Salizah Abdul-Aziz started out with helping Daarul Uloom PTO organize various school activities like hot lunch and Reading Night. In 2013, she and other parents started to help the school with planning for graduation decorations. Now, she has joined Daarul Uloom as a staff member.

It is Mrs. Saima Adnan’s belief that the Quran and Sunnah lay extreme importance on knowledge – both acquiring it and then passing it on. She believes our children have natural curiosity and teachers are facilitators. It is a teacher’s responsibility to guide them and help them achieve their full potential. 

Mrs. Adnan joined Daarul Uloom in 2014 as a 3rd Grade teacher. She is excited to work with the 3rd graders again this year.  

Mrs. Adnan graduated from Karachi University, Pakistan. After coming to USA, she observed the professionalism and passion of the educators. So when she decided to return to school after her children were a little older, she decided to pursue the field of education.  During her studies, she got the opportunity to observe and worked in several schools in the area including Ridgeview Elementary School in Dunlap School District 323, Quest Academy in Peoria School District 150, and Peoria Academy. Mrs. Adnan lays a lot of importance on professional development. She regularly attends many webinars/workshops/conferences/seminars organized by other experts in education and brings what she learns to her class in order to enhance students’ learning experience. In the past, Mrs. Adnan was an administrator for Islamic Foundation of Peoria Sunday School from 2009-2014. She has been a part of Peoria’s Muslim community 2001.

Mrs. Khawla Al-Qudah is a seasoned educator with over 18 years of experience in Islamic and academic instruction. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from Zarqa Private University in Jordan in 2001 and completed all coursework for her Master’s degree at the American Open University in 2004, deepening her expertise in Islamic and educational studies.

Throughout her career, she has led and organized numerous summer programs in both Jordan and the United States, and holds an Ijazah in Quranic recitation. Her commitment to professional growth is reflected in her participation in dozens of educational courses, webinars, seminars, workshops, international conferences, and trainings. In 2019, she earned a professional certificate from Harvard University titled “Education on the Opportunity of Bilingualism,” which enhanced her skills in bilingual education and pedagogy.

Together with her husband, Osama Al-Refai—a respected community member and former volunteer Imam at ICP for over 12 years—she co-founded Hafs Quran Center in 2006. From this initiative, the Quran Academy at Daarul Uloom was launched, connecting students with the Book of Allah through structured and meaningful learning.

Mrs. Al-Qudah currently serves as the Director of Hafs Quran Center and teaches Arabic and Quran at both the Islamic School and the Academy. She has been part of the school since its inception and is deeply committed to shaping future generations through education. Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that knowledge is power, and she integrates play-based learning and technology to create engaging, impactful lessons for her students.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, walking, and baking, and is a proud mother of four children.

Mr. Hassan Brik is Daarul Uloom Physical Education Teacher. Mr. Brik believes all of his students are special and possess a wide variety of talent and skills. It is his mission to expose the students to a wide variety of activities, as to encourage them to discover and enhance these skills. As a professional educator, Mr. Brik will present these activities in a positive and professional manner, as to maximize the self-esteem and the self-confidence of his students. As a result of physical education, his students will learn that physical fitness is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, not only now, but for the rest of their lives. Mr. Hassan has a great passion into soccer in which he specializes. Outside of DU, Mr. Brik had the opportunity to coach soccer in Morton Premier Soccer Club and ICC as goalkeeper coach. Mr. Brik is originally from Morocco and he has been in the United States for ten years now.

Mr. Brik is happily married and recently blessed with a beautiful daughter and a son. He now has 2 daughters, one from his wife previous marriage.

Mrs. Grace Cluskey is thrilled to be your child’s Math and Physics teacher and is honored to partner with you in supporting their academic and personal growth throughout what promises to be a dynamic and rewarding journey.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and currently teaches Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Physics. Over the past four years, Mrs. Cluskey has served as a substitute teacher, summer school instructor, and in-school tutor, gaining valuable experience across diverse learning environments. These roles have shaped her teaching style, which is rooted in patience, clarity, and a strong belief that every student can succeed—even in subjects that may initially feel challenging.

Mrs. Cluskey’s goal is to make math and physics approachable, relevant, and engaging. By connecting concepts to real-life situations and encouraging hands-on exploration, she aims to spark both curiosity and confidence in her students. She views learning as a shared experience, where thoughtful dialogue, collaborative discovery, and mutual respect are essential to the classroom environment.

She looks forward to a successful school year and welcomes open communication. Parents are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns—Mrs. Cluskey is always happy to connect and collaborate.

Ms. Carinna was born in Mexico and raised in Texas, USA. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Texas A&M; University at College Station and earned her Early Childhood‒Grade 6 teaching certification from Huston-Tillotson University.

Before joining Daarul Uloom Islamic School, Ms. Carinna taught kindergarten and 1st grade in Texas. Her passion for education and dedication to nurturing student growth are at the heart of her teaching philosophy. Her analytical background enables her to create structured and engaging learning environments. Ms. Carinna’s approach to teaching is characterized by enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of my students. She is eager to bring this dedication to the students of DU.

Ms. Carinna now resides in Peoria with her husband and their two playful kittens. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Mrs. Farooqui was born in India and raised in Decatur, IL. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Spanish Literature and Language from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. While in college, she taught Spanish part-time for three years at LeClaire and Glen Carbon Elementary Schools, where she discovered her passion for nurturing young learners and helping them build a strong academic foundation.

After working at the Social Security office in Decatur for two years, she chose to stay home to raise her children. She and her husband, Ahmed, have been married for nine years and are proud parents to Aisha (born in 2019) and Ibrahim (born in 2021). Their family moved to Peoria last year in search of an Islamic school for their daughter—and found a welcoming home at Daarul Uloom.

Now, as a first-year teacher at DU, Mrs. Farooqui is excited to bring her love of learning, language, and community into the classroom. She looks forward to making this school year a meaningful and memorable experience for every student.

Mrs. Mubeen Fatima is a dedicated Computer and Islamic Studies teacher at Daarul Uloom, where she has been enriching the lives of students for the past six years. Originally from India, Mrs. Fatima moved to Peoria, Illinois in 2006 after marriage and has called it home ever since. She and her husband have three wonderful children.

Mrs. Fatima holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Osmania University in India and is currently advancing her Islamic studies through the Islamic Online University, working toward a Certificate in Islamic Studies. Her commitment to both education and faith is clear in her teaching philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding Deen to ensure success in both this world and the Hereafter.

In her computer class, Mrs. Fatima aims to equip students with valuable computer skills and proper etiquette to enhance their educational journey and future careers. She believes that building a solid foundation in both technology and Islamic principles will help students become well-rounded, principled individuals ready to face modern challenges.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Fatima enjoys spending time with her family, watching Islamic and educational videos, and traveling. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where students grow into caring, God-conscious individuals who are prepared for success in all aspects of their lives.

Ms. Sana Fatima is an experienced educator with a diverse international background. She was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, earned her Bachelor’s degree in India, and completed her Master’s in London, UK. Alongside her academic pursuits, she is also a qualified Network Engineer

Driven by a deep passion for teaching, Ms. Fatima is committed to helping students make meaningful connections between the past and the present. She believes in the power of history to shape understanding and inspire thoughtful engagement with the world.

Mrs. May Zeid Ghazawna is originally from Palestine. She was born in Kuwait, raised in Jordan, and has lived in the United States for the past 25 years. Education has always been a central part of her life and one of the main reasons her parents brought her to America. They wanted to see her strive to receive an education that would ensure a successful future. Alhamdullilah, she was able to complete both her high school and college education in the U.S., earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bradley University.

Mrs. Ghazawna is married to Nasha’at Ghazawna, an engineer at Caterpillar, and they are blessed with four children. She is passionate about contributing to the school’s mission of helping children receive a strong education. Since her first child enrolled at Daarul Uloom, she has been an active volunteer, participating in school activities and serving as PTO secretary for two years.

With a deep passion for teaching Arabic and Quran, Mrs. Ghazawna brings her fluency in Arabic, her first language, and her strong background in Tajweed to the classroom. She previously taught at Daarul Uloom Quran Academy alongside her husband for four years, where she specialized in teaching the Nooraniyyah method to children. She is honored and excited to instill the love of Arabic and the Quran in young learners and to nurture their connection to the language and its teachings.

Mrs. Israa Habeeb holds a teaching certificate for Early Childhood Education after completing her secondary education in Columbia Missouri. She loves to be around kids at those early childhood ages! This is her second year with Daarul Uloom after years of experience teaching at Lote Tree Academy in Springfield.

Mrs. Habeeb teaches Islamic studies for Pre-K2 and Kindergarten. She is also the teaching assistant for the kindergarten grade level!

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Habeeb loves to spend time with her four children who attend Daarul Uloom. She also loves to spend time with family and friends, being outdoors, and trying new things.

Miss Noshrat Jahan is a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Daarul Uloom Islamic School. This is her fifth year with Daarul Uloom. Miss Jahan has completed courses in Early Childhood Education from Illinois Central College (ICC). She is also Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) qualified teacher. She has earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She has worked in a Preschool at Peoria for two years and taught students of various age groups including Pre-K and Kindergarten before joining Daarul Uloom Islamic School.

Miss Jahan firmly believes that emotional engagement is the core of powerful learning. To foster socio-emotional development in her students, she infuses her classroom with love, laughter, empathy, Islamic nasheed, storytelling, and meaningful projects. Her commitment to personalized learning experiences sparks the imagination of each child.

Miss Jahan also believes nurturing, respectful relationships with children and their families are the keys to success for creating a positive Kindergarten learning experience. She collaborates closely with parents, sharing the responsibility of educating their child.

Outside of the classroom, Miss Jahan is a devoted mother of two young children, and both of whom attend Daarul Uloom Islamic School. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, family travel, reading, and gardening.

Daarul Uloom is delighted to welcome Ms. Khudija to the faculty as our new Physical Education teacher for the 2025–2026 school year. This is her first year at DU, and she brings with her a vibrant spirit and a deep passion for movement, teamwork, and student growth.

Ms. Khudija has always been an active and sporty individual, with a love for swimming, horse riding, and adventure sports like ziplining and roller coasters. Her enthusiasm for physical activity is matched by her commitment to fostering energy, fun, and collaboration in every class.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Kinnaird College for Women in Pakistan and an MBA from NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology). Her professional background includes three years in the corporate sector, specializing in FMCG and retail, with a focus on private labels and brand management.

In addition to her corporate experience, Ms. Khudija has taught Grade 3 at Lahore Grammar School and Grade 8 at Beaconhouse School System in Pakistan, where she nurtured students’ physical and emotional development. She is passionate about using her diverse experiences to help DU students grow into confident, resilient individuals with strong bodies and positive mindsets.

Ms. Khudija and her family recently relocated from Pakistan to Peoria, and they are excited to begin this new chapter. Her son has also joined DU, and together they look forward to becoming active members of the school community. We’re thrilled to have Ms. Khudija on board and can’t wait to see the energy and inspiration she brings to the gym. Here’s to a year full of movement, growth, and joy!

Ayesha Mahmood was born and brought up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, then moved to Hyderabad India for higher secular education and earned a degree in Bachelors of Commerce and Accounting. She married Shaji Siddiqui with 3 daughters and settled down in Peoria in 2011. She has always been interested in learning Islam, so she pursued her ineterest and completed a bachelors degree program in Islamic studies from Knowledge International University. Currently Pursuing a Higher Diploma from Islamic Online University and a special course in Aqeedah with Shaikh Murtuza of Saudi Arabia. In these programs she has studied all Foundations and Usools(principles) in the subject of Aqeedah, Hadith, Tafseer, Fiqh, Contemporary issues, etc.

She has been active in the Peoria Muslim community in various capacities. Has been teaching Islamic studies in Daarul Uloom since 2017. Started with elementary grade and now currently teaching Middle and High school grades since 2021 She would like to spark this interest of learning and understanding the true value of life to this community, especially the youth. She believes secular studies are very important in this dunya, however, Islamic knowledge is what will give true value to whatever we do. And in today's world of too much information and confusion, she would like to help the youth to understand not just to how to practice Islam rather Why we practice it, which will help them lay the strong foundation so they can become good leaders and help others and be successful in both this life and the next.

Although,She is very passionate about her subject and would never stop learning, she also love sports, trying new skills, traveling and meeting people from all different backgrounds and learning about new cultures.

Mrs. Maoued graduated in 2016 from Western Governors University with a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education K-9, and an endorsement in middle school science. In addition, she graduated in 2008 from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree of Science in Human Environmental Sciences, majoring in Human Nutrition. She also has an associate degree in Medical Technology.

Mrs. Maoued has been teaching for fifteen years at Daarul Uloom Islamic School. Outside the Education field, she worked as a medical technologist for 2 years. While attending Oklahoma State University, she worked in the nutrition research lab for one semester.

Mrs. Maoued is passionate about Science and she enjoys both learning and teaching it. When it comes to teaching Science, Mrs. Maoued believes that students will best learn the subject through many hands-on activities. Also, she believes that each student has the potential to succeed and thrive when provided with an accepting and trusting environment. Each student should be treated as an individual with unique learning abilities and requirements.

Mrs. Maoued and her family joined the Peoria Muslim community in late 2008. She is happily married and has three sons. In her limited free time, Mrs. Maoued enjoys reading about nutrition, exercising, and going for walks.

Mrs. Rabha Mizyed has been a cherished member of the Peoria Islamic community for over 46 years. She joined Daarul Uloom Islamic School during the 2006–2007 school year and has remained a dedicated member of the staff ever since. Now entering her 19th year at the school, she continues to bring warmth, experience, and passion to her role as an Islamic Studies teacher for Pre-K1 students.

Mrs. Mizyed is deeply committed to nurturing young hearts and minds through the teachings of Islam. She is excited and honored to work with the children this year and looks forward to a joyful and successful school year, Insha’Allah—with the continued support and partnership of parents.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring history, as well as baking and cooking, which she finds both relaxing and rewarding 😊. Parents are welcome to reach out to her at her email above with any questions or concerns.

Shazeda Mosaffa was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She has been living in Peoria for the past 24 years. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Arts with Psychology major. She is married to Mohammad Ahsanul Karim.

She started at Daarul Uloom School for after school student care. Then started as a part time Kindergarten Assistant Teacher in the 2021-22 school year. She then worked as a full time Kindergarten Assistant Teacher for the last four school years. This year, Mrs. Mosaffa is excited to take on a new role as a Pre-K2 Assistant Teacher, continuing her commitment to early childhood education.

Shazeda has a passion to work with kids and always wants to help them whatever way possible. She is very grateful to Allah to have this teaching opportunity and would love to work with kids.

Traveling, gardening and cooking various types of food are few of Shazeda’s hobbies.

Mrs. Naffakh joined in 2008 as Daarul Uloom’s Math teacher. She graduated from Bradley University in 2004 with a BS in Computer Information Systems; however, it was her love for children and teaching that led her to seek a degree in Education at Illinois Central College. Subsequently, she graduated with a master’s degree in Elementary Mathematics Education at the University of Houston-Victoria in 2013. She later earned her certification through the state of Illinois.

Mrs.Naffakh has been teaching 2nd through 8th grade Math for eleven years. She has a great passion for the subject and enjoys sharing it with her students in various interactive and entertaining ways.

Ms. Presseau comes to DU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies and a Master’s Degree in Writing, both from DePaul University. Her Master’s studies concentration was in teaching writing and she has taught at Harold Washington Community College in Chicago and Illinois Central College. She also has experience running and managing writing centers at both DePaul and Illinois Central College.

She believes strongly that writing and reading are skills that can be developed and honed through practice. She is passionate about student-centered teaching and her goal is to get each student to view themselves as a writer and a reader. One of her favorite things is helping students find books they love and that are relevant to their lives. She views literacy as a lifelong skill that is crucial to success in the 21st century.

Ms. Presseau has been teaching in DU for nine years. She is also a published writer and is committed, in her spare time, to community work and interfaith work in the Peoria area. She is the College and Career Counselor at DU.

Fehmida Rajiwate was born in Mumbai, India and has been living in the Peoria for the past 29 years. She completed her Master’s degree in Arts with Economics major. She is married to Arif Rajiwate.

After coming to Peoria, she took some classes related to education, culinary arts and computers to broaden her horizon. She helped her husband with his restaurant business venture and then moved on to retail industry. She worked with Bergner’s for a period of 6 years. Over these 6 years, she took on different roles: Sales Associate, Team Lead, Mentor, and assisting manager with planning and organizing. She enjoyed every moment of it!

She loves working with kids and has a passion for teaching. This is her 14th year at Daarul Uloom – 15 years teaching Pre-K1 and KG for a year. She adapts to kid’s needs helping them build a strong foundation and developing them socially and emotionally. She is looking forward to working with your kids in Pre-K1. She is grateful to Allah S W T to have presented her with this opportunity.

When she is not working, she loves to read, cook, bake, and gardening.

Mrs. Soukaina Sassi is the Arabic and Quran teacher at Daarul Uloom High School for the 2025-2026 school year. She has been part of the Daarul Uloom family since 2009, initially joining as a Quran and Arabic instructor.

Mrs. Sassi holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Tunis Law and Political Sciences University. She spent 9 years working as a Human Resources Manager at the Ministry of Health in Tunisia before transitioning to education. She also holds a Qur’an Ijazah for beginners from Chicago.

Mrs. Sassi previously taught Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies at Brighter Horizon Academy in Dallas, Texas, for first and fifth-grade students. With over 16 years of experience in education, she has participated in numerous educational and Islamic Studies conferences in Chicago. Additionally, she has been a full-time teacher at Daarul Uloom Quran Academy since 2012.

Her mission at Daarul Uloom is to help nurture and raise righteous, well-rounded children by: -Instilling Islamic values and manners in future generations. -Supporting students in their spiritual growth and development. -Teaching students to read and memorize the Qur’an with perfect recitation and Tajweed.

Mrs. Nazia Shabnam is Daarul Uloom's 4th Grade teacher. She joined Daarul Uloom in 2023. She was born and brought up in India, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Zoology, and a Master's degree in English. She acquired her Professional Educator's license last year, getting certified in Middle and High School Science.

Mrs Shabnam moved to the US in the year 2014, along with her husband and two sons She has worked at the Islamic Foundation of Peoria (Sunday School) as well as in the Peoria Public school district and the Dunlap school district. She completed her student teaching experience at Dunlap Middle School.

She believes that 4th Grade is an exciting and important time for a child's academic and personal growth. Her goal is to provide an engaging and fun learning environment for the children so that they can reach their full potential.

Mrs. Iqra Shahzad is the PreK2 Lead Teacher at Daarul Uloom Islamic School in Peoria. Born and raised in Chicago, she attended Islamic school and later earned a Master’s degree in Islamic Sciences from DU New York. She is also a trained early childhood educator through District 69 and is currently pursuing further studies in early childhood education.

With six years of experience in early childhood education—four of those at DU Peoria—Mrs. Shahzad is passionate about nurturing young learners both academically and in character. She believes in instilling a strong Muslim identity in children from an early age through values, character, and moral development.

Mrs. Shahzad moved to Peoria in December 2017 with her husband and their son, who is also a student at DU Peoria. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling with her family.

Mrs. Shelby Smith is excited to join Daarul Uloom as the Middle School English teacher, where she looks forward to serving both students and parents with enthusiasm and dedication. She brings a wealth of experience, having taught grades PK–12 in various private school settings, including religious institutions and homeschooling partnerships.

English has always been her favorite subject, and she is an avid reader with a deep love for literature. Mrs. Smith has three children, ages 22, 16, and 14, and is especially proud that her eldest will be graduating from Bradley University this fall.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Smith and her family enjoy spending quality time together through family dinners, picnics, camping, fishing, and weekend getaways. Their household is full of life, including two dogs, eight puppies, and a guinea pig named Skeeter.

While she has taught students of all ages, Mrs. Smith holds a special passion for working with adults and children with disabilities, providing educational support and encouragement. She is eager to meet her students and their families and looks forward to a meaningful and successful school year.

Ms. Ayesha was born and raised in New York and holds a Master of Science in Special Education and Literacy from the University at Albany, where she earned multiple honors for academic excellence and her dedication to education. She also graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University.

Before joining Daarul Uloom Islamic School, Ms. Ayesha served as a reading specialist for grades KG–5 in Upstate New York. In this role, she collaborated with teachers to strengthen literacy instruction and led professional development workshops. She has also participated in education conferences at Columbia University, focusing on literacy, and at Harvard University, exploring strategies to close the achievement gap.

This year marks Ms. Ayesha’s first at DU as the second grade teacher. With her three sons—Zayn, Ayden, and Isa—also enrolled at the school, she is excited to grow alongside the DU community as both an educator and a parent.

She is certified in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6), Students with Disabilities (Grades 1–6), and Literacy (Birth–Grade 6), and is passionate about fostering a classroom environment that is inclusive, engaging, and rooted in a love of learning.

Ms. Ayesha now lives in Peoria with her husband and children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.