Rooted in a Longing for the Quran
Sarwat Khan was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, where opportunities to formally study the Quran were limited. Growing up in the American South, she carried a quiet but persistent dream: to one day read and study the Book of Allah with fluency and confidence. Today, Sarwat lives in Dallas, Texas, where she is a devoted stay-at-home mother to six children. Alongside nurturing her family, she also works as a writing coach, helping others refine and elevate their written voice.
That childhood longing for the Quran never left her. Alhamdulillah, Sarwat is currently enrolled in Tajwid 401 with Ribaat and continues her journey of deepening her relationship with the Holy Quran.
Finding Ribaat
Sarwat joined Ribaat in Fall 2022, driven by a sincere desire to improve her Quran recitation. She had long heard glowing recommendations for Ribaat from a close friend, Sakeena Ahmed. When Sarwat finally asked whether Ribaat would be the right path for her Quran journey, the answer was immediate and emphatic: yes.
Taking that step marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in her life.
Tajwid 202 became a defining milestone for Sarwat. It was the first time she formally learned the rules of tajwid in a structured and rigorous way. The course pushed her beyond her comfort zone and challenged long-held fears and self-doubt around Quran recitation.
Entering the class, Sarwat felt nervous and unsure whether she would be able to keep up or complete the course. But under the guidance of Anse Ola, she experienced something new. She felt encouraged to strive, to persevere, and to believe in her ability to grow. For the first time, Sarwat approached the Quran differently. “I approached reading the Quran with an open heart and full of hope instead of discouragement because my reading was slow and I didn’t know the rules.”
Completing Tajwid 202 left her with a sense of deep contentment. “My heart feels satisfied that Allah ﷻ gave me this opportunity with a teacher who is dedicated and knowledgeable and cares about her students.”
Growth Through Support and Sisterhood
Rather than a single standout moment, Sarwat describes her Ribaat journey as a steady accumulation of growth, encouragement, and confidence. She speaks warmly of the environment Ribaat creates: “My Anisat and my classmates have all been supportive and encouraging.” As an adult learner, she acknowledges how intimidating Quran studies can feel, but adds, “Ribaat is a welcoming space that meets you where you are in your journey.”
As a mother, Sarwat knows how easily personal goals can be placed on hold in service of family needs. Ribaat reminded her that strengthening one’s connection with the Quran is not a luxury. “Building a strong connection with the Qur’an and fortifying our knowledge of our deen is an investment in our here and in our hereafter for which we have to make time.”
Looking Ahead
Sarwat’s lifelong dream has always been to read the words of Allah ﷻ with fluency and reverence. Her goal now is to pursue certification in Quran recitation, reciting with ease and honoring the words of the Quran as they deserve. Beyond that, she hopes to help others walk this same path with confidence and love for the Book of Allah.May Allah place light in Sarwat’s recitation, baraka in her time, and make the Quran a source of tranquility, strength, and guidance for her, her family, and all those she teaches. Ameen!