Our Team

Head of Quranic Studies & Senior Teacher

Imām Bashir Castiñeira is a graduate of the University of Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco — one of the oldest and most prestigious centres of Islamic learning in the world. He received his ijazah in Quran recitation and Islamic sciences from the scholars of Morocco.

He served for several years as the Imam and Khatib of the Great Mosque of Granada — the mosque that symbolises the renaissance of Islam in Al-Andalus — leading Friday prayers and delivering khutbahs in both Arabic and Spanish.

At KL Kuttāb, Imām Bashir leads Quranic studies for all students, teaches Islamic Studies to the older cohort, and heads the Arabic Language programme. His approach combines scholarly rigour with genuine warmth — drawing out the best in every student.

Islamic Studies Teacher

Ustādha Raidah Shah Idil is a graduate of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and holds a Diploma of Counselling. She has studied Islamic sciences with a focus on the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence under qualified scholars.

She is a certified teacher trainer with Basira Education and serves on the SeekersGuidance Q&A team, answering questions on Islamic law and spirituality for a global audience. Her training bridges contemporary pedagogy with traditional Islamic scholarship.

At KL Kuttāb, Ustādha Raidah teaches Islamic Studies with a focus on fiqh, ethics, and the inner dimensions of practice. She brings compassion and clarity to every lesson, meeting students where they are.

Arabic & Quran Teacher

Ustādha Doha Hassan Selim graduated from the Higher Institute of Social Work in Cairo and brings over 20 years of experience teaching Arabic and Quran to students of all ages.

She holds a Tajwid certification and has extensive experience in curriculum development, having designed and refined teaching materials for Islamic schools in Malaysia. Her understanding of how children learn Arabic as a second language is unmatched.

At KL Kuttāb, Ustādha Doha teaches Arabic to the younger cohort and Quran to a range of students. Her gentle, methodical approach gives students a solid foundation from which to grow.

Arabic Teacher (Currently on Leave)

Ustādha Sadia Yaqub is a Sudanese native Arabic speaker with 13 years of experience at Itqan Integrated Montessori School, where she taught Arabic using the Montessori method for early childhood.

Her natural fluency and deep familiarity with classical Arabic, combined with her Montessori training, make her an exceptional resource for young students beginning their Arabic journey.

Ustādha Sadia is currently on leave and we look forward to welcoming her back to the team.

Teaching Assistant — Hexagons

Ust. Muhammad al-Aydarus completed his own Islamic education at IMAS and Itqan, before pursuing further studies in Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, and Yemen — studying under scholars in each country.

He serves as Teaching Assistant for the Hexagons class at KL Kuttāb, supporting students in their Quranic and Islamic studies. His own journey through traditional learning makes him a relatable presence for students navigating the same path.

Programme Manager

Ḥāfidh Yousuf Sarfraz completed the memorisation of the entire Quran over 9 years of dedicated study. He is an alumnus of Itqan, where he received a rigorous Islamic education, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Computer Science at Monash University.

As Programme Manager, Yousuf coordinates the day-to-day operations of KL Kuttāb — scheduling, communications, student records, and the integration of the co-curricular programme.

His combination of Islamic training, academic excellence, and administrative skill makes him the backbone of KL Kuttāb's operational success.

Operations & Administration

Raja Azaredani brings over 10 years of administrative experience to KL Kuttāb. As the operational caretaker of the school, she manages the practical dimensions of school life — from facilities and supplies to parent communications and day-to-day logistics.

Her dedication and organisational skill ensure that the school runs smoothly so that teachers can focus entirely on their students.