Knowledge, adab (Islamic manners and character), and steady progress.

Ustadh Emad Alnaji

Co-Founder, Academy Director & Islamic Studies Educator

Ustadh Emad brings together a long-standing commitment to the Qur’an and Islamic sciences with more than two decades of experience across professional, educational, and community work. A graduate of King Saud University in Riyadh, he spent several formative years studying and living there within an Arabic-speaking environment shaped by Islamic learning and culture.

Alongside his formal academic and professional education, Ustadh Emad has pursued ongoing studies in Aqeedah, Tawheed, Fiqh, Hadith, Seerah, Tajweed, Arabic, Nahw, and classical Islamic texts, including works such as al-Usool ath-Thalathah, al-Arba‘un an-Nasawiyyah, ‘Umdat al-Ahkam, and al-Muwatta’ of Imam Malik. He has received ijazat from qualified shuyukh in a number of these works and areas of study. His connection with the Qur’an began from an early age and has continued through study, teaching, and community involvement. As a native Arabic speaker fluent in English, he is able to support both Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking learners with clarity.

In Ottawa, Ustadh Emad has been actively involved in developing and supporting Qur’an halaqas and Islamic educational programs for children, youth, and adults, and has also served as a board member of a local masjid. His involvement has included initiating and developing new courses and programs, curriculum development and selection, class organization, family communication, instructor coordination, and the ongoing improvement of educational delivery. He has also helped introduce community initiatives, including a summer camp program for children.

His professional background includes extensive experience in project management, technology, and digital systems, which supports his role in developing the Academy’s structure, educational platforms, program delivery, and long-term initiatives.

At Al-Madinah Quran & Sunnah Academy, his teaching and educational direction are rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the understanding of as-Salaf as-Salih (the pious predecessors). Working alongside Ustadhah Ayah, he helps oversee the Academy’s educational vision and direction, with a focus on clear, trustworthy instruction that connects foundational Islamic knowledge and Arabic understanding with everyday life.

Ustadhah Ayah

Co-Founder & Lead Qur’an & Islamic Studies Educator

Ustadhah Ayah brings more than 25 years of experience in Qur’an education, together with a long-standing commitment to Qur’an, Qira’at, and Islamic Studies. She memorized the Qur’an at an early age and later studied at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, completing a program focused on the preparation of Qur’an and Islamic Studies educators.

She has received ijazat in Qira’at, including Hafs and Shu‘bah from ‘Aasim, and Qalun from Nafi‘. She actively teaches these recitations and grants ijazat to qualified students upon successful completion of the required recitation and study.

Alongside her Qur’anic studies, Ustadhah Ayah has pursued studies in Aqeedah, Tawheed, Fiqh, Hadith, and classical Islamic texts, including works such as al-Usool ath-Thalathah, al-Arba‘un an-Nasawiyyah, ‘Umdat al-Ahkam as-Sughra, ‘Umdat al-Ahkam al-Kubra, and al-Muwatta’ of Imam Malik. She has received ijazat from qualified shuyukh in a number of these works and areas of study.

Throughout her years of teaching, Ustadhah Ayah has worked with students of different ages and levels, with particular emphasis on correct recitation, Tajweed, memorization, patient correction, and steady progress. As a native Arabic speaker fluent in English, she supports both Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking learners with clarity, patience, and care, helping students build confidence, adab, and a stronger connection to the Qur’an.

In Ottawa, Ustadhah Ayah has also served as a Qur’an program coordinator at local masajid, where she developed and introduced new classes and oversaw a girls’ program serving approximately 80–100 students. Her responsibilities included program planning, curriculum development and selection, class organization, student and family communication, and coordination and supervision of teaching staff.

Her additional studies in administration, digital design, and graphic design also contribute to the Academy’s organization, educational resources, and learning environment.

At Al-Madinah Quran & Sunnah Academy, Ustadhah Ayah helps lead the Academy’s Qur’an and Islamic Studies programs, with teaching rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the understanding of as-Salaf as-Salih (the pious predecessors). Working alongside Ustadh Emad, she helps guide the Academy’s educational direction with a focus on authentic knowledge, careful teaching, and helping learners strengthen their relationship with Allah through sound Islamic learning.