SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Nazir Khan MD FRCPC is a Senior Fellow at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. He is a Neuroradiologist and Assistant Professor at McMaster University. He is also a specialist in the Qur’anic sciences with certification (ijāzah) in the ten readings of the Qur’an through both major and minor routes of transmission. He has also received other certifications (ijāzāt) in Qurʾānic studies (ʿUlūm al-Qurʾan), Hadith, and Islamic theology (ʿaqīdah). He memorized the whole Qur’an during his youth and has served as an Imam for many years. He has taught Islamic theology and Qur’anic studies classes, workshops, and seminars and is a consultant for the Manitoba Islamic Association Fiqh Committee. Dr. Khan completed his residency at the University of Manitoba and fellowship in Diagnostic Neuroradiology at the University of Calgary.

His expertise in both medical sciences and Islamic theology uniquely positions him to address challenging contemporary questions regarding faith, reason, and science.

SYMPOSIUM TOPIC

Sūrat al-Fātiḥa: Theology, Linguistics, and Ethics

This workshop explores how a linguistic and structural analysis of Sūrat al-Fātiḥa reveals the theological foundations that underpin spiritual growth and moral accountability. Through a close reflection on its verses, participants uncover how the Sūra’s miraculous language articulates timeless principles of guidance and clarifies the confusions arising from modern ideologies.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

He holds a BA Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University, and has studied traditionally with scholars for a number of years, with a specific interest in the Qur'anic sciences and Shafi'i law. He has served as a Muslim Chaplain in higher education, an Imam, Khatib, and a teacher to young adults for a decade now. In addition to this, he also holds a BEng Electrical Engineering, a MSc in Senior Leadership, and has had a successful career holding leadership roles in startups and large corporations.

SYMPOSIUM TOPIC

Al-Zahrawayn: Structural Interrelations Between Al-Baqarah and Āl-‘Imrān

There are many authentic narrations that describe Surahs al-Baqarah and Āl-‘Imrān as one unit, and mention their virtues. It is reported that if a companion memorised both sūrahs, he would “Be elevated in rank”.

But what makes them a pair? How exactly are they related? Why are there repeated phrases between both Surahs? Why were they given this centrality? And what role do they play as a cohesive unit in the grand scheme of the Qur'anic message?

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Sh. completed his hifz while studying Business economics at York University. 

After graduating from the university, he completed a course in management from Cornell University and teaching certification from Cambridge University. Then he went to pursue Islamic sciences at Al-Rashid Islamic Institute (Cornwall medressa). After completing the rigorous 7 year aalim program,he started doing iftaa (post graduate degree in Islamic jurisprudence) at Jamia Qasim ul Uloom, Scarborough. 

Alhumdulillah, currently he’s pursuing his iftaa while working full time for Islamic Relief as major gifts manager. He is also the imam of Masjid Ibrahim and an instructor at Mathabah Institute and give khutbas in different masajids across GTA. He also teaches Islamic courses at universities and host Youth and children programs.

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Turning to the Divine: A Linguistic and Spiritual Study of the Du'as in Surat Al-Baqarah

Every du'a in the Quran is filled with limitless wisdom and timeless lessons. This lecture presents a detailed exploration of the Du'as found within Surat Al-Baqarah, analyzing them word by word to uncover their linguistic depth, contextual meaning, and spiritual significance. We will examine how these Du'as encapsulate profound lessons in humility, dependence, and devotion, and how understanding their structure and message can transform our personal relationship with Allah. By engaging both intellect and heart, this session aims to bridge the study of language with the lived experience of Iman

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Ustadh Syed Hassan was raised in Toronto. He studied Mathematics at The University of Waterloo and Psychology at York University before pursuing Graduate Certification as a Life Coach and Counselor. He completed his traditional ijazah in the Islamic sciences in 2012 and is finishing his specialization in the Sciences of Tafsir after completing a 9-Year Alimiyyah Program at Mathabah Institute.

His ijaazaat span the Sciences of Qira’aat, Kutub’l-Hadith, texts in Aqidah, and much more. He is currently finishing his Dawrat’l-Hadith under Shaykh Omar Subedar and is also advancing his Fiqh studies under the training of Shaykh Tabraze Azam.

Ustadh Hassan is a career educator and serves in the capacity of principalship and teacher at the High School level in Ontario. He lives with his wife and beloved kids in Kitchener.

SYMPOSIUM TOPIC

Pixels to Picture: The Coherence and interconnectivity of the largest Sūrah of the Qur’ān, al-Baqarah

Surat al-Baqarah stands as the longest and one of the most profound chapters of the Qur’an, encompassing themes that guide every aspect of human life. This lecture examines the coherence and interconnectivity within the Surah, exploring how its diverse topics such as faith, law, morality, and community form a unified spiritual and intellectual tapestry. By tracing the links between its sections and understanding how each passage contributes to the larger message, we will uncover how the Surah moves from individual reflection to collective responsibility. The session invites participants to see how, when viewed as a whole, the “pixels” of each verse form a complete and purposeful picture of divine guidance.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Raised in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ustadh Danyal spent most of his childhood in Mississauga before moving to Brampton in 2004. At the age of 16, he completed his Hifz under the guidance of Hafiz Asim Ali at the Brampton Islamic Center, where he also led Taraweeh and other prayers. He later earned an Honors Bachelor of Information Sciences (Cyber Security) and obtained his CISSP certification.

In 2020, Ustadh Danyal received Ijāzat al-Tadrīs in the Islamic Sciences after completing the Academic Bare Essentials Program (ABC). He has also been authorized in Hafs by two teachers, as well as 'Ashara Sughra, along with ijāzah in the Tuhfat al-Atfāl, Khaqāniyyah, Sakhāwiyyah, and Jazariyyah.

Currently, he is in the final year of the Scholar of Islamic Sciences Program at Mathabah Institute, specializing in exegesis under Shaykh Omar Subedar. Additionally, he is completing Dawrat al-Hadith with Shaykh Omar and enrolled in the Hanafi Legal Code Program (HLCP) under the mentorship of Shaykh Tabraze Azam.

Ustadh Danyal works as a Cyber Senior Consultant and is the imam of Huttonville Mosque. He resides in Brampton with his beloved wife and son. In his free time, he enjoys working on personal projects and appreciates a good warm beverage.

SYMPOSIUM TOPIC

A Moral-Social Framework for the Process of Divorce: The Exposition of Surat al-Baqara on the Divorce Process

Divorce is among the most delicate and challenging matters addressed in the Qur’an, and yet it is approached with profound moral wisdom and social sensitivity. This lecture explores how Surat al-Baqarah outlines a comprehensive framework for managing divorce, one rooted in justice, compassion, and restraint. Through a close examination of the relevant verses, we will uncover the Qur’an’s emphasis on dignity, responsibility, and communal harmony throughout the process. By studying the linguistic, legal, and ethical dimensions of these passages, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how Islam transforms even moments of separation into opportunities for moral refinement and spiritual growth.