PROFAZZ Builds Future-Ready Huffaz

In a world that often measures success by academic and career milestones, five brothers are breaking stereotypes by proving that it's possible to balance professional excellence with deep spiritual obligations.

Aiman Salmi, 40, a Shariah adviser and Islamic financial consultant; Dr Syamil Salmi, 39, an eye specialist trained in Jordan; Dr Irfan Salmi, 38, a colorectal surgeon educated in Egypt; Farhan Salmi, 35, Chief Executive Officer of PROFAZZ Holdings; and Suhayl Salmi, 33, a motivational speaker and education consultant—not only are all hafiz (those who have memorised the Quran), but they also co-founded Akademi PROFAZZ, a dynamic educational institution.

Established in 2015, PROFAZZ—short for Professional Huffaz (plural for hafiz)—is a Quran memorisation platform with the goal of nurturing a young generation capable of memorising the Quran and applying its values in professional fields.

Today, Akademi PROFAZZ has evolved into a fully digital institution, having guided over 1,000 students from within and outside the country—including Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom—in systematically and structurally cultivating Quran memorisation.

 “We want to show that being a hafiz doesn’t limit you to religious fields. In fact, the Quran can be brought into any professional arena—and that’s the message we’re working to spread,” said Farhan, who also serves as the Academy’s General Manager, in a recent interview with Bernama at his office.

STRONG FAMILY FOUNDATION DRIVES QURAN CULTURE

The success of the five brothers did not happen by chance. It was rooted in a childhood shaped by their parents who cultivated a deep love for the Quran. Their father, Prof Dr Mohamad Salmi Mohd Sohod, 63, is an education consultant, while their mother, Hjh Siti Nadzrah Sheh Omar, also 63, serves as the Adviser of Akademi PROFAZZ.

 “Since we were babies, our mother—fondly known as Ummi PROFAZZ—exposed us to Quranic audio recitations. Daily routines such as turning off the television at Maghrib (sunset), reviewing Quranic recitations before school, and selecting Islamic-based educational institutions were standard in our family.

Academy General Manager, Farhan Salmi said PROFAZZ offers several structured packages including Preparation for Tahfiz School, Quran Reading Guidance, and Continuous Memorization.

“(But) there was no compulsion in memorisation. Our parents always gave us space and encouragement. Memorising the Quran was a bonus built upon the Quranic culture they instilled in us from childhood,” Farhan shared.

Interestingly, although all of them began their memorisation journey around the age of 16—which is considered relatively late—they faced little difficulty due to the strong foundation laid since childhood, with the eldest brother serving as a source of inspiration to the rest.

After completing their Quran memorisation, they pursued their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and continued on to higher education in their chosen fields—proving that being a hafiz is not a barrier to academic excellence.

“Many assume that when a child enters tahfiz (Quran memorisation school), they fall behind academically. But we’re living proof that this is untrue. Memorising the Quran doesn’t restrict—it disciplines and elevates a person’s true potential,” he stressed.

The family also shares their experiences through writing. Four books on family values have been written by their mother. The children, in turn, have authored academic motivation and Quran memorisation technique books, including the story of Syamil, who memorised all 30 juzuk (sections) of the Quran in just five months, and how both he and Irfan achieved 15A's in the SPM exam.

 Despite their busy professional lives today, the brothers maintain strong family bonds, meeting almost every week.

BUILDING CHARACTER THROUGH EDUCATION

Unlike conventional tahfiz centres, PROFAZZ serves as a preparatory academy targeting primary students, teens, adults, and those already in tahfiz who need reinforcement and systematic revision.

“One of the main reasons many students struggle with memorisation is due to weak Quranic reading skills, incorrect memorisation techniques, pressure to memorise, and a lack of clear direction,” Farhan explained.

He added that when students are not adequately prepared before joining tahfiz schools, it not only burdens the institution but may also tarnish the school’s reputation and increase the risk of disciplinary issues and bullying, due to students being unprepared mentally, academically, and spiritually.

PROFAZZ acts as an early preparation academy that targets primary school students, teenagers, adults as well as those who are already proficient in Quran memorization but need systematic reinforcement and revision.

As a solution, PROFAZZ offers structured programmes including Persediaan ke Sekolah Tahfiz (Tahfiz School Preparation), Bimbingan Bacaan Quran (Quran Reading Guidance), Ulang Hafazan Berterusan (Continuous Revision) and Kelas Al-Quran (Quran Classes for All), open to children, teens, and adults from various backgrounds.

With fees starting as low as RM100 per month (for 4 sessions), students also enjoy additional programmes free of charge, such as Tadabbur (contemplative) Quran classes, memorisation motivation, and basic Arabic lessons. All classes are conducted online, with optional one-on-one sessions scheduled according to students’ and families’ availability.

The academy’s instructors also undergo a rigorous selection process to ensure quality teaching, requiring religious education backgrounds and complete Quran memorisation (30 juzuk).

SMART APP, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

Suhayl added that as PROFAZZ approaches its 10th anniversary, it is now entering its second growth phase. Among its key initiatives is a mobile app that will feature Quran memorisation scheduling, recitation audio review, teacher-student interaction, and centralised parental monitoring.

The academy has also been appointed as an external consultant for several tahfiz institutions, such as Maahad Tahfiz Al-Maghfirah in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan. They assist in assessing new students and offering system improvement recommendations based on grassroots experience—starting from the family unit.

PROFAZZ carries the mission of changing the mindset of society that hafiz is not just for those who aspire to become Islamic preacher.

“We’re not trying to change the tahfiz system. We’re starting from the smallest unit—the family. If the Quranic culture exists at home, it’s easier for children to remain consistent in their memorisation,” said the youngest of the five brothers.

He also shared feedback from Academy alumni who have gone on to achieve outstanding results, including winning musabaqah (Quran recitation competitions).

Their teaching techniques have also enabled older individuals to memorise several sections of the Quran.

 A NEW PARADIGM IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION

More than just a memorisation institution, Suhayl explained that PROFAZZ seeks to shift public perception—that becoming a hafiz isn’t solely for those aspiring to be religious teachers. Instead, anyone can begin memorising and embodying the Quran as a guiding force in both life and career.

“Imagine if an eye specialist or engineer is also a hafiz—their advice would be more holistic. They can touch on both the physical and the spiritual. This is a priceless added value in today’s world,” Suhayl said.

He also believes that when the Quran becomes a person’s foundation, every profession will have a greater impact on society. As such, they are encouraging more parents to allow their children to become well-rounded individuals—both professionals and huffaz at the same time.

“We hope more parents don’t limit their children’s options. Let them become doctors, architects, or engineers, while also being huffaz. When the Quran lives within them, God willing, their lives will also bring light to others,” he hoped.