Omar Kaddoura Al Azhari
Teaches Tajweed, Quran, Qira’at, Arabic Calligraphy, Islamic Geometric Patterns, Arabic, Islamic Sciences
Omar Kaddoura is an esteemed imam and educator, currently serving as the Imam of a masjid in Lacey, Washington. He teaches Tajweed, Quran, Qira’at, Arabic Calligraphy, Islamic Geometric Patterns, Arabic, and Islamic Sciences, dedicating himself to fostering Islamic knowledge and artistry within his community. Originally from California, Omar is a hafidh of the Quran and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Law (Shari’ah) from Al-Azhar University in Cairo. He also completed a year in the Darul Ifta program and is pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with aspirations to enter a PhD program in Psychology to support the mental health needs of the Muslim community.
Omar has earned an ijazah (certification/license) with a high sanad (chain of transmission) in the 10 Qira’at Sughra and Kubra, as well as the 4 Shaadh (rare recitations). Additionally, he holds ijazahs in several Arabic calligraphy styles, including Riq’ah, Maghribi, Kufi, Diwani, Jali Diwani, Ta’liq/Nasta’liq, Naskh, and Thuluth. His dedication to calligraphy has led him to regularly participate in the Cairo Biennial International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition and the Al-Azhar Mosque Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, where his work is celebrated among the international Islamic arts community.
Omar’s blend of Islamic scholarship, artistic expertise, and dedication to mental health in the Muslim community makes him a vital asset to those he serves, bridging traditional Islamic sciences with modern psychological insights to address the evolving needs of his community.
Muhammad Sidik Al Azhari
Teaches Tajweed, Quran, Qira’at, Arabic Calligraphy, Arabic, Islamic Sciences
Muhammad Sidik is a respected scholar and teacher specializing in Tajweed, Quran, Qira’at, Arabic Calligraphy, Arabic, and Islamic Sciences. Born in Indonesia, he demonstrated a strong dedication to Islamic studies from an early age, attending a rigorous Islamic school in his homeland. His exceptional academic promise earned him a coveted scholarship to study at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, where he was one of fewer than 200 students from Indonesia selected during his time.
Muhammad holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Islamic Law (Shari’ah/General Fiqh) from Al-Azhar University, which equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of Islamic jurisprudence. As a hafidh of the Quran, he has memorized the entire text and holds an ijazah (certification/license) with a high sanad (chain of transmission) in the 10 Qira’at Sughra and Kubra, as well as in the 4 Shaadh (rare recitations). His dedication to the Quran and Qira’at reflects his commitment to preserving and teaching these advanced recitations, which link directly to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
In addition to his expertise in Quranic studies, Muhammad is an accomplished calligrapher. He holds ijazahs in multiple styles of Arabic calligraphy, including Riq’ah, Maghribi, Kufi, Diwani, Jali Diwani, Ta’liq/Nasta’liq, Naskh, and Thuluth. His artistry and skill have been showcased at the Cairo Biennial International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition and the Al-Azhar Mosque Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, where he regularly participates to celebrate and promote this traditional Islamic art form.
Muhammad’s blend of scholarly depth, artistic talent, and dedication to teaching make him a vital presence in his community, where he continues to inspire students and peers alike. His work reflects a commitment to both the intellectual and aesthetic dimensions of Islamic heritage, providing an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration to those he teaches.
Ahmad Kaddoura Al Azhari
Teaches Tajweed Quran, Arabic Calligraphy, Islamic Geometric Patterns & Illumination
Ahmad Kaddoura is a dedicated educator and scholar with expertise in Tajweed Quran, Arabic Calligraphy, Islamic Geometric Patterns, and Illumination. A native of California, Ahmad is a hafidh of the Quran, having memorized it in its entirety, and he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Law (Shari’ah) from the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Currently, he is pursuing a Bacekor’s degree in Computer Science, combining his interests in both Islamic and technological fields.
Ahmad has earned an ijazah (certification/license) with a high sanad (chain of transmission) in the 10 Qira’at of Quranic recitation, each of which he has memorized. His dedication to Islamic scholarship is further exemplified by his ijazahs in multiple Arabic calligraphy scripts. His work as an artist and calligrapher is recognized internationally, having participated in the Cairo Biennial International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition and the Al-Azhar Mosque Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition.
Through his teaching, Ahmad inspires students in Tajweed, Arabic Calligraphy, and the intricate designs of Islamic Geometric Patterns and Illumination, bringing a unique blend of tradition and artistry to his work. His commitment to preserving and sharing the beauty of Islamic arts and sciences continues to impact his students and the broader community.
Aisha Othman, Esquire
Teaches Tajweed, Quran, Ten Qira’at, Islamic Inheritance (Mirath), Living Islam, Fiqh of Women Issues, and Islamic Calligraphy/Illuminations
Aisha Othman is an accomplished educator, author, community leader, and legal professional focusing on Islamic Wills and Trusts as a member of the California Bar. In 2015, she founded Dar An-Noor, an Islamic Education and Arts Center, to share her passion for Islamic learning and to create a space dedicated to the study of Quranic and Islamic sciences. Aisha also authors articles on her blog, journey2Allah.blogspot.com, where she shares reflections and insights on faith. Originally from Malaysia, she now resides with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area, balancing her roles as an educator, author, attorney, mother, and wife.
Aisha’s in-depth Islamic education is shaped by her studies with distinguished scholars across Jordan, Syria, Tarim, and Egypt. She holds an ijazah (certification/license) and a high sanad (chain of transmission) in the Ten Qira’at (advanced forms of Quranic recitation), which trace directly back to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Additionally, she has earned ijazahs in various Arabic calligraphy scripts and regularly participates in international exhibitions, including the Cairo Biennial International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition and the Al-Azhar Mosque Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, contributing to the appreciation of Islamic art.
Her journey into Islamic scholarship began in 2007 when she studied Islamic Sciences online from Scholars in Jordan and then in 2008 she traveled to Egypt with her three teenage children to immerse them all in Arabic. After completing an intensive nine-month Arabic program, they returned to California, where Aisha began teaching at a local masjid in Southern California. They soon returned to Cairo, where she continued her Islamic studies while enrolling her children in Al-Azhar High School. Her children later graduated from Al-Azhar University in Cairo with Bachelor’s degrees in Islamic Law (Shari’ah).
Aisha also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which she utilizes in her legal practice focusing on estate planning. Today, she teaches Tajweed, Quran, Ten Qira’at, Islamic Inheritance (Mirath), Living Islam, Fiqh of Women’s Issues, and Islamic Calligraphy/Illuminations. Her commitment to Islamic education, authorship, and community involvement has made her a respected figure in her community, guiding others in their journey to deepen their understanding and practice of Islam.
