Shaikh Abdur Raheem

Shaikh Abdur Raheem Johns is a Perth-based Islamic educator and community leader with a strong passion for supporting reverts on their journey to Islam. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, he embraced Islam in 1994 and understands first-hand the challenges, questions, and isolation that many new Muslims experience.

Motivated by his own journey, Shaikh Abdur Raheem pursued formal Islamic studies from 2012 and later completed a Degree in Islamic Studies at Kashif Ul Uloom Seminary in Melbourne. His teaching approach is practical, compassionate, and grounded in clarity—designed to make Islamic learning accessible, structured, and relevant, particularly for those new to the faith.

He currently serves as the Imam of AUSLAM WA Inc at Beaufort Park Musallah (Bedford, WA) and is the founder of Daar al-Hikmah Adult Academy, which focuses on adult Islamic education. He is also a Qur’an and Islamic Studies teacher at AIC College, a religious advisor, instructor, and registered marriage celebrant.

Through Al-Rafeeq, Shaikh Abdur Raheem is committed to creating safe, welcoming learning environments where reverts can build knowledge, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the Muslim community. His teaching emphasises Qur’anic understanding, core Islamic beliefs and practices, and spiritual development, with sensitivity to the unique needs of those new to Islam.

Shaikh Abdur Raheem is married and a father of four, and continues to dedicate his work to education, mentorship, and community support across Western Australia.

Shaikh Hisham Obeid

Shaikh Hisham Obeid is a qualified Islamic teacher, community leader, and registered Marriage Celebrant based in Western Australia, dedicated to serving Muslim families and supporting individuals at various stages of their faith journey. He brings more than 14 years of experience in teaching, community engagement, and pastoral support to his work as an imam, educator, and counsellor.

Shaikh Hisham pursued Islamic and Arabic studies both locally and abroad, learning under respected scholars at institutions including The Islamic University of South Africa and The Islamic University of Karachi. He holds a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic, alongside additional qualifications in counselling and community welfare—equipping him to integrate spiritual guidance with practical support in education and family life.

In his community role, Shaikh Hisham has delivered Friday sermons, led educational classes, engaged in daʿwah (the propagation of Islamic teachings), and provided Islamic and marriage counselling. He is a fully authorised Islamic and Civil Marriage Celebrant, able to conduct Islamic nikāḥ ceremonies, civil marriages, or combined services in both English and Arabic, tailored to the needs of diverse couples and families across Australia.

Shaikh Hisham is committed to fostering supportive, respectful learning environments that help new Muslims grow in confidence and knowledge, and to providing compassionate pastoral care for families and individuals alike.

He is married with children, and remains actively involved in community education and service throughout Western Australia.

David (Daoud)

David serves as the Organisation Coordinator at Al-Rafeeq, where he supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of programs dedicated to assisting reverts on their journey to Islam. He plays a key role in ensuring that Al-Rafeeq’s educational initiatives, events, and support services are delivered in an organised, welcoming, and consistent manner.

With a strong background in coordination, administration, and stakeholder engagement, David brings structure and clarity to Al-Rafeeq’s operations. His responsibilities include program coordination, event logistics, volunteer support, and facilitating effective communication between teachers, organisers, and the wider community. This allows scholars and educators to focus on teaching, while participants benefit from a smooth, supportive, and well-managed learning environment.

David is deeply aligned with Al-Rafeeq’s mission to ensure that no revert feels isolated or unsupported. He is committed to fostering safe and inclusive spaces where reverts can access authentic Islamic knowledge, ask questions with confidence, and build meaningful connections within the Muslim community.

Despite his many professional responsibilities, David remains deeply committed to his faith. He consistently makes time to support Islamic initiatives and serve the community for the sake of Allah ﷻ, believing that true success lies in sincerity, service, and obedience to Him. His dedication reflects a strong balance between worldly responsibilities and devotion to Islam.

In addition to his role at Al-Rafeeq, David actively supports other Islamic organisations by contributing his organisational skills and experience where needed. Through his work, he aims to strengthen organisational foundations, promote collaboration, and help Islamic initiatives grow sustainably while serving communities with excellence, compassion, and professionalism

Faran

Dedicated Supporter, Bedford & Sakinah Centres

Faran is a dedicated supporter at Al-Rafeeq, actively assisting at both the Bedford and Sakinah centres. He plays an important role in supporting the smooth delivery of programs and ensuring participants feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable across both locations.

With a reliable and service-focused approach, Faran assists with on-site support, coordination needs, and practical assistance during classes, events, and community activities. His presence helps create an organised and respectful environment where attendees—particularly reverts—can focus on learning and building connections.

Faran is strongly aligned with Al-Rafeeq’s mission to support reverts with care and consistency. Through his commitment and willingness to serve across multiple centres, he contributes to fostering a supportive community grounded in compassion, reliability, and teamwork.

Sister Soad

Female Support Coordinator, Bedford

Sister Soad looks after and supports the female participants at Bedford, ensuring they feel safe, welcomed, and cared for within Al-Rafeeq’s programs. She plays an essential role in providing guidance, reassurance, and practical support to sisters—particularly reverts—during classes, gatherings, and community activities.

With a nurturing and compassionate approach, Sister Soad serves as a point of contact for female attendees, helping address their concerns, offering encouragement, and fostering a respectful and comfortable environment. Her presence allows sisters to engage confidently in learning, ask questions freely, and build meaningful connections with others.

Sister Soad is deeply committed to Al-Rafeeq’s mission of ensuring that no revert feels alone or unsupported. Through her dedication, she helps create a safe and supportive space where women can grow in knowledge, faith, and confidence within the Muslim community.

Janima Baro

Marketing, Al-Rafeeq

Janima Baro supports Al-Rafeeq’s marketing and communications, helping share its programs and initiatives with the wider community. She manages content, promotions, and online engagement to ensure information is clear and accessible.

Her focus is on presenting Al-Rafeeq as a welcoming space, particularly for reverts and those new to Islam.