The Faculty
Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat, Dean
Shaykh Dr. Moaaz Safwat Mahmoud Ahmed Salem, a world-renowned scholar in Quran Studies, serves as the Dean of Dar al-Burhan Academy, where his leadership ensures the faculty upholds the highest standards in Quranic education and character development. In addition to his scholarly expertise, Shaykh Dr. Moaaz plays a key role in the robust institutional management of the academy, overseeing curriculum development, faculty training, and administrative operations to maintain excellence in all aspects of the academy’s mission.
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
Lead Quran Instructor (Male Students)
Qari Misbah Taqiuddin, a founding member of Dar al-Burhan Academy, is a pivotal figure in the academy's development and educational leadership. As a Quran Instructor, he not only teaches but also plays a significant role in training and guiding the academy's faculty, ensuring that both teachers and students adhere to the highest standards of Quranic education. His expertise in Tajweed and Qira'at, combined with his deep understanding of Islamic pedagogy, has made him an invaluable mentor to the teaching staff, shaping the academy's instructional approach. Despite starting his Quran memorization journey later in life, completing it in his 30s, Qari Misbah had the honor of reciting the entire Quran to Shaykh Ahmed Saad al-Azhari (UK), earning authorizations in both Hafs and Shu'ba recitations with a prestigious chain of transmission to the Prophet ﷺ. He also received permission to transmit and teach Matn al-Jazariya in Tajweed Sciences, further establishing his authority in the field. Beyond his work in guiding the staff, Qari Misbah regularly leads Tarawih prayers and teaches Tajweed and introductory Hanafi Fiqh. He is currently advancing his studies in the Sciences of Qira'at under Shaykh Moaaz Safwat and has received authorizations to transmit Hadith from several renowned collections. His leadership and scholarly contributions are central to the academy's mission of fostering excellence in both students and teachers alike.
Quran Instructor (Male Students)
Shaykh Abdul-Basit Sharif is a dedicated Quran instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy, with a strong foundation in Islamic jurisprudence and Quranic studies. Born and raised in Canada, Shaykh Abdul-Basit completed his Hifz at Rexdale Jame Masjid in Toronto and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence from Al-Rashid Islamic Institute in Cornwall, Ontario. With several years of teaching experience, Shaykh Abdul-Basit has served in various schools and mosques across the Greater Toronto Area, including Jame Makki Masjid and Darul Quran, where he developed Islamic curricula and facilitated Quran memorization programs. He currently works alongside Qari Misbah in person at Dar al-Burhan Academy, guiding students in their Quranic recitation and memorization.
Shaykh Abdul-Basit’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in his passion for the Quran, and he is inspired by the hadith:"The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it."
Shaykh Abdul-Basit’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in his passion for the Quran, and he is inspired by the hadith:"The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it."
Remote Quran Instructor (Male Students)
Shaykh Bayan Hashem serves as the Remote Quran Instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy, where his exceptional ability to engage students makes his virtual presence feel as though he is physically in the room with them. With over a decade of experience and a deep passion for the Qur'an, Shaykh Bayan has mastered techniques that captivate and inspire his students, using innovative strategies that foster active learning and deep connection despite the online format. He holds 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.
Remote Quran Instructor (Male Students)
Shaykh Mahmoud Fadlallah has been dedicated to the teaching of the Qur'an since 2016, focusing on guiding Arab students through their memorization journey. Under his instruction, many students have successfully completed their memorization, with seven earning Ijazah in various recitations. From 2020 to 2024, Shaykh Mahmoud served as an esteemed instructor at the Al-Azhar Sciences Academy in Malaysia, where he taught the ten minor recitations to non-Arabic speakers. Currently, Shaykh Mahmoud is in his final term at the Faculty of Dar Al-Uloom at Cairo University, where he majors in Arabic Language, Literature, and Islamic Studies. He holds multiple Ijazahs in Qur'anic recitations, including the ten minor recitations through the method of "Jama' bil Waqf" and in the Hafs recitation through various chains of "Tayyibah." He is also close to completing his studies of the ten major recitations. In addition to his expertise in Qur'an recitation, Shaykh Mahmoud has been granted Ijazahs in transmitting various authentic collections of Hadith. He has participated in numerous advanced Qur'an courses at the Imam Al-Shatibi Institute in Jeddah and continues his studies under Shaykh Ahmad Abu Al-'Ala. Furthermore, he is actively completing the ten Qira'at within the renowned Qur'an circles at Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi.
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.
Remote Quran Instructor (Female Students)
Ustadha Inaam Ziad Al-Turkmani, serving as the Remote Quran 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.
Student Coordinator & Transport Facilitator
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.
Founding Members 2020
Dar al-Burhan was founded and designed by a conglomerate of local Muslim students, educators and leaders: Shaykh Ramzy Ajem, Syed Mubeen Alam, Hafiz Rizwan Merchant, Hafiz Yahya Faridy, Hafiz Humza Ali, and Qari Misbah Taqiuddin.
2020-2024 Lead Quran Instructor
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Shaykh Dr. Ahmed Al-Suwaid served as a distinguished faculty member at Dar al-Burhan Academy for Quran Studies in Vaughan, Canada, from 2021 to 2024.
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More About Shaykh Dr. Ahmed Al-Suwaid
Born and raised in the holy city of Makkah, Shaykh Ahmed began his lifelong journey with the Quran at a young age, completing his memorization and leading Taraweeh prayers in various mosques by the age of eleven. From 1998 to 2012, he received extensive training in the Sacred Precinct of Makkah under prominent scholars, mastering classical texts in Tajweed, Tafseer, and the Seven Readings of the Quran.
Throughout his career, Shaykh Ahmed was authorized to teach the Quran by several esteemed scholars, including Shaykh Dr. Hamid Al-Ansari. His teaching experience spanned institutions across the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, and Canada. In addition to his Quranic expertise, Shaykh Ahmed holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Islamic Finance from Ummul Qura University, and a Bachelor's in Islamic Law (Shariah) from Darul Hadith Khayriyah College, both with honors. He earned his PhD in Usul al-Fiqh from Al-Madinah International University, graduating with Excellence and First Honours.
During his tenure at Dar al-Burhan, Shaykh Ahmed left a lasting legacy of academic excellence and spiritual growth, mentoring students and contributing significantly to the academy’s reputation for Quranic scholarship.
Throughout his career, Shaykh Ahmed was authorized to teach the Quran by several esteemed scholars, including Shaykh Dr. Hamid Al-Ansari. His teaching experience spanned institutions across the Arabian Peninsula, Jordan, and Canada. In addition to his Quranic expertise, Shaykh Ahmed holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Islamic Finance from Ummul Qura University, and a Bachelor's in Islamic Law (Shariah) from Darul Hadith Khayriyah College, both with honors. He earned his PhD in Usul al-Fiqh from Al-Madinah International University, graduating with Excellence and First Honours.
During his tenure at Dar al-Burhan, Shaykh Ahmed left a lasting legacy of academic excellence and spiritual growth, mentoring students and contributing significantly to the academy’s reputation for Quranic scholarship.
2022-2023 Tarbiyah Instructor
Ustadha Zakiyah Gangat served as an Islamic Studies instructor at Dar al-Burhan Academy from 2022 to 2023, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of female students. She earned her Shahadah al-Alimiyyah from a traditional Islamic seminary in Gujarat, India, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology, Health Studies, and Religions from the University of Toronto. Zakiyah also received a Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership from Cambridge Muslim College and a Diploma in Not-For-Profit Management from Western University.
Her blend of traditional Islamic knowledge and modern academic training allowed her to provide well-rounded, insightful guidance, making a lasting impact on her students at Dar al-Burhan Academy.
Her blend of traditional Islamic knowledge and modern academic training allowed her to provide well-rounded, insightful guidance, making a lasting impact on her students at Dar al-Burhan Academy.
Community Support
Risalah Foundation and community sponsors play a pivotal role in supporting Dar al-Burhan Academy, enabling it to thrive despite limited resources. Their generous contributions help fund essential programs, provide scholarships for students, and ensure that the academy can maintain its high standards of Quranic education. Through their ongoing financial and logistical support, the foundation and sponsors also assist in improving facilities, expanding academic offerings, and fostering a nurturing environment for students to grow spiritually and intellectually. This collaborative effort ensures that the academy continues to serve as a vital resource for the community. Join the effort by clicking here!
