Shaykh Zaid Ibnu Riad Fataar Al-Azhari grew up in Cairo, Egypt.  He attended the Al-Azhar School and College where he achieved a Diploma in Islamic Sciences and completed his memorization of the Holy Quran. He then furthered his studies at the Al-Azhar University in the field of Theology specializing in the sciences of Aqidah (Belief) and Philosophy, graduating with a B.A in Islamic Theology. Shaykh Zaid also privately studied under various scholars in Egypt receiving Ijazaat (Authority) in Hadith and Aqidah. Shaykh Zaid, a member of the Muslim Judicial Council, is appointed officially by the Minister of Home Affairs as a marriage officer and Commissioner of Oaths. He is a regular guest speaker on community radio stations such as the Voice of the Cape, Radio Al-Ansaar and Radio 786. He also has his own show on Star satellite which features on DeenTV called Prophetic Breezes concentrating on Fiqh As-Seerah, and he features on other satellite network stations such as ITV.  Shaykh Zaid is a full time lecturer at the Madina Institute, where he teaches the subjects of Aqidah, Mantiq (Logic), Ulum Al Quran, Tafsir, Tarikh (History), Fiqhu Sirah, Sirah, Tazkiyya, Hadith, and Quran. He travels in and out South Africa delivering lectures, inspirational talks and classes -focusing on the youth.  Shaykh Zaid is known for his kind approach with students, and is never without a smile. His enthusiastic and vibrant teaching style together with his respectful manner makes him popular among the youth.