Sheikh Mehmet Usta, the founder of the i3 Institute and Al-Ezz Academy, has dedicated over 20 years to Islamic education. He has studied under 11 distinguished scholars and holds Bachelor degrees in Islamic Studies, Computer Science, and an MBA. His extensive executive experience complements his scholarly work, allowing him to merge Islamic teachings with modern business insights.

As a transformative leader, Sheikh Usta’s innovative approach integrates Islamic knowledge with practical business strategies to empower Muslims globally. His holistic and evidence-based methods aim to address contemporary challenges and foster a united future for the Ummah.

Dr. Amine Ayad is a Scholar-Practitioner and business leader with extensive experience in strategy and process improvement. Fluent in multiple languages, Dr. Ayad combines his executive expertise with scholarly research to develop practical management theories. His work includes numerous journal papers and books, with a focus on action research and its application in management. He earned his PhD in management from Colorado Technical University and graduated as a Civil Engineer from Oklahoma State University.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Tafseer and Quranic Sciences at An-Najah National University, Ustadh Tarek Abu Sarhan also holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Tafseer from the same institution, along with a Bachelor’s in Islamic Studies from Al-Kassemy Academy and an Advanced Diploma in Education from Birzeit University.

Sheikh Dr. Samir Matar served as Imam and Khatib of Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. He holds a PhD from Al-Azhar University, showcasing his deep expertise in Islamic studies. His career is marked by his dedication to religious leadership and academic research, including impactful sermons and community guidance, all while advancing understanding of Islam’s core teachings.

Sheikh Sebghatollah Rasoul is a respected Qari and scholar with a Master’s degree in Qur'anic Sciences from Madina University. Since the 1990s, he has been teaching Qur'an and Tajweed in Canada, holding numerous Ijazahs in various recitation modes, studied under esteemed scholars.

Sheikh Dr. Alaa' Halawa holds a Bachelor’s in Fiqh and Sharia, and a Master’s in Sharia Judiciary, both from Hebron University. He earned a Doctorate in Fiqh and Usuul al Fiqh from University of Malaya in 2022. In 2019, he received a Tajweed license for Hafs from ‘Asim from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments.

Ustadh Moustafa Elazab brings over 20 years of experience in teaching social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, and human rights. Holding a Master’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology, he excels in creating engaging learning environments across diverse cultural contexts.

Ustadh Aghyad, a native Arabic literature graduate, has had a lifelong passion for the Arabic language, becoming a renowned poet in Syria. Since moving to Canada, he has taught Arabic at various levels for 15 years and holds an Ijazah in i’rab of the Qur'an.

Abdullah al Andalusi is an international speaker and intellectual activist specializing in Islamic thought and contemporary issues. As Head of the Department of Occidentology at The Quran Institute and co-founder of The Muslim Debate Initiative, he engages in rational argumentation to promote Islamic beliefs and solutions for modern challenges.
His expertise includes Islamic theology, comparative religion, and critiques of secularism. Abdullah has appeared on major media platforms and authored numerous articles, fostering critical dialogue and understanding within the Muslim community.

Dr. Saf Chowdhury, a Philosophy graduate from King’s College London, pursued Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University and earned a Master’s degree with distinction at SOAS. His doctoral research on Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami has been published, and he explores various aspects of Islamic theology, including metaphysics and epistemology. Dr. Chowdhury also serves as a teacher, curriculum consultant, and senior editor of the Journal of Islamic Philosophy.

Ali S. Harfouch, an analyst and critic based in Beirut, specializes in geopolitics and Islamic thought. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Studies from the American University of Beirut and has authored numerous insightful articles on Islamic thought and politics, contributing significantly to the academic discourse in these fields.

Ustadh Ijaz Ahmad, known as Ijaz the Trini, is a leading specialist in Qur'anic and Biblical textual intertextuality. With a background in STEM and extensive experience in comparative theology and apologetics, he has conducted workshops globally and published works on Qur'anic and Biblical textual criticism. Ustadh Ijaz is committed to both academic and humanitarian efforts, including contributions to the i3 Institute and efforts to improve the welfare of the needy.

Ustadh Hassan AbdulRahman, the current Imam of the Saskatoon Dawah and Community Center, completed his hifdh and studied Fiqh and Arabic in Toronto. He has participated in international Qur’an competitions and serves as a judge. Currently pursuing advanced Islamic studies and an Ijazah in the ten qirā’āt, he also studies civil engineering and Shari’ah at Mishkāh University.

Ustaadha Duaa Ahmed, a mother, wife, and homeschooling teacher, studied Islamic Studies at the bachelor level and under traditional scholars in Lebanon. As a co-founder and senior instructor at the i3 Institute, she has taught Tafsir, Tazkiyyah, and Fiqh for 16 years. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a diploma in Teaching Education.

Ustaadha Maissam Ahmad, a grandmother and seasoned Islamic educator, studied under various scholars in Lebanon, the USA, and Sudan. She holds an Ijazah with a Sanad to the Prophet (pbuh) in Tajweed and has taught Tafseer, Seera, Tazkiyyah, and Aqeedah for 30 years. Her academic qualifications include a diploma from Tafseer Academy in KSA and degrees in Electrical, Computer, and Communications Engineering.