Abdullah Khadra
Sheikh Abdullah's journey of Islamic scholarship began under the tutelage of esteemed scholars in Syria. He spent approximately a decade studying under the late Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro (God have mercy on him), and his foremost disciple, Sheikh Rajab Deeb (God have mercy on him), where he studied various disciplines including Aqeeda (theology), Tafseer (Quran exegesis), Hadeeth (tradition of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him), Seerah (Prophet’s Biography), Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Tazkiyah (Spiritual purification), and Da’wah (Calling to Islam). Additionally, he attended the circle of his direct teacher Sheikh Muhammad Deeb and attended lectures by Sheikh Saeed Ramadan Al-Bouti (God Have Mercy on him), a great Muslim theologian.
Sheikh Abdullah also pursued formal education, earning his bachelor's degree in Arabic and Islamic studies from the Da'wah College at the Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro Foundation (previously known as Abunnour Foundation) in Damascus, Syria. Sheikh Abdullah was awarded the first place from the Kuftaro Foundation in the "Daw'ah Course in English," a one-year intensive program covering Da'wah, media, Islam and science, Islam as a solution, and other contemporary issues.
Throughout his educational journey, Sheikh Abdullah actively engaged in teaching, establishing study circles, and deepening his knowledge.
Sheikh Abdullah taught English language and Islamic studies at public schools in Syria for some time and later served as an interpreter at the Sheikh Kuftaro Foundation.
His pursuit of Tajweed (the Art of Qur’an Recitation) began with Sheikh Fayyad Al-Hammoud (may Allah have mercy on him), whom he would meet regularly to learn and meticulously record rules. Subsequently, he memorized the Holy Quran and recited it to Sheikh Ramadan Deeb (may Allah preserve him) in addition to attending the Safwat At-Tafaaseer (Exegesis) class with him. Sheikh Abdullah also had the honor of reciting a few pages to Sheikh Rajab Deeb (God have mercy on him).
Sheikh Abdullah also had the privilege of reciting the Holy Qur’an to Sheikh Bakri At-Taraabishi (God have mercy on him), who held the highest Ijazah (License) in the world during his time. Consequently, Sheikh Abdullah is among the few holders of the highest Ijazah in the world (Quran recitation & teaching License that is received from teacher to teacher back to the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) in two of the ten Quranic Readings (Qir’aa’aat). Expanding his expertise, Sheikh Abdullah received an Ijazah in Aljazariyyah (a poem that covers the rules of Qur’an recitation) from Sheikh Ayman Suwaid (may Allah preserve him). Sheikh Ayman has significantly contributed to the Muslim community by dedicating his life to explaining the Tajweed and Qira’aat poems and books, from which Sheikh Abdullah has greatly benefited. Sheikh Abdullah has delivered over 100 lectures on Al-Jazariyyah and is currently conducting a second series of explanations.
Sheikh Abdullah received an Ijazah (License) in Al-Aqeedah At-Tahaawiyyah from Sheikh Hamzah Maqboul (A declaration of the Orthodox Muslim Creed by Imam At-Tahaawi born 238 AH - 852 CE) which is accepted by all mainstream Muslim schools.
Additionally, Sheikh Abdullah studied Imam An-Nawawi’s Maqasid and some aspects of Shafi’i fiqh with Sheikh Nizar Mashal.
Furthermore, Sheikh Abdullah obtained an Ijazah in Ash-Shamaail Al-Muhammadiyyah from Sheikh Ahmad Al-Azhari (Character and description of the Prophet Muhammad, God raise his ranks). He continues his studies in various Islamic sciences under the tutelage of esteemed scholars such as Sheikh Faraz Rabbani, Sheikh Abdussalam Shnnar, and others.
Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Sheikh Abdullah embarked on a Master's degree in Islamic studies, excelling in his studies under the mentorship of scholars like Sheikh Muhammad Az-Zuhaili.
Since relocating to the United States in 2011, Sheikh Abdullah has been actively involved in teaching, delivering sermons, leading prayers, interfaith dialogue, and offering counseling services. His dedication extends to online platforms, particularly his YouTube channel, which hosts numerous educational videos.
Presently, Sheikh Abdullah serves as an imam and chairman at Madinah Quran and Youth Center in Raliegh, NC while also assuming the role of principal at MQA (Madinah Quran Academy). He remains committed to nurturing Islamic scholarship and guiding communities through his diverse roles and responsibilities.
Sheikh Abdullah has authored a comprehensive curriculum for teaching the Quranic reading from A to Z and is currently engaged in the process of publishing an explanation of Al-Jazariyyah. He also compiled a full curriculum of Islamic studies from pre-k to 8th grade in the English language. The sheikh also translated some lectures for the late Grand Mufti of Syria in a book entitled: “To Know Each Other”.
The sheikh has also successfully completed an SETT course with Wake Tech (Substitute Effective Teacher Training)
Abdullah Khadra
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