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About Canadian Islamic Finance Board

About CIFB

The Canadian Islamic Finance Board (CIFB) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to establishing and overseeing Shariah governance standards for Islamic finance in Canada.

Founded in collaboration with leading scholars and community institutions, CIFB provides certification, audit, and advisory services to ensure that financial products comply with authentic Islamic principles while aligning with Canadian regulatory frameworks.

Through its work, CIFB strengthens trust, promotes transparency, and supports the development of a credible and sustainable Islamic finance ecosystem in Canada.

Our Mission

CIFB is committed to advancing the integrity, transparency, and accessibility of Islamic finance in Canada.

Its mission is to provide independent Shariah oversight, establish robust governance frameworks, and ensure that all approved financial solutions adhere to authentic Islamic principles while operating within a sound regulatory environment.

By doing so, CIFB builds confidence in Islamic financial services and supports individuals and institutions in accessing ethical, and Sharia financial solutions.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors brings extensive experience in Islamic jurisprudence, governance, and community leadership. Together, they provide strategic direction and oversight with the highest standards of professionalism, upholding the integrity, transparency, and credibility of CIFB’s Shariah governance framework

Board of Directors

Dr MUAMMAR SAWAN

Chairman

Dr Muammar Sawan is a Canadian-based Islamic finance expert, scholar, and accounting professional with extensive experience in Islamic banking, auditing, and Shariah-compliant financial products.

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Ali Hamdan, Experienced Banker

Board Member

Ali Hamdan is a seasoned banking professional with 27 years of experience across teller operations, supervision, lending, and compliance management. He holds a Diploma in Accounting and a Diploma in Banking Studies, supported by professional training in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), sales techniques, and conflict management.

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Omar Najmeddine, NBA

Board Member

Omar Najmeddine is a seasoned executive and board member of the Canadian Islamic Finance Board (CIFB), bringing over 25 years of experience in Islamic finance, business consulting, and professional training.

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Zeeshan Hasan, CPA

Board Member

Zeeshan Hasan is a senior public sector executive and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience in municipal leadership, corporate finance, and asset management.

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Adam Elsafadi, Barrister & Solicitor

Board Member

Adam Elsafadi is a lawyer with experience in corporate, commercial, real estate, wills and estates law. He advises individuals and businesses on transactions, contract drafting, and risk management.

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CIFB brings together scholars and leaders from across the country with deep expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, governance, and community engagement.

Together, they provide independent oversight and guidance to ensure financial solutions align with established Shariah principles while serving the evolving needs of Canadian Muslims.

Advisory Board

Shaykh Hacene Chebbani

Chair, Shariah Committee

Shaykh Hacene Chebbani is a Canadian-based Islamic scholar, Imam, and community leader currently serving as Director of Religious Affairs at the Islamic Information Society of Calgary (IISC).

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Shaykh Dr Mahmoud Omar

Chair, Audit Committee

Shaykh Dr. Mahmoud Omar is a distinguished Islamic scholar specializing in Islamic jurisprudence, Shariah sciences, and Islamic finance. A graduate of Al-Azhar University, he possesses advanced expertise in Usul al-Din, Fiqh, Qawaʿid Fiqhiyyah, and Usul al-Fiqh, along with deep knowledge of contemporary Islamic finance.

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Shaykh Abdulrahman Murad

Shariah Advisor

Shaykh Abdulrahman Murad is a Canadian-based Imam, educator, and counsellor with over 20 years of international experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Shariah, a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, and a Master’s in Halal Industry Management.

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Mufti Faisal Al Mahmudi

advisor

Shaykh Mufti Faisal Al-Mahmudi is a Canadian-based Islamic jurist specializing in Iftāʾ, Islamic finance, and commercial law. He completed advanced Islamic studies in South Africa and holds degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Regina.

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Shaykh Ali Jomha

Shariah Advisor

Shaykh Ali Jomha is an Imam and educator with extensive experience in Islamic studies and community leadership. He holds degrees from Al-Azhar University and the University of Tripoli and is currently pursuing his Ph.D.

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Mufti Mirza-Zain Baig

Shariah Advisor

Mufti Mirza Zain Baig is a resident Mufti in Montreal and an AAOIFI-certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA). He serves as a Shariah consultant and internal auditor for multiple institutions across Canada and internationally.

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Ahmed Jama, CPA

Shariah Auditor

Ahmed Jama is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. He holds advanced academic qualifications in finance and economics and has also studied Islamic sciences, including Fiqh, Tafsir, and Hadith.

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Dr MUAMMAR SAWAN

Acting Chief Executive Director

Dr Muammar Sawan is a Canadian-based Islamic finance expert, scholar, and accounting professional with extensive experience in Islamic banking, auditing, and Shariah-compliant financial products.

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Ramez Alameddine, NBA

relationship manager

Ramez Alameddine is a compliance and Islamic finance professional with over 20 years of international experience in regulatory oversight

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Executives

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Dr MUAMMAR SAWAN

Dr Muammar Sawan is a Canadian-based Islamic finance expert, scholar, and accounting professional with extensive experience in Islamic banking, auditing, and Shariah-compliant financial products. He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Banking from the World Islamic Sciences & Education University (Jordan), along with professional designations including Certified Islamic Public Accountant (AAOIFI) and Certified Public Accountant.

Dr Muammar has played a key role in advancing Islamic finance in Canada, including contributing to the establishment of the Canadian Islamic Finance Board (CIFB) and leading Islamic finance initiatives at Al Rashid Mosque. He was instrumental in the development of Edmonton’s first Halal mortgage (Murabaha) in collaboration with the Canadian Halal Financial Corporation.

His professional background includes Islamic finance consulting for leading Islamic banks and public audit practice in collaboration with global firms. He remains actively engaged in research, advisory work, and professional bodies related to Islamic finance and accounting.

Ali Hamdan, Experienced Banker

Board Memeber

Ali Hamdan is a seasoned banking professional with 27 years of experience across teller operations, supervision, lending, and compliance management. He holds a Diploma in Accounting and a Diploma in Banking Studies, supported by professional training in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), sales techniques, and conflict management.

Throughout his career, he has progressed through frontline and leadership roles, including Teller Supervisor, Loans Officer, and Compliance Manager, developing strong expertise in operational controls, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Known for his balanced and practical approach, he combines technical expertise with effective communication and leadership to support compliant operations, strong customer relationships, and high-performing teams.

Omar Najmeddine, NBA

Board Memeber

Omar Najmeddine is a seasoned executive and board member of the Canadian Islamic Finance Board (CIFB), bringing over 25 years of experience in Islamic finance, business consulting, and professional training. He holds an MBA and has served in numerous Executive Director roles across both private and non-profit organizations, providing strategic leadership and governance oversight.

Omar is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded and managed businesses across manufacturing, investment, and service sectors. Over the past 30 years, he has actively contributed to community development through board service with various non-profit organizations. His combined expertise supports CIFB’s mission to advance ethical and Shariah-compliant financial practices in Canada.

Zeeshan Hasan, CPA

Board Memeber

Zeeshan Hasan is a senior public sector executive and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience in municipal leadership, corporate finance, and asset management. He currently serves as General Manager of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Spruce Grove.
He oversees finance, treasury, asset management, corporate planning, and information systems. His leadership has contributed to long-term financial sustainability, improved public financial reporting, and the City achieving the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award.

Zeeshan brings strong expertise in capital planning, fiscal accountability, and risk management, with a commitment to ethical stewardship and community value creation.

Adam Elsafadi, Barrister & Solicitor

Board Memeber

Adam Elsafadi is a lawyer with experience in corporate, commercial, real estate, wills and estates law. He advises individuals and businesses on transactions, contract drafting, and risk management.

His work includes structuring and evaluating asset-backed arrangements and ethical financing solutions within Canadian legal frameworks. Adam also serves as legal counsel to CIFB, providing advisory support and governance input to advance responsible and transparent Islamic finance in Canada.

Shk. Hacene Chebbani

Chair, Shariah Committee

Shaykh Hacene Chebbani is a Canadian-based Islamic scholar, Imam, and community leader currently serving as Director of Religious Affairs at the Islamic Information Society of Calgary (IISC).

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Shariah from the Islamic University of Madinah and a Master’s degree in Islamic Finance from the University of Gloucestershire (UK). He has extensive experience in Islamic education and serves as a Shariah consultant with the National Zakat Foundation.

His work focuses on Islamic finance, Zakat, family matters, and contemporary community issues.

Shaykh Dr. Mahmoud Omar

Chair, Audit Committee

Shaykh Dr. Mahmoud Omar is a distinguished Islamic scholar specializing in Islamic jurisprudence, Shariah sciences, and Islamic finance. A graduate of Al-Azhar University, he possesses advanced expertise in Usul al-Din, Fiqh, Qawaʿid Fiqhiyyah, and Usul al-Fiqh, along with deep knowledge of contemporary Islamic finance. He is also a recognized member of the Fatwa Board under the Al-Azhar Council in Egypt.

Dr. Mahmoud currently serves as Head of the Fatwa Committee at Al Rashid Islamic Center, President of the Edmonton Council of Imams (ECI), and Associate Professor at the Islamic University of Minnesota.

In addition to his academic and leadership roles, he is an active lecturer and trainer in Islamic finance and holds multiple international certifications in Islamic banking, arbitration, and Shariah audit. He is also the author of several works in Islamic law and finance.

Through his work, Dr. Mahmoud continues to provide scholarly leadership and guidance in Shariah governance, community education, and contemporary Islamic legal and financial matters.

Shaykh Abdulrahman Murad

shariah Advisor

Shaykh Abdulrahman Murad is a Canadian-based Imam, educator, and counsellor with over 20 years of international experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Shariah, a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, and a Master’s in Halal Industry Management.

He serves as Imam and counsellor at Markaz-ul-Islam in Fort McMurray and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).

Mufti. Faisal Al-Mahmudi

Advisor

Shaykh Mufti Faisal Al-Mahmudi is a Canadian-based Islamic jurist specializing in Iftāʾ, Islamic finance, and commercial law. He completed advanced Islamic studies in South Africa and holds degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Regina.

He is the founder of Darul Iftaa Canada and continues to lead initiatives in fatwa, halal certification, and Islamic finance education.

Shaykh Ali Jomha

shariah Advisor

Shaykh Ali Jomha is an Imam and educator with extensive experience in Islamic studies and community leadership. He holds degrees from Al-Azhar University and the University of Tripoli and is currently pursuing his Ph.D.

He serves as Counseling Imam at Al Rashid Mosque and focuses on family counselling, youth mentorship, and community development.

Mufti. Mirza-Zain Baig

shariah Advisor

Mufti Mirza Zain Baig is a resident Mufti in Montreal and an AAOIFI-certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA). He serves as a Shariah consultant and internal auditor for multiple institutions across Canada and internationally.
He has completed advanced Islamic studies in Canada and South Africa and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Islamic Finance (INCEIF).

Ahmed Jama, CPA

shariah Auditor

Ahmed Jama is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. He holds advanced academic qualifications in finance and economics and has also studied Islamic sciences, including Fiqh, Tafsir, and Hadith.
He is currently pursuing an Executive Master’s in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) and has been active in the Islamic finance space since 2007. He has contributed to major industry initiatives and serves on multiple boards, including Ansar Financial.

Ahmed also serves as a Shariah Auditor with CIFB and is fluent in English, Arabic, and Somali.

Ramez Alameddine

relationship manager

Ramez Alameddine is a compliance and Islamic finance professional with over 20 years of international experience in regulatory oversight, Shariah-compliant finance, and strategic advisory. He has held senior roles at Canadian banks, Al Hilal Bank (UAE), leading initiatives in regulatory compliance, Islamic product development, and risk management.

Since moving to Canada, Ramez has remained a strong advocate for ethical, faith- based financial services. He plays an active role in shaping the future of Islamic finance in Canada, supporting innovation while ensuring alignment with both Shariah principles and Canadian regulatory standards.

Ramez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance, is a Certified Financial Intelligence Specialist (FIS), and a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS). Through his work with CIFB, he is committed to expanding access to authentic, Shariah-compliant financial solutions for the Muslim community.