Born and raised in Nottingham, UK, Shaykh Abdul Aziz Ahmed Fredericks embarked on his educational journey in Leicester, where he attained a BEd degree in Primary Education with a focus on Language Arts. His passion for knowledge led him to further his studies at renowned institutions, including the London University Institute of Education, Strathclyde University, and the Open University.
During his academic pursuit, Shaykh Abdul Aziz undertook significant research at the esteemed School of Oriental and African Studies. His commitment to the field of education is evident in the multiple articles he’s authored and his significant role in designing the curriculum for Islamia School London, later published by the Islamia Schools Trust.
Shaykh Abdul Aziz’s expertise isn’t confined to one continent. He has held esteemed positions such as teacher, Head Teacher, and School Principal across the UK, Scotland, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. Moreover, as an educational consultant, he has contributed to projects spanning countries like Turkey, Yemen, Kenya, Jordan, and South Africa. Currently, he passionately serves as the Additional Support Manager for a local education authority and has been a policy advisor for numerous institutions, including the UK Madrasa network.
Shaykh Abdul Aziz’s thirst for Islamic knowledge took him across the globe, studying under eminent traditional scholars like Ahmed Mashur al-Haddad in Jeddah and Abdul Rahman al-Khitamy in Kenya. He has also translated revered texts like The Essentials of Islam by Ahmed bin Zayn al-Habashi and Forty Hadith on the Quran by Mullah ‘Ali al-Qari. He continues to work on translations that enrich the Islamic scholarly domain.
Utilizing a combination of modern teaching techniques and an interactive approach, Shaykh Abdul Aziz has imparted knowledge on essential texts, including The Book of Assistance of Imam al-Haddad and the Forty Hadith of Imam al-Nawawi, to students worldwide.
A strong advocate for accessibility in Islamic education, Shaykh Abdul Aziz co-founded “Islamic Texts for the Blind (Kitaba),” an organization focused on producing Braille and audio books, accessible online classes, and a resource-rich website. Their collaboration with various entities ensures that disabled Muslims’ religious and cultural needs are met. A testament to his dedication is the book he authored, Living with Blindness, which spotlighted disability issues within the community. As a staunch supporter, he campaigns fervently for open and unrestricted access to Islamic teachings for everyone.
