What is Siraj Institute?
The Problem with Islamic Education
Siraj Institute’s Solution
Siraj Institute fills that void by the grace and mercy of Allah through local mentorship and in-person Islamic education. We hope to revive authentic, Islamic education involving mentors and requiring service to the greater community.
Supporting the Imams of the Present and Future
Imams of our mosques and the Muslim women and men who are already leading local community projects and organizations have continuing education and support through Siraj Institute. Our waqf provides a free education to all students, and financial support for Muslim leaders.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide comprehensive education in Islamic studies, Arabic language, and Quran memorization while fostering leadership qualities and a deep sense of social responsibility among our students. Through dynamic programs, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, we aim to empower our youth to become visionary leaders who integrate Islamic values with contemporary knowledge to address the challenges facing Canadian society. We are dedicated to cultivating a culture of excellence, critical thinking, and service, preparing our students to be proactive contributors and compassionate leaders in diverse fields.
Kindness
Stewardship
Our Mandate
Our Mandate:
As an Islamic institute in Ottawa, Canada, our mandate is twofold: to offer high-quality education in Islamic studies, Arabic language, and Quran memorization, and to prepare our students to be effective leaders and agents of positive change in Canadian society. We are committed to providing a supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and a strong sense of identity rooted in Islamic values. Our mandate extends to equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage meaningfully with the broader Canadian community, contribute to its social fabric, and advocate for justice, equality, and compassion. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and ongoing mentorship, we endeavor to cultivate a generation of leaders who embody the best of Canadian values while upholding the principles of Islam.
OUR TEAM
Our team is having a haircut. We’ll update this soon 🙂
FAQ’S
Who are the people that run Siraj Institute?
Board of Directors:
- Majed Jarrar: President
- Rashida Suleman
- Ali Elkhodary
- Usman Abdulkhalek: Secretary
- Mohamed Kabir : Treasurer
- Buraidah Razack
Advisory Team:
- Ali Nawar, PhD – Financial Advisor
- Charles Ghadban, CPA –
- Khalida Tanvir, PhD –
- Saeed Ali, Sheikh – Community Leader
- Haifa Hasouna, PhD –
How authentic is the Islamic Knowledge at Siraj Institute?
To ensure that Islamic knowledge is authentic and understood correctly by Siraj Institute students, we connect students to classical educational resources of Islamic Education. All our teachers usually work with a classical text, throughout in-class instruction or out of class discussion. Teachers help students develop skill sets to better understand these texts.
Where are the classes held?
Some classes are held in Musalla al-Shareef (LINKTO map) while others are held in classrooms inside Algonquin College, which is a 5-minute walk away from Siraj Institute.
What classes does Siraj Institute offer?
The classes offered by Siraj Institute are:
- Arabic as a Second Language (to learn more click here)LINKTO page
- Quran Memorization classes (to learn more click here) LINKTO page
- Diploma in Islamic Studies (this program comprises of a wide range of courses, including but not limited to: Pillars of Faith, Muslim Manners, Hadeeth on Islam and Fundamentals of Fiqh). (to learn more click here) LINKTO page
Are there any free classes at Siraj Institute?
At present the Quran memorization classes are free. Students enrolled in the other programs can apply for a need-based or merit-based scholarships.
How can I work for Siraj Institute?
f you are interested in joining Siraj Institute team, please email us your updated resume to: LINK TO: hr@siraj.institute
Who teaches at Siraj Institute?
- Serein El-Kheshab: Arabic as a Second Language/ Quran Memorization
- Reham Abed: Quran Memorization
- Abulrazak Abdussalam: Arabic as a Second Language
- Ahmed Khalil: Meccan Seerah
- Ihab Darwaish: Sarf/ Futuhat
- Ismail Batnouni: Fiqh Al Buyuu
- Saqib Khateeb: Quran Teacher and coordinator
To learn more about our teachers, click here (LINKTO Our Team)
What is the schedule of semesters at Siraj Institute?
Each semester runs for 13 weeks with a 2-week break between semesters.
Where is Siraj Institute?
The offices for Siraj Institute are currently at Musalla Al-Shareef, 1893 Baseline Rd, on the second floor in Ottawa, Ontario. LINKTO directions
How do I become a student with Siraj Institute?
- For students who are interested in the Diploma in Islamic Studies (DIS), they can fill out this form: dis.siraj.institute
- For students who are interested in the Arabic Language Program (ALP), they can fill out this form: alp.siraj.institute
- For students who are interested in the Quran Memorization Program (QMP), they can fill out this form: qmp.siraj.institute
Want to apply more directly?
Students are welcome to email us at admissions@siraj.institute (LINKTO email) or drop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and we can enrol you in-person.
How much does it cost to learn with Siraj Institute?
While the Diploma program costs $5000CAD over 6 terms, we believe that no student with good potential should be turned away because of their financial capacity. That is why we are working hard with many stakeholders and generous donors to create affordable solutions for you to study. We do our best to offer a variety of financial solutions, including full scholarships, deferred payments, installments, bursaries, and scholarships. If a student can’t afford to take classes with Siraj Institute, then we look for donors or sponsors who can cover the student’s tuition fees.
What is the madhab that the instructors follow/teach at Siraj Institute?
At Siraj Institute, we teach all four Madaheb provided we have a teacher who specializes in that Madhab.
Does Siraj Institute offer scholarships?
Yes, all Siraj Institute students can apply for need-based and merit-based scholarships
Are there separate spaces for men and women at Siraj Institute? And at the classes?
Our classes at Musalla Al-Shareef has a male Musalla and a Female Musalla. In addition, our Quran Memorization and Arabic as a Second Language classes are conducted separately for male and female students.
Are there female teachers at Siraj Institute?
Yes, in keeping with our mandate to spread knowledge and build leaders among Muslim women and men, we employ female teachers at Siraj Institute.
If I am not Muslim, can I study with Siraj Institute?
Yes, non-Muslims can study with Siraj Institute. We are open to offering Islamic knowledge to those interested in Islam.
What can non-Muslims benefit from Siraj Institute?
At Siraj Institute, both the Arabic programs and general Islamic courses can be beneficial to non-Muslims to get a good understanding of the religion of Islam.
Excellence