INTRODUCING
AXIS
Academic Exploration & Inherited Scholarship (AXIS) Program
Muslims in the West are constantly navigating the tension between the vastness of the Islamic Tradition with the critical approach of the Western Academy. For this reason, the AXIS program seeks to equip students with the critical-focus and research-oriented perspectives found in the academy while grounding them in classical textual Hanafism. In doing so, successful students are expected to be present in the world while being able to offer solutions derived from the most established of traditions. Each stream, described in more detail under their respective sections, will function as distinct separate curricula, enabling students to obtain the necessary skills to succeed in either field, should they choose to specialize in either field following the completion of the program.
We recognize that some may be concerned with regards to synthesizing knowledge having two such distinct streams within the program, given their complexities. However, regardless of whether Taqwa Academy continues to hold such offerings, Muslims, and especially those on the path of knowledge, will have to contend with this dichotomy. Given that most, if not all people are already contending with a plethora of ideas for any given topic, we feel that a focused study of two distinct perspectives, with dedicated teachers, will allow students to better work through the confusion found today. It is no doubt that the successful completion of such an endeavor is a tall ask, but it pales in comparison to the endless heights of the mountain path that sincere scholars and caretakers of the community must climb. The teachers at Taqwa Academy are personally committed to facilitating and aiding students to whatever degree that they need so long as a student is sincere in their efforts towards knowledge. Ultimately, success is only through divine enablement.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
USTADH
SYED HASSAN
FOUNDER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Ustadh Syed Hassan was raised in Toronto and studied Theoretical Mathematics at the University of Waterloo and Psychology at York University before pursuing Graduate Certification as a Life Coach. He initially received his traditional ijaza to transmit the Islamic sciences from Shaykh Nūr al-Dīn al-Ṣādiq of Syria through private studies. Afterwards, he completed several programs and courses through various institutes and scholars:
- Ijāzāt in tajwīd and Qirāʾāt (Shaykh Gelal al-Behwashy al-Azhari and Shaykh Nūr al-Dīn al-Ṣādiq)
- Cambridge Islamic College under the tutelage of Shaykh Muhammad Akram Nadwi:
- Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Diploma in Classical Islamic Texts;
- Diploma in Islamic Spiritual Texts;
- History of Female Scholarship in Islam; and
- Various modules in exegesis.
- Bayyinah Access Program under the instruction of Ustadh Aarij Anwar.
- Mathabah Learning Centre under the tutelage of Shaykh Omar Subedar:
- Community Leader Program.
- Scholar of Islamic Sciences Certification Program – Exegesis Specialization (Ongoing).
- Irshad Centre for Hanafi Studies:
- The Hanafi Legal Code Program (Ongoing) under the tutelage of Shaykh Tabraze Azam
- Exegesis training under Shaykh Sohail Hanif
Since 2012, Ustadh Syed Hassan has continuously served the community by conducting Friday, Eid prayers and academic seminars all over the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He is currently the Curriculum Lead and Vice-Principle at AlHuda Secondary School and has previously served as the Head of Curriculum Design and Vice Principal of Al-Manarat Heights Islamic School.
USTADH
DANYAL KHAN
HANAFI CREED & LAW
Raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Ustadh Danyal spent most of his childhood in Mississauga before moving to Brampton in the early 2000s. At the age of 16, he completed his ḥifz under the guidance of Hafiz Asim Ali at Brampton Islamic Center, where he led Taraweeh and other prayers. In 2020, Ustadh Danyal received Ijāzat al-Tadrīs in the Islamic Sciences after completing the Academic Bare Essentials Program (ABC). He has authorizations in Ḥafṣ and ʿAshara Ṣughra as well as in many poems of tajwīd: Tuḥfat al-Atfāl, Khaqāniyya, Sakhāwiyya, and Jazariyya.
Currently, he is completing the Scholar of Islamic Sciences Program at Mathabah Learning Centre with a specialization in exegesis under the tutelage of Shaykh Omar Subedar. He is also under the mentorship of Shaykh Tabraze Azam, enrolled in the Hanafi Legal Code Program.
In his formal education, Ustadh Danyal has completed an Honors Bachelor of Information Sciences (Cyber Security) with honors, an undergraduate certificate in Creativity and Creative Problem Solving with high honors, and obtained his CISSP certification. He is currently pursuing an additional bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto majoring in Philosophy and Psychology. Ustadh Danyal works as a Cybersecurity Consultant and serves as the Imam at Huttonville Jame Masjid. He previously served as the Imam at Taseen Musalla (Masjid Ibrahim) for a number of years. He is an instructor at Taqwa Academy, Mathabah Learning Centre, and Roots Academy. He resides in Brampton with his family. In his free time, he enjoys working on personal projects and appreciates a good warm beverage.
USTADH
MOHAMMAD AHMED
QUR'ANIC FLUENCY
Born in Montreal, Ustadh Mohammad has been immersed in Islamic learning and community service from an early age. He completed his ḥifẓ under the guidance of Ḥāfiẓ Asim Ali at Brampton Islamic Center, where he also led Taraweeh and other congregational prayers.
Ustadh Mohammad studied the foundational Islamic sciences through the Academic Bare Essentials (ABC) Program under Ustadh Hassan Syed, where he is currently completing his credentials. He previously studied under Qārī Armaan, from whom he received ijāza in the recitation of Ḥafṣ ʿan ʿĀṣim, along with instruction and certification in the classical tajwīd texts al-Jazarīyya and Tuḥfat al-Aṭfāl.
He is presently enrolled in and actively studying Dawrat al-Ḥadīth under the tutelage of Shaykh Omar Subedar at Mathabah Institute, and is also pursuing formal studies in the Ḥanafī legal tradition under Shaykh Tabraze Azam.
In his formal education, Ustadh Mohammad pursued undergraduate studies in Ecotoxicology at the University of Ottawa, completing an Honours degree. He later obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from York University. Professionally, he works as a Registered Nurse at Georgetown Hospital. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as the Lead Instructor for Ḥafṣ and as a Teaching Assistant at Taqwa Academy.
Ustadh Mohammad resides in the Greater Toronto Area and remains actively engaged in teaching and mentorship, balancing his professional career with his commitment to Islamic scholarship and service.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES.
1. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
2. FEES
3. SCHEDULING
4. CLASS SETTINGS
5. ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
6. GUESTS
7. PLAGIARISM AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)-USE POLICY
8. ACADEMIC STANDING AND PROBATION
9. COURSE PORTAL AND RECORDINGS
CLASSROOM POLICIES.
1. BALANCED STUDIES AND EXTERNAL RESPONSIBILITIES
2. CONCURRENT COURSE ENROLLMENT POLICY
3. COMMUNITY SERVICE
4. MISCONDUCT AND RESPECTFUL TREATMENT
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