Faculty & Staff
Ms. Samiya Zamani is a distinguished leader with a unique and diverse background. She began her career in the healthcare sector and has worked for reputable companies such as CVS pharmacy. She brings a wealth of experience from the corporate world to the field of education that enriches her role as an administrative leader. Her career transition from Pharmacy to Education was driven by her passion to make an impact in the Muslim Community and nurture young minds.
Ms. Samiya joined Furqaan Academy after its inception in 2008, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the Academy’s vision and mission. Her commitment to education reflects her contribution to the growth and development of the Academy. Under her guidance, Furqaan Academy has achieved many milestones. Her proactive approach has led Furqaan Academy to achieve state recognition and Accreditation from prestigious organizations such as COGNIA and CISNA. She also collaborated with local public school districts to secure free public school buses for the students, making Furqaan Academy the first Islamic School in Illinois to offer free bus transportation.
As the Deputy Executive Director, Ms Samiya is entrusted with overseeing the operations of Furqaan Academy Bolingbrook, Furqaan Academy Online and its Networked Learning Centers, and Furqaan Academy for Exceptional Children. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the institution’s smooth operation and continued growth, while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
Ms. Haiat Bousmaha serves as Principal at Furqaan Academy Online and has been leading the different programs it provides to the students in the US. Ms. Haiat has previously served as Principal of Furqaan Academy Bolingbrook for a decade. She has also worked in different Islamic Schools and held different positions as a dean of students, counselor, and a teacher.
Ms. Haiat graduated from Algiers University with an Education Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Russian Literature & Civilization. She holds a certificate of Russian Language Practice & Translation from Pushkin Institute, Moscow, Russia. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Education, Administration, and Leadership focusing in Curriculum & Instruction from St. Xavier University of Chicago.
Ms. Haiat is very proud to lead Furqaan Academy Online, and hopes to see this online school flourish and help educate our youth.
Ms. Hadiyah U-Ahk brings a decade of experience in education, backed by a strong academic foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate.
Throughout her career, Ms. Hadiyah has worked with students across Grades K–12, with a primary focus on Grades 3-8. Her passion for student growth and academic excellence shines through in every classroom she leads.
Currently, she teaches core subjects at the elementary level and specializes in Math and Science instruction for junior high and high school students. Ms. Hadiyah is known for her engaging teaching style, strong leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to student success.
Ms. Ghada Ghazy graduated from Cairo University, Egypt with a major in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies.
She is the Arabic & Quran teacher at Furqaan Academy Online. This is her 7th year teaching Arabic language and Quran at Furqaan Academy. She comes with seventeen years of teaching experience in Egypt. She taught Arabic and Quran to students at different levels.
Ms. Hacina Hanafi, joined Furqaan Academy Online in 2023-2024 school year.
She holds a Bachelor’s in English Language and Associate Degree in Business Law. This is her fifth year teaching elementary students. She has also taught English Language at the University level for five years.
Ms. Fariha Saif holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, with minors in Microbiology and Chemistry. She is also a graduate of the Al-Huda Institute of Islamic Education in Pakistan.
With a passion for education and community, Ms. Saif has extensive experience teaching K–12 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. She spent four years teaching at Furqaan Academy in Bolingbrook and currently teaches Science and Islamic Studies to junior high students, as well as Health to high school students, at Furqaan Academy Online.
Ms. Saif is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, tech-integrated learning environments. She collaborates closely with students, educators, and families to cultivate a school culture rooted in academic excellence, self-awareness, and Islamic values.
Ms. Essmat Bar brings a rich academic and cultural background to Furqaan Academy Online. She holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and a Certificate in International Arbitration for the Middle East and Africa from Alexandria University, along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
Ms. Bar previously served as the lead Arabic teacher at Furqaan Academy Bolingbrook, Illinois, where she taught Arabic to students in Grades 3-12.
Her unique combination of legal knowledge, social work training, and classroom experience allows her to take a holistic approach to teaching and mentorship. She is passionate about fostering meaningful student connections and supporting their academic and spiritual development.
Ms. Nihad Obeid is an experienced educator with over 16 years of teaching experience. She holds a Diploma in Arabic Language along with an educational qualification from Princess Alia College in Amman, Jordan.
In addition, she has earned two certificates in Quran recitation, at both beginner and advanced levels. She has taught Arabic language to students in Grades 4-8 for four years and worked as a KG2 teacher for another four years. Her leadership capabilities were further showcased during her six years as an elementary and kindergarten school manager. Her diverse background reflects a deep dedication to both language instruction and Quran.
Ms. Hira Imran is an accomplished educator with a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Jinnah University, Pakistan, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Economics, and Education.
She commenced her academic career as a lecturer in Pakistan, teaching English Literature to bachelor-level students, and has since gained extensive teaching experience in the United States. Ms. Imran is deeply committed to advancing academic excellence while upholding Islamic values, guiding her students to regard knowledge as an amanah to be applied with integrity and purpose. She is dedicated to cultivating critical thinking, global awareness, and eloquence in self-expression, while fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating classroom environment.
Ms. Asia Sultana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Genetics and Biotechnology from Osmania University of Hyderabad, India. She has experience teaching children in their early schooling years. She specializes in teaching phonetics and basics of reading and has been tutoring students who need assistance in their homework at the homeschool co-op.
Her favorite subjects are reading and math, and she loves exploring new ideas and materials to help her children and students succeed in their career goals.
Ms. Afrah Sharif joined us this year to teach all core subjects to our 5th Grade Class. Born and raised in Chicago’s Muslim community, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and an Illinois Professional Educator License (Grades 1–6).
Having attended Islamic school from a young age, Ms. Sharif is deeply connected to her community. She has experience teaching students from Grades 1-8 in both classroom and virtual settings. She also contributes to a Muslim homeschool co-op, where she helped design curriculum and unit studies. Ms. Sharif is passionate about inspiring students to grow and thrive in any learning environment.
Ms. Nazia Begum is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching expertise in Mathematics, Quran, and Islamic Studies across traditional and online settings. She holds dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Islamic Theology from Jamiat-ul-Imam Muhammad Zakariya (UK) and in Religious Studies with minors in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of subjects including Quran Tafsir, Fiqh, Hadith, Aqidah, Arabic, and all levels of Math from foundational skills through Calculus. She has served as a teacher, director, and mentor in diverse schools and programs in the US, UK, and India. Known for her student-centered approach, she is passionate about nurturing both academic excellence and spiritual growth, helping students develop into confident, well-rounded Muslims grounded in knowledge and character.