The past, the present, and the future...

The past course, History of Islamic Legislation, was given by Imam Hassan Khalil. Though the subject matter of this course was much heavier than the first few, Imam Hassan Khalil definitely made it the most entertaining. His witty and clever remarks kept us alert and drew our attention thorughout the whole seminar. It is truly amazing to see a professor turn what could potentially be a complex and dense course into one that is easy to digest and comprehend. I can honestly say that there was not one dull moment throughout. His method of teaching is far more superior to that of any porfessor I've had in college. No contest.

Imam Hassan Khalil's background:

• He was born in the City of Bala'a (Tulkarem) in Palestine, and has been residing in the US since 1979
• He memorizes the Quraan in both Hafs and Warsh modes
• He has a bachelors degreen and is enrolled in the masters program at the American Open University
  
• He is currently the Imam at the Center Masjid in Arlington, TX
• He has been the khateeb and instant translator at many Masajid and conventions
• He is a youth leader and teen program director
• He is well involved in his community -- speaking at public schools, churches, and open houses for non-Muslims.
  

I understand that there have been a few loose ends when it comes to the organization of the past few seminars. I understand that most of you are still behind on exams. But, as I'm sure you're all working hard to get caught up, allow me to just say that this is the past.

We have a new addition (actually an old one) to our Houston Team. His name is Sh. Mamdouh Mahmoud, and I'm certain he does not require an introduction. Not only is he the office manager, but he is the leader of the Houston Team. We have so many new and exciting ideas for the rest of the year inshaallah. He is definitely a much needed leader to us, and inshaallah we promise you a well organized and comfortable learning experience from this day forward.

Alhamdullilah, we have successfully completed 4 courses. It seems like just yesterday that we were dreaming of coming this far! Our dreams continue as we make progress and overcome obsticles. We cannot stress how important your input is. Your comments, concerns, and criticisms drive us forward. Without you, there would not be any of this. You are truly the foundation on which this grand academy rests.

Our next course, Analytical Tafsir I, is scheduled for the 3rd weekend of March (21st-22nd). Our professor for this course will be Imam Zia ul Haque Sheikh. We will be studying Surat Al-Anaam in this course inshaallah.

About Imam Zia ul Haque Sheikh:

• He was born in Azad Kashmir and migrated to England with his parents at the age of 4.
• He memorizes the Quraan.
  
• At the age of 16, he started an Islamic Theology course, which consisted of Arabic Syntax, Etymology and Grammar, Logic, Quranic Exegesis, Hadith Exegesis, Comparative Religions, Islamic Jurisprudence of the four main schools of thought, Foundations of Jurisprudence, Quran and Hadith, and other subjects. After extensive studying for approximately twelve years, he graduated in 1994 with a Masters in Islamic Theology.
  
• He is currently pursuing a Doctorate from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
  
• He is a founding member and Board Member of the North Texas Islamic Council, an umbrella organization representing Islamic Organizations in the North Texas Area. He is also one of the Board Members of Irving Faiths together, a group of various religious organizations, dedicated to Peace and Harmony between faiths.
• He is one of the instructors at Suffa Academy in the Islamic Association of North Texas, teaching subjects such as Seerah, Aqidah, and Hadith studies.
• He is fluent in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujerati.
• He is actively involved in interfaith and Dawah work

We are extremely excited to have him teach this course, and we look forward to seeing you all there. As always, you can meet the Sheikh and register for this course Friday night (March 20th) inshaallah.