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.
Student of the Month – February Read More »
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.
Loving Learning: Reflecting on a Lifetime Journey Read More »
Meet Ariel Schmid, our Ribaat Student of the Month who is on a journey to deepen her connection to Islam. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, to American and German parents, Ariel now resides in her hometown with her Palestinian husband and enjoys spending time with his extended family of siblings, cousins, and young ones. Ariel works as a strategy analyst at VITAS Healthcare, a leading national hospice provider, but her life is as much about nurturing faith and knowledge as it is about her professional endeavors.
Student of the Month – January Read More »
At the beginning of every year, Anse Tamara asks us to try and identify our personal word of the year, specifying a focus area for the year ahead of us. I love this activity, as it really helps shape my goals and aspirations.
For two years in a row, I chose the same word: taslim—complete surrender.
When Life Gives You Lemons, Take It: The Art of Submission Read More »
The story of Ribaat women echoes in the journey of our December Student of the Month, Meherun Khanom-Noor. British-Bangladeshi, Meherun’s journey with studying Islam has transformed over the years, especially as she navigated new life changes, from university studies to, now, stay-at-home mother to three. In the midst of it all, she has always been a dedicated student of knowledge, whether it be in university classes, personal learning with podcasts and reading, or now with Ribaat.
Student of the Month – December Read More »
She sat by me
Little did we know that her mother threw up that morning…
She praised her Lord unfailingly
When the weather turns chilly and the coffees turn pumpkiny, most people dream of sweaters and firesides and turkey. But at Ribaat and Daybreak Press, we dream of pencils and paper and keyboards!
Leaving a Legacy Through a Legion of Writers Read More »
Irene Mineoi’s story is a testament to the transformative power of seeking knowledge and embracing change with faith. Born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Irene has lived a truly international life, with experiences spanning Japan, Qatar, and her current home in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her diverse background is matched by a career in education, having taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and music to students of all ages for over sixteen years.
Student of the Month – November Read More »
Congratulations to Ribaat Academic Institute’s 2024 Andrea Scholarship Recipient: Vanessa Bueno!
Amidst a list of outstanding, highly-qualified applicants, Ribaat proudly presents Vanessa Bueno with this recognition, seeing her dedication and commitment to her studies and desire to continue growing and flourishing in faith and practice.
2024 Andrea Scholarship Recipient: Vanessa Bueno Read More »
As Rabi’ul Awwal closes its curtains on us, we contemplate on its lessons and the fruits of our efforts from that month. The word “Rabi'” in arabic means Spring; the season in which flowers bloom, the season of growth and renewal. As we move forward now, we ask ourselves: Have the recent Rabi’ impacted me in any way? Did I see any growth in my love for Rasulullah sallAllahu ‘alaihi wasallam? The Salawat I did, the Seerah I read, the gatherings I attended in remembrance of his birth.. Have my heart felt the change? Is this love mirroring in my actions now? Am I a better follower of Rasulullah sallAllahu ‘alaihi wasallam today..?
Active Love: The Bridge Between Loving Rasulullah ﷺ and Its Blossoms Read More »
