Ribaat Blog

On a beautiful day twenty-four years ago, in the Blue Mosque in Istanbul,  one heart found its Home. Aisha Morgan had long known that there is no one who stands between her heart and God, but at this moment, she finally felt an overwhelming sense of closeness. “It was like God told me: It’s your turn.” 
Aisha, who has won all our hearts with her achievements in Quran studies, is a graceful, gentle, and energetic lifelong learner and teacher. In her mid-seventies, she is a proud grandma, traveler of the world, and a dear friend to many. She happily shared her Quran journey with me today.

There is a beautiful month—the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, lovingly placed between a Sacred Month, Rajab, and Ramadan—that is forgotten.  Sha’ban is this beautiful month, and translated from Arabic, it means the month of separation.

Excitement for Ramadan rises, and hurried preparations swallow our time during this month. Amid our mass shopping and planning, the importance, blessings, and rewards of Sha’ban slip away from us. This neglected month is one in which we need to wake up and give it its importance, remembering it as true spiritual preparation for Ramadan. Not only is it preparation for what is to come, but Sha’ban holds its own significance. It is a month that consists of historic events, blessings of a powerful night of forgiveness second to Laylat-ul-Qadr, an invitation to purify our hearts with salawat on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and a call to increase in fasting and Quran recitation.

From Indonesia to the Pacific Northwest, Ratu Vanda Wardini’s journey has been one of devotion—to her family, community, and faith. Residing in Portland, Oregon, she is a dedicated wife and mother of four boys, having homeschooled them before they transitioned to high school. While her family life keeps her engaged, Vanda’s commitment extends beyond her home. 

I have always been passionate about education and my journey over the years has informed my role as Education Director at Rabata. The first day of school always had me lying awake the night before, unable to sleep from excitement—the anticipation of meeting a new teacher, starting a new grade, reading more books, and learning new things. As a child, my mother would lovingly refer to me as Dr. Eamaan, as I longed to one day fill that title, hoping to reach the pinnacle of knowledge. I would seek out learning in all possible ways, even jealous when my older brothers were assigned homework and I was not. Soon enough, my day came, and I remember eagerly rushing to my desk to complete my much-awaited homework.