Staff

Faculty and Board

Administration

Arshiya Khan

Founder/Executive Director

Arshiya Khan

Founder/Executive Director

Arshiya Khan is the Founder and Executive Director of Ilm Preparatory, a faith-centered academic institution dedicated to providing high-quality, flexible education for Muslim families. As a devoted Muslim American mother, she is deeply committed to integrating Islamic education and tarbiyah (moral upbringing) with strong academic achievement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University New Orleans and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction through the University of Texas at Arlington. Since founding Hafsah, LLC in 2015 (now Ilm Preparatory LLC), Arshiya has drawn from her extensive experience in teaching, tutoring, and school administration to develop a program that supports both the academic and spiritual growth of Muslim youth. She has served as Director of Ilm Preparatory since 2019. Her vision is to raise a God-conscious generation that excels in both Deen and Dunya—young Muslims who are firmly grounded in faith while thriving in today’s competitive world. Through Ilm Preparatory, she and her team offer affordable, accessible programs and resources that empower families to provide a holistic, faith-aligned education for their children.

Sumaiya Kidwai

Co-Founder/Assistant Director

Sumaiya Kidwai

Co-Founder/Assistant Director

Sumaiya Kidwai serves as the Assistant Director at Ilm Preparatory, bringing both academic excellence and hands-on educational experience to her role. She was the Valedictorian of her high school class and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University. Since 2018, she has been a dedicated homeschool mom, combining her strong academic background with a deep understanding of flexible, student-centered learning. Sumaiya plays a key role in supporting school operations, family engagement, and instructional planning.

Bibi Bushra Noor

Administrative Assistant

Bibi Bushra Noor

Administrative Assistant

As a parent of a madrassa student, I understand the importance of integrating high-quality secular education with religious studies. It is an honor to serve as the Administrative Assistant at Ilm Preparatory. With extensive experience in various roles within the Islamic educational sector, along with a strong background in communication and media studies, I am dedicated to supporting our students and faculty in their pursuit of knowledge. My journey has equipped me with the expertise to efficiently manage administrative tasks, ensuring that our school operates smoothly and effectively. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of Ilm Preparatory, Inshallah.

Teachers

Rydah Ahmed

Elementary Lead Teacher

Rydah Ahmed

Elementary Lead Teacher

My name is Rydah Ahmed and I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business administration. I bring 9 years of tutoring experience, working with children from pre-k to grade 8. I aim to create an interactive and fun learning environments for children. I have experience working both independently and with organizations like The Learning Experience and Ilm Preparatory. I am passionate about fostering a love for learning and I am dedicated to helping children achieve their educational goals

Sidra Ajmal

Elementary Support

Sidra Ajmal

Elementary Support

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Iqra University and a Diploma degree in Graphic Design. My passion for teaching started when I spent my summers volunteering at Markaz-e-Fahmedeen, which developed my love for working with children. After working many years in my field as a Fashion Director and content creator, I started my teaching career with Ilm Preparatory in 2021 where I experienced working with students in various capacities, including after-school tutoring. In 2023, I was awarded with “Excellent Teacher Award” by the local school board for my innovative classroom practices and dedication to my students. I have 3+ years of tutoring experience and it is something that I find rewarding. I am an effective communicator, both in writing and verbally. Furthermore, I have a strong ability to plan and organize effectively.

Zeba Adnan

Elementary Support

Zeba Adnan

Elementary Support

I hold a Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have 2 years of experience leading the K12 program at Al Ihsan School of Excellence in Cleveland, Ohio for students enrolled in the Hifz program and 5 years of teaching experience at Ilm Preparatory. Teaching is my passion and I love being around children. My students range from elementary to high school. I work 1 on 1 with students struggling with Reading and Math and establish relationships with parents to address any concerns. Moreover, I prepare materials for lessons, assignments, assessments, and evaluate, correct, and grade the performance of students. My 7+ years of experience helps me adapt to teaching methods that work best for the students. I aim to maintain a positive, respectful, and organized learning environment and ensure students are engaged. In my free time I love to cook for my kids and spend time with family.

Fizza Ahmed

Middle School Lead Teacher

Fizza Ahmed

Middle School Lead Teacher

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in Behavorial science from the University of Texas at Dallas, with a strong focus on child development and educational psychology. I have experience as a substitute teacher across elementary up till high school in the state of Texas since 2023, which has given me valuable insights into the many learning styles and classroom dynamics. I am excited to start working for Ilm preparatory where I can bring my passion for reading, writing, and student engagement to the forefront. My background in psychology, combined with my teaching experience, enables me to create a positive, organized, and inclusive learning environment. I'm excited to be part of the teaching staff at Ilm preparatory.

Simra Hussain

Middle School Support

Simra Hussain

Middle School Support

I graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor in Health and Science- Human Nutrition. Throughout my undergrad career, I was teaching/tutoring students of all different ages in math and reading. I would administer their tests and address any concerns students or parents had. Since graduation, I have been teaching/tutoring virtually in math and science. My students range from elementary to college and university level. I am most passionate about science and math. I aim to encourage critical thinking and problem solving and ensure students are engaged. Teaching gives me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships every day and engage learning in different and meaningful ways. Teaching is very rewarding to me and I love to help other students and assist them so that they can reach their full academic potential. With my experience, I am able to adapt to different learning styles and teach in a method that works best for the student. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, and horse-back riding.

Shagufta Rahman

High School Support

Shagufta Rahman

High School Support

My name is Shagufta Rehman. I have pursued a Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Studies and in Industrial Psychology from Saint Louis University in 2019. I am currently enrolled in Teach for Tomorrow for the teachers Certification in Texas. I work with Cypress Fairbanks ISD as a Substitute Teacher. I have a year of teaching experience at Al Salam Day School in St. Louis, MO. I also have a Medical Assistant certification thru National Healthcare Association. I have 6 to 8 years of experience as administrative assistant in the Medical field at Pediatrics Care. I am excited to advance my skills in ILM Preparatory as a High School Support Teacher for Students advancing their studies, needing support towards completion of assignment, and guidance towards further understanding of courses.

Advisory Panel

Abdul Lateef Khan

Advisory Panel Chair

Abdul Lateef Khan

Advisory Panel Chair

Dr. Abdul Lateef Khan is a medical doctor by profession and a respected community leader based in Garland, Texas. He serves as the Head of the Islamic Association of Arabi, under which he oversees several religious and educational initiatives. These include Al Hameed Academy and Amatur Rahman Girls Academy, both of which are dedicated to nurturing Islamic knowledge and values in the local community. Through his leadership, the association continues to offer a wide range of programs focused on spiritual growth, youth development, and educational excellence.

Sumaiya Kidwai

Advisory Panel Vice Chair

Mufti Abdul Azeem

Religious Advisor

Mufti Abdul Azeem

Religious Advisor

Mufti Abdul Azeem is a traditionally trained Islamic scholar who completed his ʿĀlimiyyah degree at the renowned Darul Uloom Azaadville in South Africa. Following his graduation, he pursued advanced studies in Islamic jurisprudence (Iftāʾ) under the esteemed Mufti Ibrahim Desai (rahimahullah) at the Darul Iftaa in Durban. He brings with him deep scholarly insight, a strong grounding in classical Islamic sciences, and a passion for serving the community through teaching and guidance.

Arshiya Khan

Director

Sahar Yamout

Educational Consultant

Sahar Yamout

Educational Consultant

My name is Sahar Yamout and I will be the educational consultant this year. I have extensive experience in the education field. I have 9+ years of teaching experience. In addition, I was an academic coordinator for a school in Saudia Arabia from 2017-2023 where I built and organized the school from the beginning. I hope to bring my expertise to Ilm Prep and help them to achieve their vision of becoming the premier educational provider.

Tech Management

Jawad Ahmad

IT Manager

Muhammad Abubakar

IT Consultant

Syed Ahmed Hussain

IT Manager