Meet Our Founders
The visionary scholars and community leaders who established Al-Islah Foundation for Social Development with a mission of Islamic reform and community development.
Our Founders
Visionaries Behind the Mission
These dedicated individuals laid the foundation for an institution that has grown to serve thousands across Nigeria through education, welfare, and spiritual guidance.
Sheikh Shu'aibu Salihu Zaria
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Sheikh Shu'aibu Salihu Zaria is a distinguished Islamic scholar with over 30 years of experience in Islamic education and community leadership. He holds an Ijazah in Qur'anic sciences and studied at the prestigious University of Madinah.
He founded Mu'assasatul Islah in 2017 with a vision to reform society through authentic Islamic education combined with modern knowledge. Under his guidance, the institution has grown from a small Qur'anic school to a multi-departmental organization serving over 50,000 people across three Nigerian states.
Sheikh Ahmad is recognized for his balanced approach to Islamic scholarship, emphasizing both traditional learning and practical community engagement.
"True reform begins in the heart, manifests in knowledge, and bears fruit in service to humanity."
Ustaz Ibrahim Yusuf
Director General
Ustaz Ibrahim Yusuf serves as the Director General of Mu'assasatul Islah, leading the foundation's strategic vision and overseeing all seven departments. He holds a Master's degree in Islamic Studies and a background in organizational management.
With a passion for systemic reform, Ustaz Ibrahim has been instrumental in building the institution's governance framework, ensuring transparent financial management, and forging partnerships with local and international NGOs.
His leadership style combines scholarly depth with practical administrative efficiency, making him a key driver of the foundation's growth and sustainability.
"A strong institution is built on three pillars: knowledge, integrity, and service."
Hajiya Maryam Bello
Director of Orphan Welfare
Hajiya Maryam Bello is one of the founding members of Mu'assasatul Islah and heads the Orphan Welfare Department. With over 20 years of experience in social work and child welfare, she has built a comprehensive program that currently cares for over 350 orphans.
Her holistic approach ensures that each child receives not only food, shelter, and healthcare, but also quality education, emotional support, and Islamic tarbiya. She has pioneered the institution's sponsorship matching system, connecting generous donors worldwide with children in need.
Hajiya Maryam believes that caring for orphans is one of the most important duties in Islam, and her dedication has transformed the lives of hundreds of children and families.
"Every orphan we nurture is an investment in the future of this Ummah."
Ustaz Abdullahi Sani
Head of Education
Ustaz Abdullahi Sani is a founding member and Head of Education at Mu'assasatul Islah. He oversees curriculum development, teacher training, and the integration of Islamic and Western education across the institution's schools.
He holds a degree in Education from Bayero University Kano and has spent his career developing innovative teaching methodologies that bridge traditional Islamic sciences with modern educational standards. Under his leadership, the institution's students consistently achieve outstanding results in both Islamic examinations and WAEC/NECO assessments.
Ustaz Abdullahi is a strong advocate for making quality education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background.
"Education is the most powerful weapon for positive change — when guided by faith, it transforms nations."
Sheikh Umar Faruq
Head of Da'wah & Reconciliation
Sheikh Umar Faruq is a founding member of Mu'assasatul Islah and heads the Da'wah and Reconciliation Department. A graduate of the Islamic University of Madinah with a specialization in Fiqh, he brings deep Islamic jurisprudential knowledge to the institution.
He established the Reconciliation Hall, which has successfully mediated over 500 family and community disputes using Islamic arbitration principles. His Da'wah programs reach thousands through Friday sermons, community lectures, and digital media outreach.
Sheikh Umar is known for his gentle, wisdom-based approach to conflict resolution and his ability to unite diverse community segments around shared Islamic values.
"Peace in the community begins with justice, compassion, and adherence to the guidance of Allah."
Our Impact
The Legacy They Built
Continue Their Legacy
Support the vision of our founders by contributing to education, orphan welfare, and community development programs.