Today we’d like to introduce you to Hamzah Ghia
Hi Hamzah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where my journey began with a profound passion for learning and serving the community. At the age of 7, I embarked on the remarkable journey of memorizing the Holy Quran, completing this achievement by the age of 9. While I enjoyed my love for sports and video games as a child, my mother encouraged me to seek balance by spending time at our local mosque, where I discovered my calling in teaching.
What initially felt like a chore quickly transformed into a deep passion for nurturing young minds. During high school, I found my second home at Masjid Hamza, dedicating 12 years to this mission. What started with just seven students blossomed into a thriving program that has welcomed over 1,000 students over the years, with peak enrollment exceeding 300 at any given time.
As I balanced my teaching role with my academic journey, I graduated from the University of Houston, earning both my undergraduate and master’s degrees in Accounting. Shortly thereafter, I secured a position at Chevron. During this time, I was blessed to marry my wonderful wife, Javeria Pirzada, and we welcomed our first child, a baby boy, into our lives.
With my baby boy now in my life and the need to give my child proper time, I was faced with a challenge of balancing my job and my passion for teaching. This internal struggle led to an exciting opportunity in Spring, Texas, at Brighter Horizons Academy (now known as Houston Quran Academy). There, I embraced several roles, including Dean of Student Affairs and Director of the Quran program, alongside serving as an Imam at the Klein Islamic Center.
After three fulfilling years, my contract ended, and the organization chose to pursue a different direction. Yet, during this transitional period, my joy expanded with the birth of my baby girl. Encouraged by my community and guided by valuable mentorship from my teachers and my older cousin, Ali Lakhany, I took a courageous step forward and co-founded Hamd Institute in July 2022.
Starting with just twelve students, Hamd Institute has rapidly expanded to over 400 participants across various programs. Our mission extends beyond Quranic education; we focus on community building through numerous initiatives, including family nights, monthly biking events, sports activities, and programs tailored for young professionals.
Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude and conviction that all my experiences have prepared me to turn my dreams into a reality.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has certainly been challenging. I’ve faced my share of initial doubts and resistance, as many struggled to grasp the process. Memorizing the Quran and guiding young kids into responsible adulthood is truly an art form. This art requires time, dedication, empathy, and a thoughtful approach. The traditional methods of Quranic education have remained unchanged throughout our history; it’s essential to find energetic individuals who can not only uphold this tradition but also infuse it with joy while making it meaningful.
Previous programs have failed due to a lack of understanding and an unrealistic expectation of immediate results. I presented my proposal to numerous places, only to be turned down multiple times before finally receiving an opportunity. However, a few years later, we found ourselves in a similar cycle of involvement that ultimately undermined the program. Despite the anxiety and pain this process caused—at times leading me to question whether this was the end of my aspirations—I am grateful for the closeness it brought me to my dreams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am deeply passionate about teaching and nurturing young minds, and my work is centered on helping children excel in their spiritual and personal journeys. I’ve had the honor of guiding 75 children to complete their memorization of the Quran, with many more making incredible progress along the way. Along with their progress I love to see the transformation and growth in their lives. I have students from all walks of life, some being doctors, engineers, accountants now; and some also married with their own children and now they are giving back to their community.
What sets me apart is the lasting connection I build with my students and their families. Once you’re my student, you’ll always have my support. I’m dedicated to being a mentor who’s available beyond the usual 8-5 schedule, offering guidance whenever it’s needed. I hope to train the teachers at Hamd with the similar mindset allowing us to build a one of a kind institute in the heart of Houston.
I take pride in creating a supportive and motivating environment that allows students to thrive. My strong rapport with children and the community enables me to offer tailored support, helping each child reach their full potential. Seeing my students grow in their faith and confidence is the most rewarding part of my work, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
What makes you happy?
My family makes me happy. They wholeheartedly support me and my passion. As well as seeing my students flourish There’s nothing that brings me greater happiness than seeing a student I taught years ago transform into a lawyer, a business owner, or a dedicated father—someone who is well-connected and making a significant impact in the world. It truly reinforces that all the hard work I’ve put in has been worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hamdinstitute.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamdinstitute & https://www.instagram.com/hamzahghia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamdinstitute
- Twitter: https://x.com/hamdinstitute
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hamdinstitute
Image Credits
Amaan Muhammad
