Mission & Vision

Tanwir Institute's mission is to serve the DMV Muslim community by providing a prayer space and an educational institute that offers full-time, part-time, youth, and community programming. We envision a community of believers grounded in the foundations of Islam, confidently participating in public gatherings of remembrance. Our goal is to become the premier Muslim educational institution in the DMV, disseminating sacred knowledge and hosting regular gatherings in a welcoming and accessible location. Our learning methodology is based on al-Maqasid al-Thalatha: Knowledge (‘ilm), Devotion (suluk), and Service (da’wa), ensuring that community members of all races and ages can experience true Prophet Light and embrace Prophetic Living.

  • At Tanwir Institute, we believe that the foundation of a vibrant Islamic community begins with sacred knowledge. Through full-time, part-time, and youth programs, we aim to equip our students with a deep understanding of Islam, ensuring they are grounded in the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah. Our curriculum is designed to guide believers toward a life of wisdom, reflection, and positive impact.

  • Remembrance of Allah (dhikr) is at the heart of our spiritual journey. At Tanwir Institute, we foster a community that actively engages in public gatherings of remembrance, cultivating a deep connection with the Divine. These gatherings are spaces for reflection, gratitude, and renewal, empowering individuals to carry the light of faith into their everyday lives.

Teachers

  • OMAR POPAL

    Ustadh Omar Popal

    Ustadh Omar Popal was born and raised in Northern Virginia. He began studying the Islamic sciences at the age of 16, pursuing memorization of the Quran at Madrasah In‘aamiyyah in Durban, South Africa. His pursuit of knowledge led him to study at Madinatul Uloom in Virginia and Dar al-Qasim in Chicago where he graduated from. In a commitment to lifelong learning, he has continued his studies sitting at the feet of various scholars, most recently spending time in Istanbul for intensive studies. Ustadh Omar’s formative studies took place at Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen. Ustadh Omar has taught Arabic and Islamic studies at several mosques and institutes in northern Virginia. In 2018, he founded Tanwir Institute, with the mission of serving the educational and spiritual needs of the large Muslim population in the DC metropolitan area. He teaches Arabic and Islamic studies at Al-Maqasid.

  • HUMAYUN

    Ustadh Humayun

    Ustadh Humayun received a BS in Commerce and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Virginia. He then pursued Islamic Studies at various prestigious institutions such as Madrasah In‘aamiyyah in Durban, South Africa and Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen. He received a formal Sanad (chain of transmission) in the books of Hadith and a certificate of being an Islamic Scholar from Madinatul Uloom in Virginia. He has been teaching basic to advanced levels of various Islamic disciplines for the past several years at multiple institutions and was the Imam of a local Northern Virginia masjid. Ustadh Humayun continues to teach and serve the DMV community through Tanwir Institute.