Our Hajj and Umrah Guides
Meet Our Guides
Our experienced and knowledgeable religious and pilgrim guides are an integral part of our commitment to excellence, and we take pride in the quality and expertise of our team.
Our guides are carefully selected for their extensive Islamic and practical knowledge of the Hajj and Umrah rituals, as well as their deep understanding of Islamic history and teachings. They are dedicated to providing guidance and support to our pilgrims throughout their journey (before, during and after), and are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants.
At Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah, we understand the importance of trust and confidence when embarking on a journey of this magnitude. That’s why our guides are held to the highest standards of character and integrity, and are trained to provide the best possible service to our pilgrims.
So whether you are a first-time pilgrim or a seasoned veteran, you can rest assured that our guides are here to provide you with the knowledge, support, and guidance you need to have a safe, fulfilling, and truly transformative Hajj and Umrah experience.
Abu Ibraheem Shan Rana
Abu Ibraheem Shan Rana
Title: Group Head
Languages: Punjabi / English
Contact: abuibraheem@sunnahhajj.com
Shan Rana, also known as Abu Ibraheem, is a well-known entrepreneur and community leader based in Sydney, Australia. In addition to his work in education, he is also an active member of the Muslim community in Australia. He serves as the Group Head of the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah and was the founder of the first smartphone app for Hajj groups that is used by the group pilgrims to improve the overall pilgrims experience.
Through his work with the Sunnah Foundation, Abu Ibraheem is committed to helping Muslims deepen their faith and spirituality through the performance of Hajj and Umrah, while also fostering a sense of community and brotherhood/sisterhood among the pilgrims. He has been involved serving and improving the pilgrims experience for over a decade.
Abu Ibraheem is widely respected for his business acumen, his commitment to community service, and his dedication to transformational experiences.
In addition to his work as an entrepreneur and community leader, Abu Ibraheem is also a respected thought leader and writer in the Muslim community. He is a frequent guest contributor to Muslim Matters, a leading online platform that provides commentary and analysis on issues of importance to Muslims worldwide. Through his writing, Abu Ibraheem shares his insights on Hajj and Umrah. His articles are widely read and appreciated by Muslims around the world, and he is recognised as a trusted voice in the Muslim community with regards to Hajj and Umrah.
Sheikh Abdul Salam Zoud
Sheikh Abdul Salam Zoud
Title: Sheikh (Islamic Guidance & Counselling)
Languages: Arabic and English
Contact: sheikh@sunnahhajj.com
Sheikh Abdul Salam Zoud is a distinguished Islamic scholar who has been actively involved in the field of Dawah for over 26 years. He graduated from the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah with a B.A in Islamic Studies, with a major in Dawah and Usol an-Deen, and has since been sharing his knowledge and expertise with the Muslim community in Australia.
As the Imam of Parents Waqf (Masjid Sunnah), Sheikh Abdul Salam delivers inspiring Friday prayer sermons and lessons throughout the week, captivating the hearts of many with his unique character and teaching style. He is also a founding member of Awqaf Australia and serves as the principal of the Islamic College of Australia, which offers classes in both English and Arabic.
In addition to his contributions to Islamic education and scholarship, Sheikh Abdul Salam Zoud has also been running successful Hajj & Umrah groups for the past 25 years. The Sheikh through his dedication and passion has a transformational impact on pilgrims who embark on this journey with him. His unique teaching style and charismatic personality have touched the hearts of many, and his spiritual guidance has been instrumental in helping pilgrims connect with their faith and deepen their understanding of the Sunnah.
As one of the best-known Hajj & Umrah groups in Australia, he is committed to providing an authentic and spiritually enriching experience for all participants, in line with the values and goals of the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah. His extensive experience in organizing and guiding pilgrims on the journey of a lifetime makes him an invaluable member of the Sunnah Foundation team.
Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud
Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud
Title: Sheikh (Islamic Guidance & Counselling)
Contact: sheikhabubakr@sunnahhajj.com
Languages: Arabic and English
Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud was born in and grew up in Australia, where he began his studies in Islamic sciences at a young age and then furthered his studies and is a graduate of the Faculty of Quran from the Islamic University of Madinah, after which he continued his Qur’anic Studies in Egypt and then the UAE. The Sheikh has received numerous ijazaat in Quran including one from Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhafy, the Imam of Masjid An-Nabwi, and Sheikh Tamim Al Zu’bi. His studies have given him a profound appreciation for the importance of scholarship and the role of education in empowering individuals and communities.
Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud’s education in Islamic studies, combined with his ability to connect with audiences from diverse backgrounds, has made him a highly sought-after public speaker and educator. He is known for his ability to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary issues facing Muslims today, offering practical and relevant guidance to those seeking to deepen their understanding of Islam.
Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud is known for his engaging and thought-provoking speeches, which he delivers in a clear and concise manner. He has a strong presence on social media, particularly on YouTube and Facebook, where he posts videos of his lectures and Q&A sessions.
Many of Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud’s followers appreciate his ability to simplify complex Islamic concepts and make them accessible to a wider audience. His speeches cover a range of topics generally with a main focus on the Quran and implementing it in our daily lives and also relating the Quran to Islamic spirituality, jurisprudence, and contemporary issues facing the Muslim community.
His ability to connect with audiences through various mediums has helped to make the teachings of Islam more accessible and relevant to a wider audience, and to promote greater understanding and unity among Muslims around the world.
Overall, Sheikh Abu Bakr Zoud’s engaging personality, clear communication style, and commitment to education have made him a respected figure within the Muslim community and beyond and a valuable addition to the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah team.
Kamal Taleb (Abu Mariam)
Sheikh Kamal Taleb (Abu Mariam)
Title: Sheikh (Islamic Guidance & Counselling)
Contact: sheikhkamal@sunnahhajj.com
Languages: Arabic and English
Sheikh Kamal Taleb is a prominent figure in the field of Islamic education and scholarship. Born in I’aal, Lebanon, he completed his primary and secondary education in South Hurstville Sydney, Australia. He pursued a B.A. in Chemical Engineering from the University of New South Wales before being accepted as a student at the Islamic University of Madinah.
Sheikh Kamal Taleb has an impressive academic background, having graduated with a B.A. from the College of Hadith and Islamic Sciences at the Islamic University of Madinah, followed by a M.A. and a Doctorate in Islamic Theology from the College of Dawah and Islamic Creed. He has spent over 22 years residing in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, during which he had the privilege of studying under some of the most prolific scholars of this era, including Ibn Uthaimeen, Ibn Jibreen, Muhammad al Mukhtaar Ash-Shinqiti, Abdullah al Ghunaiman, Previous Imam of the Prophet ﷺ masjid, Muhammad Ayub, Imam of Masjid Quba, Obaid Al Amri, Sheikh Abdul Razzaq al Abbad, Sheikh Ahmad Rashid al Ruhaili, and many others.
Throughout his career, Sheikh Kamal Taleb has also acted as a mentor figure, overlooking the Australian and the South Pacific Islander students of Madinah Islamic University for over 22 years. He has also been involved in educating many Hajj and Umrah groups from various western countries. Sheikh Kamal Taleb is also the Imam of the Roselands Mosque in Australia. He plays an important role in the spiritual guidance and leadership of the local Muslim community and is highly respected for his knowledge and wisdom.
Sheikh Kamal Taleb also participates in many symposiums around Australia, sharing his expertise and insights with a wider audience. His commitment to education, mentoring, and community leadership is in line with the goals and values of Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah, which aims to provide pilgrims with a transformative and educational Hajj and Umrah experience.
Through his involvement in the community and his extensive knowledge of Islamic theology and traditions, Sheikh Kamal Taleb embodies the values of Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah, which seeks to provide pilgrims with a deeper understanding of Islam and the Sunnah. His leadership and expertise make him an important figure in the preservation and dissemination of Islamic teachings and traditions, and his contributions to the field of Islamic education and scholarship are invaluable.
Asmaa Zoud
Sister Asmaa Zoud
Title: Pilgrim Guide
Phone: +1300850250
Contact: asmaa@sunnahhajj.com
Languages: Arabic and English
Asmaa Zoud is an accomplished student of knowledge with a passion for dawah and sharing Islamic teachings, making her a valuable addition to the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah team. With over 8 years of study under reputable sheikhs, Asmaa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in Islamic practices to her role as a spiritual guide for pilgrims. Her experience teaching Quran and Arabic to young children and delivering Hajj and Eid workshops demonstrate her commitment to educating others about Islam in a practical and engaging way. Asmaa’s deep understanding of Islamic ritual practices is further evidenced by her multiple umrah and hajj pilgrimages, during which she spiritually guided sisters and delivered talks. Her work running an all sisters online group focused on Quran and Sunnah teachings also aligns with the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah’s commitment to spreading the message of Islam and fostering a sense of community among Muslim women. Asmaa’s values and expertise make her an excellent asset to the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah team, where she can help guide and support pilgrims on their journey of faith.
Kamal Taleb (Abu Mariam)
Abu Muneer (Ismail Davids)
Title: Pilgrim Guide
Contact: abumuneer@sunnahhajj.com
Languages: English and Afrikaans
Abu Muneer Ismail Davids, best known as the author of the book “Getting the Best out of Hajj” as well as Umrah and pocket guides translated into numerous languages. Since performing his Fardh Hajj in 1989, he has developed a deep desire to share his experiences and knowledge with the “Guests of Allah”, in any way he can. In 1990 Allah blessed him with the opportunity to work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he spent 15 years. This great opportunity opened the door for him to enrich his knowledge about all aspects of Hajj from the Qur’an and Sunnah point of view. Coupled with this he was able to be close to the pilgrims, year after year, to learn about their experiences and to learn the roads and locations. After returning back to Australia in 2005, he has continued helping the pilgrims in providing classes and seminars and also accompanying them as a guide. Makkah and Hajj is his life.
Abu Hussein (Mohamad Bassal)
Abu Hussein (Mohamad Bassal)
Title: Pilgrim Guide
Contact: abuhussein@sunnahhajj.com
Languages: Arabic, English and Greek
Abu Hussein is a highly experienced and knowledgeable guide for the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah program. With over 15 years of experience, he has guided countless pilgrims through the rites of Hajj and Umrah, helping them to perform these acts of worship with precision, devotion, and understanding.
Abu Hussein’s extensive practical experience in leading Hajj and Umrah groups, make him a trusted and respected authority in the field of pilgrimage guidance. He is also known for his compassion and his ability to connect with pilgrims on a personal level, helping them to navigate the challenges and spiritual obstacles that often arise during the pilgrimage. His patient and supportive approach has helped many pilgrims to overcome their fears and anxieties, and to deepen their connection to Islam through the transformative experience of Hajj and Umrah.
His dedication to the values of compassion, humility, and service to others has made him a valuable member of the Sunnah Foundation team, and a trusted guide for those seeking guidance and support on their pilgrimage journey.
Abu Jamil (Anwar El-Biza)
Abu Jamil (Anwar El-Biza)
Title: Pilgrim Guide
Contact: abujamil@sunnahhajj.com
Languages: Arabic and English
Abu Jamil is an integral member of the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah team, known for his warmth, kindness, and exceptional problem-solving skills. As a guide for the program, he plays a critical role in ensuring that every aspect of the pilgrimage journey runs smoothly and efficiently, and that pilgrims are able to focus on their spiritual experience without distraction or stress.
What sets Abu Jamil apart as a guide is his remarkable ability to connect with people on a personal level, and to anticipate and address their needs before they even arise. He is known for his outgoing and friendly personality, and for his unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether it’s helping a pilgrim find their way through a crowded market, resolving a travel issue, or simply offering words of encouragement and support, Abu Jamil is always ready to go above and beyond to ensure that everyone in the group feels cared for and valued.
Through his work with the Sunnah Foundation Hajj and Umrah program, Abu Jamil has made a profound impact on the lives of many pilgrims, helping them to navigate the challenges of the pilgrimage journey with ease and grace. His unwavering dedication to the values of service, compassion, and humility make him a valued member of the team, and a beloved guide to those who have had the privilege of traveling with him.