Instructors
Meet Our Shuyukh
Our esteemed leaders and scholars who guide and serve our community
Sheikh Rasool
Sheikh Abdulaziz Rasoul, former principal of ISNA High School (2010–2024), has been a leader in Islamic education and community engagement since 2005. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Master’s in Education from Brock University. He’s also completing a Bachelor’s in Islamic Studies from Mishkah University. Now serving as Director of Religious Affairs for ISNA Schools, Sheikh Rasoul combines educational expertise, leadership, and an engaging personality to connect with youth. Since September 2024, he’s gained over 250K followers on TikTok and Instagram, using humor and relatability to inspire Gen Z and Millennials to live meaningful, faith-driven lives.
Sheikh Mehmet Usta
Sheikh Usta, founder of the i3 Institute, has been a pillar of the Muslim communities in the US and Canada for over 20 years. With a Bachelor's in Islamic Studies from Mishkah University, a Master’s in Business Administration, and currently pursuing a master's in Islamic Studies, Sheikh Mehmet combines deep Islamic knowledge with top-tier business and corporate acumen. His impressive 20+ years of corporate experience include leadership roles in numerous Fortune 500 companies, where he honed his expertise, and he has mentored numerous Gen Z and Millennial Muslims to become the best versions of themselves. Sheikh Mehmet’s multifaceted background uniquely positions him as a transformative leader, blending Islamic knowledge with corporate excellence to inspire and guide the next generation of aspiring Muslim leaders.
Sheikh Ahmed Jamil
Sheikh Ahmed Jamil is the Vice Principal of Al Manarat Heights Islamic School in Mississauga, ON. With over 8 years of study under Sheikh Usta and a Bachelor’s in Shariah from Mishkah University, he combines deep Islamic knowledge with academic and professional excellence. Ahmed holds a BSc Honours in Biochemistry and an MBA in Accounting from McMaster University, along with a CPA designation. Before entering education, he spent 10 years as a purchasing manager for a leading sports nutrition company behind brands like Six Star and Muscle Tech. Passionate about empowering Muslims, he emphasizes intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth, with a keen interest in Usul al-Fiqh, Seerah, Tafseer, and Islamic Thought.
Meet Our Instructors
Our instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of Islam with their students, and they are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
Hassan AbdurRahman
Hassan AbdulRahman is the current imam of the Saskatoon Dawah and Community Center. He completed his hifdh and studied Fiqh and Arabic in Toronto. He has participated in international Qur’an competitions in Malaysia and Turkey, and has also served as a judge for many Qur’an competitions. He is currently studying advanced Islamic studies, whilst also teaching Islamic studies at the i3 Institute. He is working toward his Ijāzah in the ten qirā'āt, a degree in civil engineering and is currently pursuing a degree in Shari’ah at Mishkāh University.
Emannual
Br. Emmanuel is a former graduate from i3 Institute and currently undergoing his fourth year as an instructor for the institute bi’ithnillah. Br. Emmanuel is continuing his studies currently at Mishkah University learning from contemporary scholars such as Dr. Muhammad Salah, Sh. Hatem Al-Haj, and Sh. Mohammad Elshinawi. Prior studies include obtaining multiple diplomas from Islamic Online University as well as studying with scholars online in addition to face to face mainly in Toronto, ON and London, ON. Favourite Islamic subjects include comparative fiqh, comparative usool al-fiqh, tazkiyyah and da’wah. Br. Emmanuel currently teaches English, Social Studies, and Islamic studies at Al-Taqwa Academy and has been a teacher for 9 years now.
Aghyad Shawwaf
Ustädh Aghyad graduated with a Bachelor's in Arabic literature from his homeland. Since his early days, Ustädh Aghyad has had a passion for the Arabic language which has translated into him becoming a famous poet in Syria. Having moved to Canada, Ustadh Aghyad has since been teaching Arabic to people of all levels. His teaching experience spans 15 years. He also possesses an ljazah in l'rab of the Qur'än.
Aiyaz Noor
Br. Aiyaz Noor holds a Bachelors in Computer Science and Math from University of Toronto, Scarborough, and is a Software Developer by profession, working in the tech industry. He graduated from the Islamic Foundation of Toronto (Islamic) High School and he is an experienced Youth Mentor, Khateeb, Islamic Studies & Qur'an teacher, having taught over 100 youth and gives khutbahs at local Universities and Masajid. He is a Project Manager, and Instructor at i3 Institute and he is currently studying in the official Alim/Shariah Program at i3 called al-Izz Academy.
Ustadh Usman Ali
Usman Ali is a passionate Islamic advocate and seasoned Tech Sales Lead, expertly balancing Islamic Advocacy and professional success. With over a decade of experience giving da’wah, delivering da’wah training and khutbahs at universities and masjids, he empowers Muslims to confidently live and share their deen. Currently pursuing a 4-year Shariah program with Al Ezz Academy, Usman has also studied Arabic and Tajweed in Cairo, Egypt, enriching his connection to the Islamic tradition.
Duaa Ahmed
Duaa Ahmad is a mother, a wife, and a homeschooling teacher, who studied islamic studies at the bachelor level in addition to studying under traditional local scholars in Lebanon. She is a co-founder and a senior instructor at the i3 institute. She has ijaza in Tajweed, and she has been teaching halaqas in Tafsir, Tazkiyyah and Fiqh for the last 16 years. She has a bachelors in computer science and a diploma in teaching education.
Farhad Azizi
Farhad Azizi has been a student of i3 institute for 8 years, learning foundational Islamic knowledge from multiple shuyookh. He is now a senior instructor at the i3 institute's YD program and head of Quality Assurance of instructors. He is currently enrolled in Al-'Izz Academy's Shari'a program.
Ustadh Abu Ibrahim
Ustadh Abu Ibrahim is a dedicated instructor, speaker, and mentor committed to empowering Muslims with hope, unity, and strength through Islam. Whether delivering khutbahs or teaching at the i3 Institute, he inspires individuals to live with purpose and integrity. A long-time student of Sheikh Usta and Sheikh Rasoul, Abu Ibrahim combines deep Islamic knowledge with academic excellence, holding a Master’s in Math in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s in Pure Math. With his unique blend of technical expertise and passion for Islamic advocacy, he is equipped to guide the next generation of Muslim leaders, nurturing a united and resilient Ummah.
Adnan Khan
Adnan has been part of the i3 Institute Inc. since 2015. He is an instructor for the YD Program and currently enrolled in the Bachelors of Islamic Studies program at Mishkah University. Adnan graduated as a Mechatronics Engineer from the University of Waterloo and is currently working as a Project Manager in the Manufacturing industry. He loves to read, write and reflect on issues faced by Muslims in the West and abroad. Adnan's goal is to empower the Muslims in Canada, help build robust leadership and change agents in society who work together strategically on the Islamic vision.
Salman Sakhr
Salman Sakhr is currently undergoing his bachelors in Islamic studies and is an instructor with the i3 institute. His academic area of focus are Aqeedah, Islam in Africa andeadership. He is also completing is MBA.
Kulsoom Kazim
Sr. Kulsoom Kazim is a certified life coach, counsellor, motivational speaker and author. She holds a Bachelors Degree in psychology from York University. She also serves as the women’s chaplain at University of Toronto - Mississauga. She's finishing up her associates degree in Islamic Sciences from Mishkah University. She’s a instructor at i3 institute and inspires to spread the message of Islam with the various projects she is involved with. She deeply understands the pain, heartbreak, and confusion many people, women in particular, struggle with and is passionate about helping women in their journey of healing and growing.
Maissam Ahmed
Maissam Ahmad is a grandmother, who studied Islamic studies under many traditional local scholars in Lebanon, USA, and Sudan. She has ijaza with a Sanad to the Prophet (pbuh) through the Riwaya of Hafs a’an A’asem in Tajweed, and has been teaching halaqas in Tafseer, Seera, Tazkiyah and Aqeeda for the last 30 years. She has a 2-yr diploma from Tafseer Academy in KSA and a bachelors and masters degrees in electrical, computer and communications engineering.
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