Instructors

Dr. Zohair
Abdul-Rahman

Director of Faith Circle

Dr. Zohair Abdul-Rahman is the founder of Faith Circle Academy, a senior research fellow for Yaqeen Institute and an instructor for AlMaghrib Institute. He spent the last 18 years studying Islam under several teachers, local and abroad in a part-time capacity - memorizing the Quran, learning Arabic and studying the Islamic Sciences. He has received ʿijāzāt (certification) in ‘Aqeedah (theology) and Hadith.

He has strong research interests in Islamic theology, Islamic spirituality, and mental health with his work prominently featured at Yaqeen Institute. Alongside his Islamic pursuits, he is also a medical doctor and has published his mental health research in medical journals and presented at international mental health conferences. He currently works in General Practice.

Dr. Zohair has 14 years of teaching experience delivering classes, khutbahs, lectures and seminars for adults and the youth. In 2018, he founded Faith Circle, which has grown to become one of the city's most well-attended and well-loved weekly halaqas, to provide relatable Islamic education in an easy-to-understand, enjoyable, family-friendly learning environment.

Ust. Saarim Basha

Haafiz Saarim Basha completed his memorisation of the Quran in 2019 under the tutelage of Qari Fida ur-Rehman. He started his journey of knowledge with local teachers, studying ʿAqeedah (theology) and Hadith.

Alongside his Islamic pursuits, Saarim is also pursuing his degree in Engineering from the University of Queensland.  Saarim currently serves as the President of the UQ Muslim Student Association.

Ust. Zareef Yusuf

Sister Mariam Ahmed is a student of Faith Circle Academy, studying the Islamic Sciences at Mishkah University. She supports as an instructor for Queens of Paradise and Faith Circle Junior. Mariam is the current Ameerah of AlMaghrib Brisbane, and has previously served as the President of the UQ Muslimah Society. She has also studied under Al Huda Australia.

Alongside her studies and community work, Mariam teaches Computer Science courses at the University of Queensland.

Br. Abbed Akbery

Sister Mariam Ahmed is a student of Faith Circle Academy, currently studying the Islamic Sciences at Mishkah University. She assists in running Faith Circle Academy and Faith Circle Junior, supporting program coordination and development. Mariam is the current Ameerah of AlMaghrib Brisbane, and has previously served as the President of the UQ Muslimah Society. She has also studied under Al Huda Australia.

Alongside her community involvement, Mariam has completed her Bachelors in Computer Science at the University of Queensland, where she now teaches in an Academic Tutor role.

Ust. Saarim Basha

Sister Amina Khan is an educator, entrepreneur, health psychologist, student of Islamic knowledge, and youth mentor. She is passionate about empowering Muslim women toward positive self development through knowledge, fitness, health and well-being. She is the founder of Amanah Fitness and Amanah Adventures. She is currently completing her PhD in Health Psychology. Amina is a long standing student with AlMaghrib Institute, playing a pivotal role in establishing the organisation to Brisbane. Locally, she teaches Queens of Paradise classes on the female companions of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Ust. Zareef Yusuf

Sister Mariam Ahmed is a student of Faith Circle Academy, studying the Islamic Sciences at Mishkah University. She supports as an instructor for Queens of Paradise and Faith Circle Junior. Mariam is the current Ameerah of AlMaghrib Brisbane, and has previously served as the President of the UQ Muslimah Society. She has also studied under Al Huda Australia.

Alongside her studies and community work, Mariam teaches Computer Science courses at the University of Queensland.

Br. Abbed Akbery

Sister Rabiya Abro is currently in her second year at the Qalam Seminary, where she is studying the Foundational Islamic Sciences. She also studied at Al Huda Australia and has been a regular attendee of Faith Circle for over seven years. Rabiya currently manages Faith Circle Junior—a Seerah experience for kids aged 10–16—nurturing a deep love for the Prophet (ﷺ) in the hearts of the next generation.

Alongside her Islamic studies and community work, Rabiya is studying Pharmacy at the University of Queensland.

Br. Abbed Akbery

Sister Rabiya Abro is currently in her second year at the Qalam Seminary, where she is studying the Foundational Islamic Sciences. She also studied at Al Huda Australia and has been a regular attendee of Faith Circle for over seven years. Rabiya currently manages Faith Circle Junior—a Seerah experience for kids aged 10–16—nurturing a deep love for the Prophet (ﷺ) in the hearts of the next generation.

Alongside her Islamic studies and community work, Rabiya is studying Pharmacy at the University of Queensland.