Sacred Knowledge.
Prophetic Path.
Serving Aotearoa.
Who we are
Islamic Lifestyle Solutions Aotearoa is led by Hafiz Aslam Ismail and Ustadhah Aneesah Baig, supported by a wider ILS Aotearoa team, based in Wellington. All operations are fulfilled by this team working together.
Hafiz Aslam Ismail
Principal educator, Hafiz of the Qur’an and public speaker, yet always a student of Islam. Subjects taught include Qur’an recitation with Tajweed (rules of recitation), basic Fiqh (jurisprudence), ʿAqidah (creed), and Adab (character and conduct) in a clear and organised way. With more than 20 years of community work, locally and abroad, learners are assisted in building confident reading, practical understanding and good character. Classes move at a steady pace, encourage thoughtful questions and include a light touch of humour. Beginners and new Muslims are supported with patience, and families are guided on how to continue learning at home. Teaching methodology takes guidance from our teachers and focuses on helping students live what they learn.
Ustadhah Aneesah Baig
Children’s Islamic educator. Patient yet detail oriented, young learners are given the building blocks they need to read the Qur'an, practice daily supplications and prayers, and grow in character. Lessons are shorter and structured with clear routines that help children feel safe and enjoy learning. Parents receive simple home prompts and regular updates so class and home work together at a calm, steady pace. Classes are active and varied, not rote. Children learn through short, engaging activities that change from lesson to lesson. A session may include story time, small-group reading, nasheed, gentle games, and practical practice for ablution and prayer. No two classes are the same, which keeps attention fresh and supports different learning styles. Classroom routines are clear, boundaries are gentle, and regular check-ins ensure each child feels seen and supported. Ustadhah Aneesah has years of experience teaching children in community settings and a natural love for helping little hearts grow. The classroom culture is kind and orderly, with gentle correction and plenty of encouragement. The aim: to nurture love for Allah Almighty and His Messenger (peace be upon him), good character, and a lasting confidence in learning.
Our teachers and shura
In accordance with the Prophetic way, decisions at ILS Aotearoa are always made after consultation. We take guidance from our teachers at Islamic Lifestyle Solutions (Durban, South Africa). The ILS Aotearoa team also meet regularly, listen carefully to different viewpoints and choose ultimately what best serves students and families. This counsel helps maintain our classes, respond to sensitive questions and keep our spiritual gatherings clear, balanced and beneficial.
The ILS Aotearoa team
Our team is a group of dedicated brothers and sisters who share the same vision for clear, structured teaching of Islamic studies in Aotearoa. They give their time quietly after work and with family commitments, handling enrolments, communication and design, Google Classroom and tech, safeguarding and the planning of community events. Their calm presence, good manners, and respect for confidentiality help us serve our learners with care. We consult with them on major decisions and value their honest advice and steady support. Much of what is seen in class rests on hours of unseen effort, and we ask Allah Almighty to reward them and their families for every minute. Aameen! With their help, the intention that began before we moved to Aotearoa has taken shape here, and Our Story below explains that journey.
Values we abide by
النِیَّۃُ Niyyah - Takune
We begin with sincerity.
تَرْتِیْبًا Tarteeb - Anga
We believe in structure and steadiness.
اِحْسَانًا Ihsaan - Panekiretanga
We strive for excellence in all things.
اَمَانَۃٌ Amaanah - Tautiaki
We carry a trust.
مَحَبَّۃ Mahabbah - Aroha
Love is at the heart of our work.
رُوْحَانِیَّۃ Ruhaaniyyah - Wairuatanga
We nurture spiritual growth.
Our work starts with intention: with the name of Allah Almighty and seeking His pleasure. Every class, event and conversation is driven by the hope that it will be accepted by Him and bring benefit to others.
Learning is most meaningful when it is clear and orderly. From academia to spirituality and the journeys in between, we are guided by the Prophetic methodology of structure and steadfastness.
From teaching and design to communication and delivery, we give attention to detail and do our best to maintain quality. Striving for excellence is part of worship as taught to us in Hadith Jibraeel.
The responsibilities we assume make us answerable to Allah Almighty. We honour the people we serve and recognise the dignity of each learner, parent, and seeker. Trust is not just about content. It’s about people. He Tāngata
Love for Allah Almighty and His Messenger (peace be upon him) is the cornerstone of faith. It guides our tone, fuels our gatherings, and nurtures the bond we share with each other.
Our aim is not just to teach what is in the books, but to help you build your connection with Allah Almighty. Knowledge should soften the heart, improve character, and draw a person closer to their Creator.
Our Story
Even before to moving to Aotearoa, we shared a simple intention: to teach Islam in a way that would be meaningful, sincere, and, in shā Allah, accepted by Allah Almighty. We hoped it would leave a lasting benefit for the Muslims of New Zealand.
After years of teaching and community work in Wellington, we saw a growing need. We wanted to offer something steady. Something that made sense. A space where students can be supported in their learning journey, where commitment is valued and reward is hoped for, in this world and the next.
With encouragement from our teachers at Islamic Lifestyle Solutions in Durban, South Africa and increasing local demand, we began laying the foundations. What started as a private concern grew into a public initiative with the encouragement of some local community voices and thus the Pacific division of Islamic Lifestyle Solutions was born.
This work is deeply personal. It reflects our commitment to serve the next generation with purpose and consistency in line with Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa‘ah, and under the guidance of traditional scholarship.
The heart of our mission is anchored in the words of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who is reported to have said: “The best from amongst you are those that learn the Qur’an and teach it to others.”
May Allah Almighty make us worthy of this noble responsibility.