ahmed has received authorizations to teach and impart the Holy Quran from several prominent teachers, including Shaykh Dr. Hamid Al-Ansari, and has extensive teaching experience in various institutions throughout the Arabian peninsula, Jordan and Canada. Shaykh Ahmed possesses a Bachelors of Economics with a minor in Islamic Finance from Ummul Qura University with honours, and a Bachelors of Islamic Law (Shariah) with honours, from Darul Hadith Khayriyah College, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Shaykh Ahmed received his PhD from Al-Madinah International University in the specialty of Usul al-Fiqh graduating with Excellence and First Honours.
Academic Supervisor & Instructor
Qari Misbah Taqiuddin is one of the founders of Dar al-Burhan Academy. He serves as a Quran Instructor as well as its Academic Supervisor. Though he had a late start to his Quran memorization journey, only completing it in his 30s, he had the good fortune to recite it in its entirety to Shaykh Ahmed Saad al-Azhari (UK), receiving authorization in the recitations of Hafs and then Shu’ba with a very high chain of transmission to the Prophet ﷺ. He also received from the Shaykh an authorization to transmit and teach Matn al-Jazariya in Tajweed Sciences.
His dual role as a Quran Instructor and Academic Supervisor not only allows him to impart valuable instruction to the students on the ground but to work closely with the Dean in sharing this experience to further enhance program goals and set appropriate benchmarks.
Alongside his role at Dar al-Burhan, Qari Misbah has been a regular Tarawih Imam and has taught Tajweed and introductory level Hanafi Fiqh. Currently, he is pursuing further training in the Sciences of Qiraat under the tutelage of Shaykh Moaaz Safwat and has also received authorizations to transmit Hadith from some renowned Hadith collections.
His dual role as a Quran Instructor and Academic Supervisor not only allows him to impart valuable instruction to the students on the ground but to work closely with the Dean in sharing this experience to further enhance program goals and set appropriate benchmarks.
Alongside his role at Dar al-Burhan, Qari Misbah has been a regular Tarawih Imam and has taught Tajweed and introductory level Hanafi Fiqh. Currently, he is pursuing further training in the Sciences of Qiraat under the tutelage of Shaykh Moaaz Safwat and has also received authorizations to transmit Hadith from some renowned Hadith collections.
Assistant Instructor (Male Students)
Shaykh Bayan Hashem serves as the Assistant Instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy, where his dedication to teaching and studying the Holy Quran has flourished for over a decade. With a profound passion for the sacred text, he has garnered multiple Ijazahs in various recitations, including Ibn Amr, `Asim (Hafs and Shu`ba). His expertise extends to holding a Diploma in the ten minor recitations from the prestigious Imam Al-Shatibi Institute in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Shaykh Bayan is currently in the process of obtaining Ijazah in seven minor recitations through the esteemed Al-Shatibiyyah.
For 11 consecutive years, Shaykh Bayan has served as the Imam of Tarawih during the blessed month of Ramadan, leading the community in prayer. His commitment to imparting knowledge goes beyond recitation, as he actively teaches Tajweed and provides insightful explanations of Matn Tuhfat al-Atfal and Jazariyah.
Driven by a deep interest in Islamic education and innovative teaching methods, Shaykh Bayan holds a bachelor's degree in petroleum and mining engineering from Suez Canal University, showcasing the breadth of his intellectual pursuits. His multifaceted expertise illuminates the corridors of Dar al-Burhan Academy, embodying a commitment to both traditional knowledge and contemporary educational approaches.
For 11 consecutive years, Shaykh Bayan has served as the Imam of Tarawih during the blessed month of Ramadan, leading the community in prayer. His commitment to imparting knowledge goes beyond recitation, as he actively teaches Tajweed and provides insightful explanations of Matn Tuhfat al-Atfal and Jazariyah.
Driven by a deep interest in Islamic education and innovative teaching methods, Shaykh Bayan holds a bachelor's degree in petroleum and mining engineering from Suez Canal University, showcasing the breadth of his intellectual pursuits. His multifaceted expertise illuminates the corridors of Dar al-Burhan Academy, embodying a commitment to both traditional knowledge and contemporary educational approaches.
Lead Quran Instructor (Female Students)
Ustadha Azza Mando is the Lead Instructor for female students at Dar al-Burhan Academy. Her nurturing character and years of meticulous care in mastering the recitation of the Quran makes her an expert instructor who understands how to coach her students gradually towards mastery.
Ustadha Azza's journey with the Quran began in the blessed lands of Sham (the Levant) where she was born and raised. Upon completing her memorization of the Quran with an Ijaza in Hafs from Asim of Shatibiyya, she was tasked with teaching Quran and Tajweed at Masjid al-Furqan in the city of Homs, Syria. Ustadha Azza has over a decade of experience teaching Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies in her native country, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. She also possesses an Islamic Studies Certificate from Zad Academy, Certificate to teach Al-Qaida al-Nuraniya, a Diploma of Islamic Studies from Makka al-Mukarramah Institute, and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Homs. Ustadha Azza has also received an authorization to teach the Jazariya in the Science of Tajweed from Shaykh Moaaz Safwat of Dar al-Burhan.
Ustadha Azza's journey with the Quran began in the blessed lands of Sham (the Levant) where she was born and raised. Upon completing her memorization of the Quran with an Ijaza in Hafs from Asim of Shatibiyya, she was tasked with teaching Quran and Tajweed at Masjid al-Furqan in the city of Homs, Syria. Ustadha Azza has over a decade of experience teaching Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies in her native country, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. She also possesses an Islamic Studies Certificate from Zad Academy, Certificate to teach Al-Qaida al-Nuraniya, a Diploma of Islamic Studies from Makka al-Mukarramah Institute, and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Homs. Ustadha Azza has also received an authorization to teach the Jazariya in the Science of Tajweed from Shaykh Moaaz Safwat of Dar al-Burhan.
Assistant Instructor (Female Students)
Ustadha Inaam Ziad Al-Turkmani, serving as the Assistant Instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy, holds three Ijazas in the Hafs recitation from Asim through Al-Shatibiyyah, along with authorizations in the ten minor Qira'at via Al-Shatibiyyah and Al-Durrah from Al-Fath Islamic Institute. She also has received an authorization to teach the Jazariya in Tajweed from the renowned Islamic College of Shaykh Ahmad Kuftaro (Abu al Nur).
Her Quranic journey commenced in the blessed lands of Sham, where she was born and raised. After successfully memorizing the Qur'an with the Prophetic Licence from various masters of the discipline, she assumed the responsibility of teaching Quran and Tajweed at several institutions across Damascus. Ustadha Inaam has extensive experience in teaching Quran, Arabic, and Islamic studies, both in her homeland and through online platforms to both Arab and non-Arab audiences. Holding multiple certificates in Quranic recitation and its sciences from reputable institutes in her country, she is also certified to teach Al-Qaida Al-Nuraniya. Moreover, she earned a Diploma in translation and a bachelor's degree in English literature from Damascus University. Notably, Ustadha Inaam has been recognized internationally, and has been awarded prizes for her mastery in Quran recitation and has a proficiency in translating texts into English from the classical Arabic, and in Quranic exegesis and Hadith commentary.
Her Quranic journey commenced in the blessed lands of Sham, where she was born and raised. After successfully memorizing the Qur'an with the Prophetic Licence from various masters of the discipline, she assumed the responsibility of teaching Quran and Tajweed at several institutions across Damascus. Ustadha Inaam has extensive experience in teaching Quran, Arabic, and Islamic studies, both in her homeland and through online platforms to both Arab and non-Arab audiences. Holding multiple certificates in Quranic recitation and its sciences from reputable institutes in her country, she is also certified to teach Al-Qaida Al-Nuraniya. Moreover, she earned a Diploma in translation and a bachelor's degree in English literature from Damascus University. Notably, Ustadha Inaam has been recognized internationally, and has been awarded prizes for her mastery in Quran recitation and has a proficiency in translating texts into English from the classical Arabic, and in Quranic exegesis and Hadith commentary.
Fiqh Instructor
Shaykh Zakaria Abdelaziz is the Fiqh Instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy. He has a graduate with honours from Dar al-Mustafa’s rigorous Alamiyya Program. The three-year program is the highest level of Shariah studies offered at Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen, and is preceded by seven years of classical training in the ancillary, revelatory and theoretical sciences. Having completed ten years of meticulous full-time study with qualified scholars, Shaykh Zakariya was appointed as lecturer at Dar al-Mustafa from 2017 to 2018. He has been granted authorizations (ijaza) in the field of Canonical Qur’anic Recitations (‘ilm al-qira’at), Hadith Narration and Understanding (Riwaya wa Dirayat al-Hadith) and Islamic Law (Fiqh) in the Shafi School.
Beliefs & Character Development Instructor
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem is the Islamic Studies Instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy. He has over twenty years of experience in the field of Islamic Education, pedagogy and curriculum development. His teaching engages students to actively listen, think and discuss what they learn. His expertise is in the field of classical Islamic theology, and his primary objective at Dar al-Burhan is to consolidate in students correct beliefs through the Quran and guided critical thinking.
Supervisor & Shuttle Driver
Dr. Abdul Mukeem Sarfaraz is trained as a medical doctor in his home country, and his long love for the Quran and its people inspired him to join Dar al-Burhan. Affectionately known as “uncle” amongst the students, he dedicates his entire day in the service of students and staff alike. From driving the school shuttle, to supervising lunch and activities for the male students, his passion and care is felt throughout the school as he goes above and beyond his formal roles. His dedication serves dually as an example to the students at Dar al-Burhan adding positively to the culture of service and giving to others. Beyond Dar al-Burhan, Abdul Mukeem Sarfaraz devotes much of his time to his children and grandchildren many of whom are dedicated to learning and teaching the sacred Islamic sciences.
Faculty
Dar al-Burhan was founded and designed by a conglomerate of local Muslim students, educators and leaders:
Administrative Body
The administrative body led by Syed Mubeen Alam aims to provide the best institutional management possible with the challenge of being a small school with limited resources and funding.
The Dean
Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat Mahmoud Ahmed Salem is a world-renowned teacher and scholar of the highest calibre in Quran Studies. His role as Dean at the academy ensures that the faculty maintains the highest standards when teaching the Quran and imparting its character.
The Supervisor
Qari Misbah Taqiuddin is an Imam, Hafiz and first-class reciter of the Quran who has a unique Prophetic Authorization (Ijaza), and works closely with the Dean to monitor and ensure the program is meeting set benchmarks.
Guidance Counsellors
Hafiz Humza Ali is a recent university graduate in psychology and neuroscience who memorized the entire Quran locally with the Ijaza, and is known in Quran circles for his adeptness in mentoring new students. Hafiz Humza prepares fun educational activities for his students on a weekly basis.
Ustadha Na'eemah Martinez is an experienced counsellor and inspirational mentor. Her twenty years of experience nurturing young Muslim women into adulthood enables her to guide female students of Dar al-Burhan through the arduous journey of Quran memorization. Ustadha Na'eemah prepares fun educational activities for her students on a weekly basis.
Ustadha Na'eemah Martinez is an experienced counsellor and inspirational mentor. Her twenty years of experience nurturing young Muslim women into adulthood enables her to guide female students of Dar al-Burhan through the arduous journey of Quran memorization. Ustadha Na'eemah prepares fun educational activities for her students on a weekly basis.
Instructors of the Quran
1. Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat
2. Shaykh Ahmed Al-Suwaid
3. Qari Misbah Taqiuddin
4. Ustadha Azza Mando
5. Ustadha Youmna Muhammad
2. Shaykh Ahmed Al-Suwaid
3. Qari Misbah Taqiuddin
4. Ustadha Azza Mando
5. Ustadha Youmna Muhammad
Teachers & Other Subjects
Shaykh Moaaz Safwat teaches advancing students the theoretical science of Tajwid starting with the Tuhfat al-Atfal and then the Jazariya (with Ijaza for qualifying students).
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem teaches students of all three levels in the subjects of Beliefs and Morals at Dar al-Burhan.
Ustadha Zakiya Gangat teaches students of all three levels in the subjects of Ritual Worship and Islamic Literacy at Dar al-Burhan.
Ustadha Youmna Muhammad trains qualifying students at Dar al-Burhan how to write classical Arabic proficiently and quickly, gradually enabling them to write the Quran from memory.
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem teaches students of all three levels in the subjects of Beliefs and Morals at Dar al-Burhan.
Ustadha Zakiya Gangat teaches students of all three levels in the subjects of Ritual Worship and Islamic Literacy at Dar al-Burhan.
Ustadha Youmna Muhammad trains qualifying students at Dar al-Burhan how to write classical Arabic proficiently and quickly, gradually enabling them to write the Quran from memory.
Founders & Program Developers
Shaykh Ramzy Ajem, Syed Mubeen Alam, Hafiz Rizwan Merchant, Hafiz Yahya Faridy, Hafiz Humza Ali, and Qari Misbah Taqiuddin.
Each member of this team brings with him or her the unique inspirations of distinguished contemporary Quran masters from within North America, the UK, India, North Africa, Damascus and the Hijaz (in particular Jeddah and Mecca).
Need is the mother of all invention, and our team understands the need Muslim families have for excellent institutions that can address a new generation of Muslim boys and girls in the discipline of Quran memorization.
With Allah's permission and aid, we have come together to develop a premium academy for the study of the Quran that prides itself on excellence in pedagogy, educational resources and character development.
Need is the mother of all invention, and our team understands the need Muslim families have for excellent institutions that can address a new generation of Muslim boys and girls in the discipline of Quran memorization.
With Allah's permission and aid, we have come together to develop a premium academy for the study of the Quran that prides itself on excellence in pedagogy, educational resources and character development.
