Our Teachers
Qāri'ah Imaan
Ustadhah Imaan completed her Alimiyyah studies at a traditional Islamic seminary based in Chicago, USA. She has obtained certifications in various Islamic sciences, and also holds a bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic. Ustadhah Imaan is the founder of Dārul Qur'ān Leicester and co-founder of Al-Hanafiyyāt, an organisation dedicated to teaching Hanafi Fiqh to women.
Ustadhah Imaan has received Ijazah in recitation of Hafs and also the Ten Variant Recitations (al-Qirā'āt al-'Ashar) from multiple teachers, each having one of the shortest chains to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Currently, Ustadhah Imaan continues to pursue advanced studies in Fiqh and Tafsīr, driven by her passion for deepening her understanding and sharing knowledge with clarity and authenticity. Her extensive background makes her a valuable resource in the field of Islamic studies.
Ustādhah Husna
Ustadhah Husna began her Qur’anic journey at a young age, having completed her Hifdh by the age of 11. She was blessed with the opportunity to recite the entire Qur’an from memory in a single day—a powerful milestone that reflects her dedication and love for the Book of Allah.
She has obtained Ijazah in the riwayah of Hafs, as well as the Tajwid poem of Al-Jazariyyah and is currently continuing her Qur’anic studies under Qari’ah Imaan, focusing on mastering the Ten Qira’at (variant modes of Qur’anic recitation).
In addition to her Qur’anic studies, Ustadhah Husna has completed the Alimiyyah course at Al-Qalam Institute in Leicester, where she received formal training in Islamic sciences such as Fiqh, Aqidah, Hadith, and Tafsir.
Ustadhah Husna is passionate about making the Qur’an not only recited beautifully but also understood and lived. She continues to teach and inspire students to build a meaningful, lifelong relationship with the Qur’an—both in word and in action.
Ustadhah Asma Berkaoui
With over 18 years of experience, Ustadhah Asma specialises in teaching Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies to students of all ages and backgrounds. As a native Arabic speaker and a certified holder of an Ijazah in Qaidah Nuraniyyah, she brings both authenticity and expertise to every lesson.
Throughout Ustadhah Asma's teaching journey, she has worked with a wide range of age groups and learning styles, always aiming to make the learning process enjoyable, practical, and tailored to each student's needs. She passionate about helping learners develop a meaningful and lasting connection with the Qur’an, while building strong Arabic language skills in a way that is age-appropriate and engaging.
Ustadhah Asma's teaching philosophy is centred on creating a warm, supportive, and motivating environment where students feel nurtured, encouraged, and inspired to grow. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your understanding, she is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ustādhah Aminah
Ustadhah Aminah studied under teachers in the Middle East and thereafter completed her memorisation of the Qur’an in the UK.
She has a rich understanding of the Arabic language, which developed further during her studies of Fiqh and Arabic grammar at Al-Qalam Institute, Leicester.
She has received Ijazah in the riwayah of Hafs, and continues to pursue her interest in Tajwid and Qira’at.
Her exceptional love for the Qur’an is an inspiration for all those around her. Ustadhah Aminah endeavours to share her passion, rekindling the relationship with the Qur’an in hearts.
Ustādhah Asma
Ustādhah Asma completed her Islamic studies at a traditional madrasah in Leicester, UK. She has obtained certifications in various Islamic sciences, including Qur'ān, Hadīth, Fiqh and Tafsīr, as well as a certificate in teaching.
She is the founder of Al-Hanafiyyāt, an organisation dedicated to teaching Hanafi Fiqh to women. Additionally, she has been teaching Islamic sciences for almost 20 years, and has taught Arabic at GCSE and A Level at Leicester College.
In continuing her professional development, Ustadhah Asma is currently studying Fiqh at an advanced level.
Ustādhah Umm Hasan
Umm Hasan bint Salim completed her 'alimiyyah studies at Al-Qalam Institute, Leicester after studying under various scholars for nearly 25 years. She holds an ijazah for Al-Jazariyyah and is undertaking her ijazah in the qira’ah of Hafs whilst continuing her hifdh.
A home-educating mother of 7, Umm Hasan graduated from Oxford University in Experimental Psychology and is a Consultant Maths Specialist for children with learning difficulties.
She has published a reference guide on fasting for women and is the author of 'Heaven under your Feet: Pregnancy for Muslim Women'.
Dr. Jumana ElSamna
Dr. Jumana ElSamna is a Palestinian from Gaza. She earned her Ph.D. in Hadith Studies from the Islamic University in Gaza. She holds two bachelor's degrees in Arabic Usul al-Din, and English in Contemporary Da'wa. She has also achieved an ijazah certification in the recitation of Hafs.
She has worked at the Islamic University and has experience teaching various Islamic subjects and Tajwid to non-Arabic speakers for several years.
Dr. ElSamna is dedicated to ensuring that every Muslim, regardless of their language, has the opportunity to learn about Islam. This commitment has driven her to focus on educating non-Arabs about Islamic teachings.
Ustādhah Salma
Ustadhah Salma is a Gazan Palestinian who is currently residing in the UK as a displaced medical student due to the tragic situation in Gaza.
Ustadhah Salma was blessed to memorise the entire Qur’an, and recited it from memory in 2020 in a single sitting. She has also earned ijazah certification in the recitation of Hafs through memory.
In Gaza, Ustadhah Salma had the privilege of teaching Qur'an and she feels a deep sense of responsibility to help others improve their recitation and memorisation, particularly non-Arab speakers.
She firmly believes that nurturing the Qur'an in hearts is a source of immense blessing. Acknowledging this from her own personal journey, she is eager to inspire others in their path to success.
Ustādhah Afnan
Ustadhah Afnan is a Palestinian medical student from Gaza, with a deep and enduring passion for both the medical sciences and Islamic scholarship. She has been blessed to complete the memorization of the entire Qur’an and continues to actively pursue the study of traditional Islamic sciences.
Her primary area of focus is Tafsir (Qur’anic Exegesis), where she explores the deeper meanings and timeless wisdom of the Qur’an. As a native Arabic speaker with a strong love for Tafsir, Ustadhah Afnan is inspired to teach Arabic to non-Arabic speakers—striving to instill in them a love for the language and help them connect more deeply with the words of Allah.
She is dedicated to seeking authentic knowledge, bridging classical Islamic understanding with contemporary life, and making Qur’anic guidance accessible, relevant, and transformative for today’s world.
Ustādhah Shimaa
Ustadhah Shimaa is a native Arabic speaker from Egypt, with over 15 years of teaching experience in Qur’an and Arabic language. Her extensive background in both subjects has made her a trusted and respected teacher among students of all ages and backgrounds.
She holds Ijazah (certification with a chain of narration) in the recitation of Hafs and Shu‘bah—two well-known Qirā’āt (modes of Qur’anic recitation)—and is also certified in a variety of other Islamic sciences.
With a strong passion for teaching and a nurturing approach, Ustadhah Shimaa is dedicated to helping students develop a deep connection with the Qur’an through proper recitation, understanding, and reflection. Through her work, she aims not only to teach the words of the Qur’an but also to inspire a love for its message and a commitment to living by its guidance.
Ustādhah Sarah
Ustadhah Sarah has successfully completed a five-year degree in Tajwid from the prestigious Darul Huda institute in Jeddah, renowned for its rigorous and comprehensive curriculum in Quranic studies. Originally from Saudi Arabia, she has devoted her life to mastering the art of Quranic recitation.
Ustadhah Sarah's meticulous study involved theoretical understanding as well as practical application under the guidance of highly skilled teachers. Her training covered the intricate rules of pronunciation, phonetics, rhythm and intonation, reflecting a deep reverence for the divine Book.
Ustādhah Manahil
Ustadhah Manahil Gazzally is a qualified Islamic educator currently residing in Saudi Arabia. She is a specialised teacher of the Qaidah Nuraniyyah, having received guidance from the author, Mohammed Farooq Al Raee at the renowned Furqan Centre.
She has earned a comprehensive four-year certification in Tajweed from the Dar Al Huda Institute in Jeddah, and is currently pursuing an Ijazah in the memorization of the Holy Qur'an at the Furqan Centre.
Ustadhah Manahil teaches at online Qur'an institutes, and is also committed to deepening her religious understanding of various Islamic sciences.
