Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 academic year. Website updates are underway as we continue improving our newly redesigned site.

Madaniyya Academy
Meet the team

The people who make Madaniyya a place to grow.

Meet the administrators, classroom educators, Qur’an teachers, and scholars who guide our students with knowledge, care, and exemplary character.

30+
Scholars & educators
300+
Students served
3
Programs
20+
Years of community service
01

Leadership

The scholars entrusted with the direction, vision, and daily stewardship of the academy.

ZD
Leadership

Maulana Zakaria Desai

Founder and principal · Madaniyya Academy | Part-time instructor · Al-Itqaan

Shaikh Maulana Mahmad Zakaria Desai is an Islamic scholar and educator serving in Mississauga, Ontario, with over a decade of experience as an Imam dedicated to community leadership, spiritual guidance, and Islamic education. He completed the memorization of the Qur'an and his foundational studies at Dārul ʿUloom Falāh-e Dārain in India, and later graduated from Dārul ʿUloom Bury in 2007, completing advanced studies in Islamic theology and the Sihāh Sittah. He is the founder and director of Madaniyya Academy, which serves over 300 students in Qur'anic memorization and Islamic education. He also serves as an instructor at Al-Itqaan and continues his efforts in teaching and community outreach.

02

Administration

The people supporting students, families, staff, and the day-to-day life of the academy.

UP
Administration

Ms. Uzma Panchbhaya

Vice principal

Ms. Panchbhaya has dedicated almost 20 years to serving the Muslim community, with a particular focus on children, youth, Islamic education, and community development. Her educational journey includes several years of study in Children’s Studies at York University, one year of Nursing studies at George Brown College, and a year in South Africa pursuing advanced Islamic studies. For almost two decades, she has organized and developed Islamic summer camps, youth programs, educational initiatives, and community events, including work with Anatolia Islamic Centre and Vaughan Islamic Centre. For the past 13 years, she has served Madaniyya Academy’s students, families, and broader community, contributing to the Academy’s growth and its educational and Islamic programming. She remains committed to creating environments where children and youth can develop academically, spiritually, and personally into confident, compassionate, and contributing members of society.

AD

Ms. Afifah Desai

Administration

Ms. Desai is a dedicated and passionate individual with a strong foundation in both Islamic and academic education. She graduated from Madrasatul Bannat and pursued further studies in Early Childhood Education. Alongside her academic journey, she completed four years of Alimiyyah studies—two years in India and two years at Al Bannat—deepening her understanding of Islamic knowledge, values, and tradition. Her professional experience includes serving part-time at Makki Masjid and working at Ar-Rashaad, where she contributed to the community while developing valuable teaching, communication, and interpersonal skills. Through education, compassion, and sincere service, she aspires to nurture Muslim children with a love for Islam, strong character, and beneficial knowledge.

03

Islamic School

Classroom educators and Islamic Studies teachers nurturing academic growth, faith, and character.

AA

Ms. Aisha Abid

Senior Kindergarten teacher

Ms. Abid has been a dedicated member of the Madaniyya Academy team for the past three years. She brings several years of experience working with young children in both Montessori and school settings, fostering a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment. Passionate about early childhood education, Ms. Abid is committed to helping each child develop academically, socially, and emotionally while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

AN

Ms. Amber Naz

Grade 1 teacher

Ms. Naz holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in Education, Psychology, and Social Work. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, including six years in the public school system and the past four years at Madaniyya Academy. She creates meaningful learning experiences that nurture academic growth and strong Islamic character through creativity, hands-on activities, and a caring classroom environment where every child feels valued. She is currently expanding her skills by studying Graphic and Web Design, combining her passion for education with innovative design to create engaging learning resources for students.

LQ

Ms. Lida Qhassemi

Grade 2 teacher

Ms. Qhassemi earned her Early Childhood Education diploma from Humber College and has over six years of experience working with children. She is passionate about creating a positive, caring, and inclusive classroom where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to learn. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, and exploring new places.

AZ

Ms. Nabeela Ayaz Zubaer

Grade 3 & 4 teacher

Ms. Zubaer is an Ontario Certified Teacher and a Certified Early Childhood Educator. She graduated from John Fraser Secondary School, completed the Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan College, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree through direct entry into Toronto Metropolitan University, and later completed her Bachelor of Education at Brock University. Ms. Zubaer has volunteered at Madaniyya Academy since 2019 and worked as a supply teacher in early 2026. She is excited to begin her first year as a classroom teacher at Madaniyya Academy and looks forward to inspiring her students to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

ZA

Ms. Fatima Zahra Abowath

Grade 5 & 6 teacher

For the past four years, Ms. Abowath has served as a Grade 5–6 teacher at Madaniyya Academy, where she is deeply committed to nurturing students’ academic growth, confidence, and Islamic character. Known for her dedication, strong classroom presence, and ability to connect with students, she creates engaging and meaningful learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning. She is passionate about recognizing each student’s individual strengths and considers it an honour to work alongside families in nurturing well-rounded, confident, and principled young learners.

YF

Ms. Yasmeen Fatima

Grade 7 & 8 teacher · High School Program coordinator

Ms. Fatima has been a valued member of the Madaniyya Academy community for the past eight years. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching with a specialization in Mathematics and is licensed by the Ontario College of Teachers in the Intermediate and Senior Divisions, with a specialization in Mathematics. She currently serves as the High School Program Coordinator while teaching Mathematics to students in Grades 7 and 8. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from the United States, where she is a licensed Mathematics teacher. Committed to continuous professional growth, Ms. Fatima is currently pursuing an additional teaching licence in Computer Science.

AP

Mu’allimah Amenah Patel

Grade 7 & 8 Qur’an & Islamic Studies

Mu’allimah Amenah has served the Malton community for over 20 years. She has taught Qur’an and Islamic Studies at Madaniyya Academy since 2020 and previously taught at Malton Masjid for over 10 years. She also teaches adult women remotely. After qualifying as an Alimah, she pursued advanced Tajweed and earned ijazaat in three of the ten qira’ahs; she is currently completing the remaining seven. She has also completed several courses on the advanced fiqh of menstruation and is part of the MyHayd app scholar team. Through the grace of Allah, her journey of ‘ilm continues through her study of Shamail Tirmidhi, the Muwatta of Imam Malik, and other works.

04

Boys’ Hifz

Dedicated Qur’an educators guiding students through memorization, tajweed, and a lasting relationship with the Book of Allah.

KG

Hafiz Khalil Gangat

Full-time Hifdh teacher

Hafiz Khalil Ahmed Gangat is a dedicated Qur’an educator with a passion for teaching and nurturing students in their Hifdh journey. He completed his Hifdh of the Qur’an in 1996 at Darul Uloom Falah-E-Darain in Tadkeshwar, Gujarat, India, followed by four years of Alimiyyah studies. He later furthered his Tajweed studies at Darul Uloom Zakariyya in South Africa from 2002–2003 under Qari Ayoob Sahab. He has taught in the evening Hifdh program at Anjuman Anwarul Islam of Malton since 2004 and, since 2024, has also taught in the full-time morning Hifdh program at Madaniyya Academy. He considers teaching Hifdh a privilege and is dedicated to helping students develop a strong connection with the Qur’an.

JG

Maulana Juned Gangat

Full-time Hifdh teacher

Maulana Juned has dedicated his life to the study, teaching, and preservation of the Holy Qur’an. He completed his Hifz-ul-Qur’an in 1992 and continued his Islamic studies, graduating as an Aalim in 2000 under the guidance of Maulana Hanif Sahib. He also completed his Qirā’at studies under Qari Siddiq Sasrodi, further strengthening his expertise in Qur’anic recitation. Maulana Juned began his teaching career in India, where he taught Maktab classes before continuing his teaching journey in Canada. With decades of experience, he remains committed to instilling a love for the Qur’an in his students and helping them develop a lasting connection with the Book of Allah.

AL

Maulana Abdullah Lakhi

Full-time Hifdh teacher

Maulana Abdullah completed his Hifz-ul-Qur’an in 2002 at Madressah Falahe Darain in Tadkeshwar, Gujarat, India. He continued his Islamic studies at the same institution and completed the Alimiyyah Program in 2006, then completed the Aalimiyyah Course at Darul Uloom Zakariyya, South Africa, in 2012. He served as a Tahfiz-ul-Qur’an teacher at Masjid Rahmah in Greenside, South Africa, from 2012 to 2018 and later at Masjid Darus Salaam in Thorncliffe. Since 2021, he has served at Madaniyya Academy, where he continues to guide students in memorizing and connecting with the Holy Qur’an.

AI

Maulana Azhar Ingar

Full-time Hifdh teacher

Maulana Azhar completed his Hifdh at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto in 2013 and began his formal ʿĀlimiyyah studies alongside high school. After graduating, he pursued full-time Islamic studies in South Africa at the renowned Dārul ʿUlūm Zakariyyā, and later completed his ʿĀlimiyyah at Jamiah Qasimul Uloom in 2021. He further specialized and received Ijaazah in the sciences of Tajwīd and Qirāʾāt at the same institution, studying under Qārī AbdulBasit Kazi. He serves as a teacher for Hifdh al-Qur'an at Madaniyya Academy and as a full-time instructor and program director of Al-Itqaan, where he also oversees and coordinates the academic program and instructional development.

05

Al-Itqaan Faculty

Qualified scholars teaching the Ibn Abbās Program, with training in the classical Islamic sciences and years of community service.

ZD

Maulana Zakaria Desai

Founder and part-time instructor

Shaikh Maulana Mahmad Zakaria Desai is an Islamic scholar and educator serving in Mississauga, Ontario, with over a decade of experience as an Imam dedicated to community leadership, spiritual guidance, and Islamic education. He completed the memorization of the Qur'an and his foundational studies at Dārul ʿUloom Falāh-e Dārain in India, and later graduated from Dārul ʿUloom Bury in 2007, completing advanced studies in Islamic theology and the Sihāh Sittah. He is the founder and director of Madaniyya Academy, which serves over 300 students in Qur'anic memorization and Islamic education. He also serves as an instructor at Al-Itqaan and continues his efforts in teaching and community outreach.

AI

Maulana Azhar Ingar

Program director and full-time instructor

Maulana Azhar completed his Hifdh at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto in 2013 and began his formal ʿĀlimiyyah studies alongside high school. After graduating, he pursued full-time Islamic studies in South Africa at the renowned Dārul ʿUlūm Zakariyyā, and later completed his ʿĀlimiyyah at Jamiah Qasimul Uloom in 2021. He further specialized and received Ijaazah in the sciences of Tajwīd and Qirāʾāt at the same institution, studying under Qārī AbdulBasit Kazi. He serves as a teacher for Hifdh al-Qur'an at Madaniyya Academy and as a full-time instructor and program director of Al-Itqaan, where he also oversees and coordinates the academic program and instructional development.

MM

Maulana Muhammad Mayat

Full-time instructor

Maulana Muhammad Mayat memorized the Qur'an at a young age and began studying the Islamic sciences during high school. He later pursued full-time studies in Panama at Fundación Centro Educativo de Panamá and completed his ʿĀlimiyyah at Jamiah Qasimul Uloom in Toronto. He currently serves as an instructor at Al-Itqaan, where he is part of the teaching team dedicated to cultivating sound and meaningful Islamic knowledge. Alongside his teaching, he continues his studies while pursuing a BSc in Computer Science.

YA

Maulana Yaamin Ahmed

Part-time instructor

Maulana Yaamin Ahmed completed his Ḥifẓ at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto in 2012, followed by the ʿĀlimiyyah program at Jāme Abū Bakr Ṣiddīque in 2022. He also holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He serves as a part-time instructor at Al-Itqaan while also teaching Islamic Studies to high school students. His path reflects a balance of traditional Islamic scholarship and academic study, and a genuine commitment to supporting students in their learning.

AP

Maulana Abdurrahman Patel

Part-time instructor

Maulana Abdurrahman Patel completed his ʿĀlimiyyah studies at Dārul ʿUlūm Bury in 2015. Upon returning to Toronto, he taught Maktab, ʿĀlimiyyah, and Ḥifẓ classes at Malton Masjid while also starting his own Ḥifẓ journey at Madaniyya Academy. Over the years, he has remained actively involved in teaching, community service, youth programs, and Imāmat throughout the GTA. He also holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work from York University and is a registered social worker. He currently serves as an instructor at Al-Itqaan.

AP

Mufti Abbas Piparawala

Part-time instructor

Mufti Abbas Piparawala is an Islamic scholar specializing in Fiqh and Ḥadīth, serving the community in Ontario as an imam, educator, and researcher. He completed his ʿĀlimiyyah studies at Dārul ʿUlūm Bury in England and Dārul ʿUlūm Zakariyyā in South Africa, and went on to specialize in Iftāʾ under Mufti Raḍāʾul Ḥaq. Alongside issuing fatāwā and teaching, he is actively engaged in research, writing, and community initiatives. His work in Islamic finance focuses on creating accessible, Sharīʿah-compliant educational material.

AH

Maulana Abdullah Hanslod

Part-time instructor
UM

Maulana Husam Uddin Moqeem

Part-time instructor

Maulana Husam Uddin Moqeem began his journey of Ḥifẓ in Malton and completed the memorization of the Qur'an before continuing his high-school education. After graduating, he pursued his ʿĀlimiyyah studies at Jāmiʿah Qāsimul ʿUlūm, completing the six-year program in 2024. Throughout his journey, he has remained committed to seeking knowledge and continuing his Islamic studies. He serves as an instructor at Al-Itqaan, helping students build a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge.

AK

Maulana Asif Khan

Part-time instructor
MO

Maulana Osama

Part-time instructor
Join the academy

Learn from teachers rooted in the tradition.