Al-Fatihah Learning Academy (ALA) was founded in 2017 by a group of sisters who were classically trained in the Islamic sciences and licensed with ijazas from well-recognized traditional Muslim scholars. After years steeped in dedicated learning outside of Canada under the guidance of esteemed teachers, sisters Saleha, Zakiyah, Sajida and Zahida also earned their academic degrees once they returned to their homes in Toronto, Canada.

Establishing Al-Fatihah Learning Academy was borne of their recognition that they were in a unique position to support other women in Toronto who yearned for meaningful and deeper learning in the traditional Islamic sciences. Knowing firsthand the challenges that Muslim women face in accessing traditional learning, and with the blessings of their own teachers, they endeavoured to create a path to authentic licensure in Quranic recitation for women in the GTA.

By the grace of God, since being established, ALA has been offering classes in Quranic recitation for women in Toronto and has seen a cohort of students successfully graduate with licenses themselves.