Idris Watts has been involved in Islamic education since he accepted Islam in 1998 whilst studying Arabic Studies at Leeds University. He graduated from the University of Leeds in 2002 with First Class Honours, having gained an award of excellence for his language skills. He then moved to Morocco residing in the ancient city of Fez, where he immersed himself in its language, culture and knowledge for the next seven years. He attended classes at the oldest university in the world, the Qarawiyin, studying various disciplines in Islamic subjects alongside teaching English language to the local community of Fez. He also travelled extensively around the country to learn what he could about the understanding and practice of Islam in North Africa.

In 2007, he returned back to England to bring the fruits of his experiences and learning in North Africa to the Yorkshire and Lancashire community, setting up classes and gatherings within Bradford and its adjacent cities, working with mosques and institutes, supporting new Muslims and delivering speeches, workshops, and classes for local schools, institutes universities as well working alongside the Peace Studies department of Bradford University.

He has been teaching Arabic and Islamic studies in the Yorkshire and Lancashire area for the last twelve years. He is also the author of the book: ‘The Heavenly Guide to the Beacon of Pure Light’, he has been a regular guest on ‘Ask the Alim’ Show on British Muslim TV and he has also studied alternative body therapy with Hakim Archuletta, who is a practitioner in Somatic Experiencing and other body therapies, and he is currently in his third year of Somatic Experiencing Training.

Idris’ passion is connecting people to the beauty of the Quranic Arabic and gaining an appreciation of its linguistic miracle so they can experience what a great gift it is in their lives. He teaches this through his one year Quranic Arabic course ‘Connecting to the Quran’ that runs from September to June every year in Leeds, Bradford, Manchester and Blackburn on the ground, in addition to being available as an online course. His other focus is on raising awareness of Islam’s relevance in society today and what it can bring to help us all enhance our lives and communities in order to instil us with purpose, success and happiness.