Faculty
At Al Firdaus Foundation, we are honored to have a distinguished team of dedicated Ulama, scholars, instructors and mentors who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization.
They not only embody the richness of traditional Islamic scholarship, but also bring strong academic expertise to their teaching. Dedicated to excellence in both religious and intellectual education, our faculty nurtures students with a holistic approach fostering spiritual growth, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for sacred knowledge.
| Mufti AbdulHannan Nizami
Co-Founder, Principal, Lecturer, Instructor
Mufti AbdulHannan Nizami was raised in Chicago and blessed with the memorization of the Holy Qurān at the early age of 14 in 2004 from Darul Uloom Al-Madania in Buffalo, New York. He received formal authorizations in the sacred Islāmic sciences in the year 2011 at the culmination of a rigorous seven-year ʻĀlimiyyah program from Darul Uloom Canada in Chatham Ontario, Canada (a branch of Darul Uloom Al-Madania in Buffalo New York). There, he was blessed with the opportunity to study under one of the elite scholars of North America, Shaikh Ibrahim Memon Madani. The studies were based on the traditional Dars-e-Nizami curriculum of Islāmic education.
Following his graduation, Mufti AbdulHannan Nizami traveled to Durban, South Africa to pursue a two-year study of specialization in Iftaa (Islamic jurisdiction), Islamic Finance and marital issues under the world-renowned scholar Mufti Ebrahim Desai (founder of www.askimam.org website). He graduated from the Iftaa program in the year 2013. In 2015, he successfully earned his high school diploma from Penn Foster High School along with other trainings in teaching, psychology and business.
Mufti AbdulHannan previously served as an instructor for two years at DarusSalam Academy (Lombard, Illinois) for the Taḥfīẓ al-Qurān (memorization of the Qurān), ʻĀlimiyyah and Tafhīm programs.
During this period, he co-founded and established an organization with multiple programs for the youth known as “Fountain of Divine Knowledge” or “Al Firdaus Foundation” in Bridgeview, Illinois and currently serves as an instructor there. Simultaneously, he attended the college at Moraine Valley.
Mufti AbdulHannan regularly lectures at various mosques and events.
| Mufti AbdulMannan Nizami
Co-Founder, Vice-Principal, Lecturer, Instructor
Mufti Abdulmannan Nizami was born and bred within the United States of America. From a very young and tender age, his zeal to memorize the Holy Qur’an led him to achieve this dream at the age of 14. Upon completion of his Qur’an memorization, he continued to further his studies and qualifications in the field of Islamic Theology and Divinity. He attended the prestigious school of Islamic Sacred Sciences at the Institute of Darul Uloom Al-Madania in Buffalo, New York for 6 years. Subsequently, he studied for another 2 years under the tutelage of various prominent scholars at the Institute of Darul Uloom Canada in Chatham-Kent, Ontario. After graduation, he travelled to the city of Durban, South Africa to specialize in Islamic jurisdiction, Islamic Finance, and marital issues. He was fortunate to issue more than 300 Islamic legal rulings approved by various scholars, mediate and arbitrate between various business schemes in accordance to Islamic Law, and counsel between marital and divorce disputes as well.
Along with these 11 long years of dorm and boarding at various institutions, Mufti Abdulmannan was also able to complete his high school diploma at Penn Foster High School. He also maintained a 4.0 GPA while attending college at Moraine Valley and shares a membership at the most reputed honors community nationwide, Phi Theta Kappa.
Currently, Mufti Abdulmannan serves the Bridgeview community instructing at Al Firdaus Foundation, an organization that he co-founded, along with teaching at Al Siddiq School at the Mosque Foundation. He correspondingly gives speeches and khutbahs and serves as a judge in competitions in various vicinities and States on a regular basis.
| Shaykh Waqar Tabraiz
Instructor, Imam, Mentor, Lecturer
Shaykh Waqar Tabraiz was born and raised in Mardan, Pakistan. From a very young age, he expressed his zeal for learning the Quran and the knowledge of Deen. He also displayed great concern for the well being of humanity. In the year 1994, he arrived in the USA at the age of 16 along with his mother and siblings to join his father.
He graduated from Carl Schurz High School, Chicago in 1999. He also studied computer information system in Northeastern University, Chicago from 1999 till 2002.
Shaykh Waqar memorized the Quran during his teenage and continued pursuing his studies at Jamia Suffah, Chicago for the next 10 years where he graduated with honors from the rigorous ʿAlimiyyah course. Later, he completed his specialization in Iftāʾ from an online program in Pakistan.
He became an Imam and lecturer at the age of 19. Ever since then, he has lead congregations and delivered speeches in different masajid throughout the Chicago land area. He has over 22 years of experience teaching Quran and Islamic Studies. He also specializes in offering tarbiyah lessons especially to the young generation in order for them to understand the teachings of the Quran and the life style of our beloved Nabi Muhammad ﷺ.
Shaykh Waqar regularly delivers lectures and khutbahs as well as serving as a judge in Quran and Islamic Studies competitions in various institutes.
He operated his own islamic institution from 2004 till 2022. Currently, he teaches online part-time Quran and Islamic studies classes along with tarbiyah and serves as a a full time instructor at Al Firdaus Foundation for the Tahfeez Al-Quran program.
| Ustadh Eesa McNeal
Instructor
Hafiz Eesa McNeal was born in Chicago and began his journey of memorizing the Quran at a young age. He began pursuing his Tahfeez studies at Islamic Institution of Elgin and Noon Academy in Iliana Indiana.
In 2023, he successfully completed and graduated from the Tahfeez program at Al Firdaus Foundation.
Currently, he serves as a part-time instructor with the After School program at the same institute.
| Ustadh Safwan Tabraiz
Instructor
Hafiz Safwan Tabraiz was born and raised in the North Side of Chicago. His journey with the Quran began at the young age of 7, and through dedication and perseverance, he completed his memorization at the age of 12. He pursued his early education at Guidance Educational Academy in Chicago and later earned his high school diploma through Penn Foster in November 2023. Currently, he is enrolled in college, working towards a medical degree.
Following the completion of his Tahfeez program, Hafiz Safwan dedicated himself to teaching the Quran. He served as a Quran instructor for over 3 years. nurturing the students in their recitation and memorization.
He now serves as a part-time instructor with the After School program at Al Firdaus Foundation, where he continues to inspire and mentor students in their Quranic learning.
| Ustadh Fauzan Tabraiz
Instructor
Raised on the North Side of Chicago, Hafiz Fauzan Tabraiz began his Quranic journey at the age of 6 and, through hard work and dedication, completed his memorization by the age of eleven. He received his early education at Guidance Educational Academy in Chicago and is currently completing his high school diploma through Penn Foster.
Alongside his academic studies, Hafiz Fauzan has been committed to teaching the Quran.
After finishing the Tahfeez program, he dedicated more that 3 years to serving as a Quran teacher, guiding students in both recitation and memorization. He now contributes to Al Firdaus Foundation as a part-time instructor in the After School program, wehre he continues to foster a love for the Quran among youth.
| Ustadha Aalya Ajmeri
Administrative Coordinator
Ustadha Aalya Ajmeri was born and raised in Glendale Heights and began her formal journey in Islamic knowledge at the age of 14. She enrolled in the ʿĀlimiyyah program at Darussalaam, where she completed six years of rigorous study in the Islamic sciences, including Tafsīr, Ḥadīth, Fiqh, and Arabic, graduating in 2022.
Alongside her Islamic studies, she pursued higher education in technology and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing in 2023.
As an Administrative Coordinator at Al Firdaus, Ustadha Aalya Ajmeri combines her background in both Islamic scholarship and technology to support the institution’s mission and serve the community. She is passionate in teaching Islamic studies and helping students connect with the Qur’an and Sunnah in ways that are meaningful and practical, while fostering an environment that encourages spiritual growth and a love for learning. Her goal is to inspire and support the next generation in carrying forward the values of Islamic scholarship.
| Ms. Ayah Obeidallah
2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Ayah Obeidallah grew up in the north side of Chicago. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University. She brings valuable experience from working in multiple public schools and is also a certified Autism Care Therapist and a Registered Behavior Technician, dedicated to supporting students with care and expertise.
Her goal as a teacher is to encourage students to think independently, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively in their learning process. She strives to keep her students engaged, motivated, and comfortable expressing themselves, while also fostering an environment where they feel safe to share their thoughts, personalities, and character.
She prioritizes making learning both enjoyable and meaningful, creating a classroom atmosphere that is fun, safe, and inclusive for all. She also connects her teaching to Islamic values, helping students understand that their learning and growth are ultimately for the sake of Allah (SWT) and encouraging them to strive to be the best Muslims they can be.
Currently, Ms. Ayah serves as a 2nd grade teacher at Al Firdaus Foundation.
| Mrs. Ratiba Dalis
1st Grade Teacher
Born in Palestine and raised in Chicago from the age of seven, Ratiba Dalis has dedicated her life to education and community service. She holds an Associate’s degree in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Minnesota and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
With more than 20 years of combined experience as a Saturday school teacher, long-term substitute teacher, private tutor, and first-grade instructor, she has guided students both academically and spiritually. Her passion for teaching was shaped by her own upbringing in Chicago, where access to Islamic schools was limited, and further strengthened by raising her four sons into successful professionals dedicated to serving their communities.
At Al Firdaus Foundation, Ratiba brings this same dedication into the classroom, instilling knowledge, confidence, and a love for Islam in her students. Her greatest joy is seeing them grow into compassionate, capable, and principled leaders of tomorrow.
| Mrs. Noor Yafai
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Noor Yafai was born in Yemen. She began her education in Quran, Islamic studies, and secular subjects before relocating to the United States at the age of 13. After completing middle and early high school in New York, she moved to Chicago in 2006 to continue her education in an Islamic environment. She went on to earn her high school diploma from Career Online High School and later obtained a Nursing Assistant certificate from Moraine Valley Community College.
Driven by a passion for working with children, Mrs. Noor Yafai pursued Early Childhood Education in 2019, alongside an intensive three-year Islamic Studies diploma program. Her goal is to merge her knowledge of Islamic studies with her expertise in early childhood education to nurture young learners both academically and spiritually.
In addition to her formal education, Noor has gained hands-on experience through volunteer work at Al Siddiq School and Dorn Elementary School, where she served for 2 years. At Al Firdaus Foundation, she brings this unique blend of skills, dedication, and values into her kindergarten classroom, striving to build a strong foundation for her students’ future growth and success.
| Mrs. Hanaa Thiab
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Hanaa Thiab was born in Kuwait and later on traveled to the US. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. She has also completed a Tajweed course and earned a certificate in Qaidah Nooraniyah, enriching her expertise in Quranic studies and early literacy.
Since 2006, Mrs. Hanaa Thiab has devoted her career to teaching, with a strong focus on guiding and nurturing young children. Her extensive experience in early education allows her to foster a love of learning while supporting both the academic and spiritual development of her students.
As a preschool teacher at Al Firdaus Foundation, Hanaa brings warmth, patience, and dedication to the preschool classroom, helping children build the skills and confidence they need for a successful educational journey.
| Ustadha Shanila Ghani
Instructor
Hafidha Shanila Ghani was born in Karachi, Pakistan, where she began her Tahfeez as a teenager alongside her college studies. She completed one year of the Alimiyyah program at Madrasa Ayesha in Karachi, and continued her studies online at Zainab Center in New York. Ever since moving to the United States in 1994, Hafidha Shanila dedicated herself to teaching Qur’an to children right from within her home, a role she has carried out for the last 30+ years with love and commitment which she still continues to do so up until today for the sake of Allah.
In 2023, she joined Al Firdaus Foundation as a Tahfeez instructor, alongside of which she leads monthly halaqaat at AIA Masjid in Frankfort. She looks forward to continuing to serve the community through her teaching and gatherings
| Ustadha Faiqa Bint Waqar
Instructor
Born and raised in Chicago, she began her Tahfeez journey at the age of 11 and completed the Qur’an by 13. Since then, she has taught at several institutions and brings with her years of experience in Qur’an teaching.
Alongside her teaching, Hafidha Faiqa completed her high school diploma through Penn Foster and is currently pursuing the Alimiyyah program, with two years remaining. Her passion for Islamic scholarship and her devotion to her students make her a valued part of Al Firdaus family.
At Al Firdaus Foundation, Hafidha Faiqa has been instrumental in supporting the girls’s Tahfeez program. She works closely with students to strengthen their memorization, tajweed, and love for the Qur’an, creating a nurturing environment where students can excel both spiritually and academically.
