Al-Farooq Academy
About Al-Farooq Academy
Where Clarity Meets Conviction: Distinguishing Right from Wrong
Our Mission
Al-Farooq Academy is dedicated to empowering individuals with a deep understanding of Islamic principles applied to modern finance and practical technological skills. We strive to cultivate ethical leaders and proficient professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the Islamic economy and beyond.
Our Vision
To become the leading institution in West Africa for Islamic finance education and digital literacy, fostering a generation of professionals guided by the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong in all their endeavors.
Meet Our Visionary Leaders
Behind Al-Farooq Academy's success are two exceptional leaders who combine deep Islamic scholarship with modern educational innovation and business acumen.
Fa Omar Sanyang
Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
"Our mission is to make Shari'ah-compliant education and finance accessible to everyone in The Gambia, empowering students to gain knowledge and practical skills that honor both faith and modern life."
Background & Expertise:
Fa Omar Sanyang, commonly known as Brother Farooq, is the CEO of the Academy. He combines a deep Islamic educational background with expertise in modern finance, aiming to make Shari'ah-compliant financial solutions accessible to communities in The Gambia and beyond.
With professional experience as an auditor, Shari'ah compliance officer, and leader of Islamic finance initiatives, Fa Omar brings both practical insight and visionary leadership to the Academy. His qualifications — including certifications in Shari'ah advisory, Islamic microfinance, and Islamic fintech — reflect his commitment to integrating the principles of Islam with contemporary financial practices. He has successfully advised numerous financial institutions on Shari'ah-compliant products and has contributed to the development of Islamic banking frameworks in West Africa.
Fa Omar's mission is to develop a Sunnah-inspired framework for Islamic finance, bridging the gap between faith and modern financial systems, while guiding the Academy in delivering knowledge that is both spiritually grounded and professionally relevant.
Ebrima Mbye
Co-Founder & Chief Technical Officer (CTO)
"My goal ( as Co-Founder ) is to pioneer digital education in The Gambia, and potentially abroad, inshaa-ALLAH, by making Islamic learning and Sharia-compliant finance more accessible to all."
Background & Expertise:
Ebrima Mbye is the Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer of the Academy. As a Computer Science scholar and technologist, he brings both technical expertise and strategic vision to the institution, with a strong foundation in software engineering, FinTech innovation, and digital platforms.
He has been instrumental in conceptualizing and developing the academy's web-based learning system, ensuring it is not only technically sound but also aligned with the institution's values of excellence, accessibility, and Sharia compliance. As CTO and co-founder, his role extends beyond technology implementation: Ebrima shapes the digital strategy, growth direction, and innovation culture of the academy.
Ebrima co-leads the academy's mission to make Islamic finance and professional education accessible worldwide. His ability to merge Islamic finance principles with cutting-edge digital solutions positions the academy at the forefront of modern education, ensuring students gain both Islamic banking knowledge and essential digital skills like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Our Shared Commitment
Together, our founders bring decades of combined experience in Islamic finance, education, and technology. Their shared vision of creating ethical, knowledgeable professionals who can distinguish right from wrong in all aspects of life drives every decision at Al-Farooq Academy. Their leadership ensures that our students receive not just education, but transformation.
Our Philosophy & Values
Rooted in the noble tradition of discerning truth, our academy combines rigorous academic instruction with hands-on practical training.
Ethical Foundation
Every course is grounded in Islamic principles, ensuring our students develop both professional skills and moral character.
Academic Excellence
We maintain the highest standards of education with qualified instructors and comprehensive curricula.
Community Impact
We're committed to contributing to the local and regional development of Islamic financial expertise.
Our Location & Facilities
Strategic Location
Strategically located in Serrekunda, Kanifing, The Gambia, we are accessible to a vibrant community and serve as a hub for Islamic finance education in West Africa.
Modern Facilities
- • State-of-the-art classrooms with multimedia equipment
- • Computer lab with latest Microsoft Office suite
- • Library with extensive Islamic finance resources
- • Prayer facilities and comfortable study areas
- • Accessible parking and public transport links
Learning Environment
We foster an environment of intellectual curiosity, ethical grounding, and continuous learning, where students from diverse backgrounds come together to grow professionally and spiritually.
Who We Serve
Our programs cater to a diverse range of learners seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Students
University students and recent graduates looking to specialize in Islamic finance
Professionals
Banking and finance professionals seeking Sharia-compliant expertise
Entrepreneurs
Business owners wanting to align their ventures with Islamic principles
Career Changers
Individuals transitioning into Islamic finance and FinTech sectors