Scholar Biographies
Learn more about the esteemed scholars joining us at Camp Asad 2026 before booking your confidential 1-on-1 Aalim Hours session.
Shaykh Mohammad Al-Saadi
Shaykh Mohammed Al-Saadi studied at the Islamic seminary (ḥawzah) in Najaf, Iraq and is the founder of Shield Families, a non-profit that aims to "revive the village" by connecting and equipping like-minded believers with the tools needed to raise devout and resilient families living in the west.
He also serves as the Dean of Mission at Wisdom Academy, a full-time Islamic school based in Dallas, TX where he and his family now reside.
Shaykh Murtaza Bachoo
Shaykh Murtaza Bachoo obtained a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia before pursuing his seminary education in Qom, where he graduated from the Islamic seminary.
After returning to Vancouver in 2010, he has continued serving the local Muslim community through religious education, youth initiatives, and community development.
Ustadha Zermina Awan
Sr. Zermina Awan was born and raised in the UK and pursued her seminary education at Jamiat al-Zahra in Qom, with a special focus in Islamic theology (kalam). She also holds a postgraduate degree in Religion and Politics from the University of Birmingham.
She taught Islamic theology, Islamic history, and fiqh at the Hawza Ilmiyyah of England from 2014-2019, later serving with Al-Kisa Foundation and the 2nd Chance Project. She is currently an instructor at Risalat Institute U.K. under the leadership of Shaykh Mohammed Ali Shomali, and regularly delivers workshops and lectures in both English and Urdu on a wide range of topics.
Sayyid Ali Imran
Sayyid Ali studied in the seminary of Qom from 2012 to 2021, while also concurrently obtaining a M.A in Islamic Studies from the Islamic College of London in 2018.
He completed his Master of Education at the University of Toronto in 2025 and is currently working as the principal of Al Haadi School in Toronto.