Instructor Profiles
Alina Fazal-Juma
Alina Fazal-Juma has a Bachelor of science in Psychology from the university of Birmingham, England, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science. Whilst she works full time with children on the Autism spectrum, Alina also has a passion for visual arts.
From a young age she has developed skills in graphite drawings, henna, acrylic, oil and watercolour painting.
The inspiration behind her Artwork comes from the beautiful faith of Islam and rich cultural influences. For the last 6 years Alina has focused on contemporary Islamic and Inspirational Art. She opened her business ‘My Pure Art’ in 2009 and is currently completing a specialized course in the Art of Arabic Calligraphy. Alina loves to spread the joy of Art and use it to inspire a class.
Anar Allidina
Anar Allidina, MPH, RD holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, and a Masters degree in Public Health Nutrition from Hunter College in New York. She completed her Dietetic Internship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital – at the university hospitals of Cornell and Columbia in New York City.
Anar is passionate about communicating nutrition in an easy to understand, enjoyable, practical way. The abundance of nutritional information surrounding us on what we should and should not eat can be overwhelming, leaving many us confused rather than informed. Anar believes that healthy eating does not mean sacrificing your favorite foods and depriving yourselves by dieting. Instead, she focuses on an individual holistic approach that works with your lifestyle. Anar focuses on small changes to improve the quality of your diet – whether your goal is weight loss, general wellness, or addressing a health concern.
Anar’s hands on approach, which includes cooking demonstrations, pantry assessments and grocery store tours, will equip you with what you need to make healthy eating an enjoyable part of your life. You will be given the knowledge and guidance to reach your health goals and to feel your best!
Shaykh Hasanayn Kassamali
Originally from Tanzania, Shaykh Hasanayn Kassamali is the founder and religious director of the Academy for Learning Islam. He has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Alberta and a Masters in Islamic Studies from the University of British Columbia. He has studied hawza program at Islamic seminaries in the Middle East.
Shaykh Hasnayn has served as Resident scholar in Edmonton, Vancouver, Orlando and has lectured in many different communities around the world.
Sabiha Karim-Jaffer
Sabiha Karim-Jaffer was born in Nairobi, Kenya and was raised here in Toronto. She has completed her Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. She worked in IT and Web Design for a few years and has since changed gears. Sabiha and her husband relocated to Damascus, Syria to pursue Hawza studies and a Master’s degree in Islamic Education. She is now a full-time mom and in her spare time enjoys doing research and delivering lectures on various Islamic subjects, conducting workshops, facilitating at retreats and teaching women and children about Islamic values. She feels that this is a life long journey which has just begun and hopes to keep moving forward with the help of The Almighty.
Sakina Kermali
Quran Appreciation teacher
Sakina Kermali has been in education for over 15 years having taught children of various ages. She works well with young children and is able to have a good rapport with them. She is constantly looking for fun and innovative ideas to teach students in order to make learning exciting. Sakina is a qualified Early Childhood Educator and has had the opportunity to run her own preschool program for many years. She has experience in teaching and supervising a variety of programs at the secular level. Sakina has also been involved in the Madrasah system where she has served as both teacher and as a Quran coordinator. She believes that it is important to educate and instil Islamic values in our children as they are the future generation.
Tahera Kassamali
Originally from Kenya, Tahera Kassamali works as the Outreach coordinator and Instructor at the Academy for Learning Islam. She has a B.A. with honors in English literature from the University of Alberta and a B.Ed from the University of British Columbia. She has also studied in the hawzas of the Middle East.
Sr. Tahera brings many years of experience as a female lecturer in the community and teacher at Islamic schools.