Guided by Knowledge & Faith
Our Imam and founding chair brings over 15 years of Islamic scholarship and community service to the Triangle.
Sheikh Abdullah Khadra has dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship, teaching, and community service, bringing deep knowledge and leadership to MQYC and the wider Triangle community.
Sheikh Abdullah's journey of Islamic scholarship began under the tutelage of esteemed scholars in Syria. He spent approximately a decade studying under the late Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro (God have mercy on him), and his foremost disciple, Sheikh Rajab Deeb (God have mercy on him), where he studied various disciplines including Aqeeda (theology), Tafseer (Quran exegesis), Hadeeth (tradition of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him), Seerah (Prophet’s Biography), Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Tazkiyah (Spiritual purification), and Da’wah (Calling to Islam). Additionally, he attended the circle of his direct teacher Sheikh Muhammad Deeb and attended lectures by Sheikh Saeed Ramadan Al-Bouti (God Have Mercy on him), a great Muslim theologian. Sheikh Abdullah also pursued formal education, earning his bachelor's degree in Arabic and Islamic studies from the Da'wah College at the Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro Foundation (previously known as Abunnour Foundation) in Damascus, Syria. Sheikh Abdullah was awarded the first place from the Kuftaro Foundation in the "Daw'ah Course in English," a one-year intensive program covering Da'wah, media, Islam and science, Islam as a solution, and other contemporary issues. Throughout his educational journey, Sheikh Abdullah actively engaged in teaching, establishing study circles, and deepening his knowledge. Sheikh Abdullah taught English language and Islamic studies at public schools in Syria for some time and later served as an interpreter at the Sheikh Kuftaro Foundation. His pursuit of Tajweed (the Art of Qur’an Recitation) began with Sheikh Fayyad Al-Hammoud (may Allah have mercy on him), whom he would meet regularly to learn and meticulously record rules. Subsequently, he memorized the Holy Quran and recited it to Sheikh Ramadan Deeb (may Allah preserve him) in addition to attending the Safwat At-Tafaaseer (Exegesis) class with him. Sheikh Abdullah also had the honor of reciting a few pages to Sheikh Rajab Deeb (God have mercy on him). Sheikh Abdullah also had the privilege of reciting the Holy Qur’an to Sheikh Bakri At-Taraabishi (God have mercy on him), who held the highest Ijazah (License) in the world during his time. Consequently, Sheikh Abdullah is among the few holders of the highest Ijazah in the world (Quran recitation & teaching License that is received from teacher to teacher back to the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) in two of the ten Quranic Readings (Qir’aa’aat). Expanding his expertise, Sheikh Abdullah received an Ijazah in Aljazariyyah (a poem that covers the rules of Qur’an recitation) from Sheikh Ayman Suwaid (may Allah preserve him). Sheikh Ayman has significantly contributed to the Muslim community by dedicating his life to explaining the Tajweed and Qira’aat poems and books, from which Sheikh Abdullah has greatly benefited. Sheikh Abdullah has delivered over 100 lectures on Al-Jazariyyah and is currently conducting a second series of explanations. Sheikh Abdullah received an Ijazah (License) in Al-Aqeedah At-Tahaawiyyah from Sheikh Hamzah Maqboul (A declaration of the Orthodox Muslim Creed by Imam At-Tahaawi born 238 AH - 852 CE) which is accepted by all mainstream Muslim schools. Additionally, Sheikh Abdullah studied Imam An-Nawawi’s Maqasid and some aspects of Shafi’i fiqh with Sheikh Nizar Mashal. Furthermore, Sheikh Abdullah obtained an Ijazah in Ash-Shamaail Al-Muhammadiyyah from Sheikh Ahmad Al-Azhari (Character and description of the Prophet Muhammad, God raise his ranks). He continues his studies in various Islamic sciences under the tutelage of esteemed scholars such as Sheikh Faraz Rabbani, Sheikh Abdussalam Shnnar, and others. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Sheikh Abdullah embarked on a Master's degree in Islamic studies, excelling in his studies under the mentorship of scholars like Sheikh Muhammad Az-Zuhaili. Since relocating to the United States in 2011, Sheikh Abdullah has been actively involved in teaching, delivering sermons, leading prayers, interfaith dialogue, and offering counseling services. His dedication extends to online platforms, particularly his YouTube channel, which hosts numerous educational videos. Presently, Sheikh Abdullah serves as an imam and chairman at Madinah Quran and Youth Center in Raliegh, NC while also assuming the role of principal at MQA (Madinah Quran Academy). He remains committed to nurturing Islamic scholarship and guiding communities through his diverse roles and responsibilities. Sheikh Abdullah has authored a comprehensive curriculum for teaching the Quranic reading from A to Z and is currently engaged in the process of publishing an explanation of Al-Jazariyyah. He also compiled a full curriculum of Islamic studies from pre-k to 8th grade in the English language. The sheikh also translated some lectures for the late Grand Mufti of Syria in a book entitled: “To Know Each Other”. The sheikh has also successfully completed an SETT course with Wake Tech (Substitute Effective Teacher Training). The sheikh has taught many tajweed courses in which he has served dozens of students from different countries onsite and online. For updates and insights, you can connect with Sheikh Abdullah on his YouTube, Facebook & Twitter.
Board of Directors
A diverse group of dedicated community members steering MQYC with integrity, transparency, and a shared commitment to the ummah.
Br. Zaher Mashal
Secretary & Treasurer
Br. Khwaja Naved
Board Member
Sr. Hanan Alhalabi
Board Member
Br. Mubashshir Khan
Board Member
Sr. Imane Erraji
Board Member
Br. Mohammed Abdul Lateef
Board Member
Br. Majid Abdel-Raziq
Board Member
Our Teachers
Experienced Islamic scholars and educators dedicated to nurturing the next generation's Quranic knowledge and character.
Sheikh Hafith Abdullah Khadra
- Ijazah from His Eminence Sh. Bakri Attarabishi Rahimahullah in 2 of the 10 Qira'aat
- Bachelors in Arabic and Islamic studies from Damascus
- 15 years of experience in teaching the Holy Qur'an, Arabic & Islamic studies
- Director & teacher at professionaltajweed.org
- Masters student in Fiqh (Sharia)
Sheikh Zayd Shabandri
- Memorized the Holy Qur'an
- Holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Data Science
- Experienced in teaching Qur'an, Islamic studies, and community leadership
Sheikh Kenaan Barakaat
- Memorized the Holy Quran and got training by Sheikh Abdullah
- Graduating this summer Inshaallah with a bachelor in psychology and sociology from UNC Charlotte
Sr. Hanan Alhalabi
- Ijazah in Hafs Narration from Sr. Yusra As-Sayyid Hasan
- Ijazah student in the program of Sheikh Abdullah Khadra since 2018
- Tested in 17 Juz' by renowned Sr. Hana Tarabain of Damascus
- Bachelor in Sharia from Damascus University
- Qur'an teacher for 15 years
Anisah Amina El-Mansouri
- Ijazah in the Holy Qur'an recitation
- More than 20 years experience in teaching the Holy Qur'an, Arabic, and Islamic studies
Anisah Sariyya Wahyuni Suratman
- BA in Education
- Hold Certifications in memorization of the Holy Quran
- Attended 3 years of College to study Islamic Studies, Quran Knowledge & Tajweed, and Arabic Education
- 30 years of teaching experience in Core Subjects and Quran & Islamic Studies
- Own a Private Tutoring Service Online and Onsite of AQI for 16 years
Anisah Ghofran Alhawari
- Experience in teaching Arabic and Quran reading for about 7 years
- Studied Tajweed in Syria and through MQYC Courses
- Bachelor's degree in Dentistry
- Substitute Effective Teacher Training Certificate from Wake Tech
Anisah Rahma Roberson
Assistant Principal
- Bachelor's in Family Consumer Science with a focus on Family Relations
- Associates degree in Early Childhood Education
- Over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education
Anisah Amal Alsamamra
- Bachelor's degree in Arabic Language from Alquds University in Jerusalem
- Certified teacher assistant with experience in teaching and tutoring Arabic
- Personalized Arabic tutoring sessions since 2015
- Taught Arabic at MAS summer camps for two years
- Taught KG/1st grade at MQA
Anisah Fatimah Salaheddin
- Bachelor's degree in Family Consumer Science and certificates in Early Childhood Education
- Teacher for about thirty years with experience at MQA
Anisah Tahira Jamshaid
- Academics teacher
- Intro to Early Childhood Education from Wake Tech
- Substitute Effective Teacher Training Certificate from Wake Tech
- Bachelor of Art from Pakistan
- Bachelor in Islamic studies with experience teaching Islamic studies and Quran
- Three years experience working with special needs kids classroom
Anisah Farzana Shaikh
- Bachelor in Science, Bachelors in Education, Masters in English from SALU University Pakistan
- 10 years Teaching experience with 15 years experience in home tutoring
Anisah Rizwana Nasir
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Pakistan
- Credits in chemistry from NCSU
- Taught in Islamic schools for about 2 years
- Substitute Teacher Effective Training Certificate from Wake Tech
- Math teacher at MQA for the past 3 years
Anisah Shirl Sakinah Brunskill Kujabi
- English Language Arts Teacher
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Higher Education Credits from Virginia Union University and Special Education Credits from Dowling College
- 20 years of teaching experience with Special Needs Children
Sr. Hana Al-Kasas
- Ijazah in Hafs Narration from Sheikh Abdallh Khadra in 2020
- Completed Hifth of the Holy Quran in 2015 at a full time Hifth School
- Studied Aljazariyyah with Sheikh Abdallh Khadra
- 5 years experience teaching the Holy Qur'an and Islamic studies
- Studying Human Development and Family Studies at UNC Chapel Hill
- Certified pharmacy technician
Sr. Suha Mater Ibrahim Ashyqa
- Student in the Teacher Program of MQYC with Sh. Abdullah Khadra since 9/2020
- Student of Al-Jazariyya in Sh. Abdullah Program since 2019
- 4 years experience teaching the Holy Qur'an
- Studied Children Psychology in Annajah University in Nablus, Palestine
- Studied 3 years the Rules of Tajweed and Al-Jazariyya with Maqrah An-Noor in Jaddah, Saudi Arabia
- Volunteered in Annoor School for a year
- Working on hifth with a licensed teacher
Sr. Duha Iqbal
- Ijazah student in Hafs Narration in the program of Sheikh Abdallh Khadra since 2015
- Completed Hifth of the Holy Quran in 2014 at a full time Hifth School
- Studying Aljazariyyah with Sheikh Abdallh Khadra since 2016
- 5 years experience teaching the Holy Qur'an in various programs
- Senior at Enloe High School
Sr. Sarah Irshad
- Ijazah student in Hafs Narration in the program of Sheikh Abdallh Khadra since 2016
- Completed Hifth of the Holy Quran in 3 years at a full time Hifth School
- Studying Aljazariyyah with Sheikh Abdallh Khadra since 2016
- 5 years experience teaching the Holy Qur'an and Islamic studies
- High school senior with background in Biopharmaceutical Technology
An Endowment for the Ummah
All MQYC property and assets are held as an Islamic Waqf. No individual or entity owns any part — it belongs entirely to the Muslim community, in perpetuity. Board members serve in trust and are subject to change.
Want to Get in Touch with the Board?
Reach out directly at mabdelraziq@mqyc.org or imam@mqyc.org, or use our contact form.
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