Sulayman van Ael converted to Islam in 1994 at the age of 18, after which he travelled to the desert of Sudan to memorise the Qur’an. He studied under numerous scholars and received authorisation (ijazah) in the 10 qira’at (recitations) and transmitting the books of hadith. He also holds a Bachelors in Theology, and Masters in Mental Care. He previously was Host Professor of Islamic sciences at Erasmus College and Fisb University and at the University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam and currently teaches at the Cambridge Muslim College. He was also religious advisor and chaplain at University of London colleges including LSE, Imperial College and SOAS.