Shaykh Dr Haroon Sidat is the director of the academy. He has and continues to travel the world to seek and teach knowledge. He completed his memorisation of the Quran at a young age, followed by a rigorous training in the classic Islamic sciences, known as the Dars-i Nizami. He holds a first-class honours degree in Economics and Finance, an MA in Mathematics, with a PGCE in Education. He has worked as a consultant for a leading multinational firm and has extensive experience in economics and the social sciences. He completed his PhD in 2019 and has been undertaking research on Muslims in Britain in particular though his interests range from theology, philosophy, fiqh, spirituality, intellectual history, among others.

He serves as a voluntary imam and khatib, and teaches for a number of organisations. He enjoys cycling and is learning to swim. He is father to three girls. His life is one of inquiry and openness.