“Learn Arabic, for it fortifies and strengthens the mind” was the saying of Imam Shafi’i as quoted by one of his students. Even though Imam Shafi’i was Arab, he went and lived for years with the Bedouins in the desert in order to learn Arabic in its purest form, so that he could understand this religion in the best way.
Unlock the Depths of Arabic: Elevate Your Understanding Read More »
Born in Pakistan, raised in Chicago, Dr. Samreen Vora longed for a different spiritual experience. Allah ta’ala works in mysterious ways and while Dr. Samreen knew nothing of Minnesota, Allah set her on a path. Seven years ago, work brought Dr. Samreen to the Minnesota area and soon after, she heard about Rabata. She longed to visit, but the location felt unfamiliar and daunting. However, after the RCC opened its Arden Hills location, she knew it was time.
Student of the Month – January Read More »
As an educator, this time of the year is always bittersweet for me. While the semester draws to a close with exams, class parties, and grades, I also feel a sense of sadness for the ending of another calendar year. This season always marks for me the end of one part of my journey in this life, and the inception of the next. For me, it invites reflection, closure, and anticipation. As the calendar draws to a close, it prompts me to look back upon the experiences, challenges, and growth that have shaped me over the preceding months. It also inspires me to cast my gaze forward, brimming with aspirations, resolutions, and the promise of fresh beginnings.
Beautiful Endings and Fresh Beginnings Read More »
In 2009, NPR put out a call for essays. They wanted to know more about Muslim identity in America. What could I possibly write about? I went from being a working professional in the pursuit of a dentistry career to taking care of a preschooler, toddler, and two aging parents. That was who I was
Write with Allah as your Audience Read More »
One year ago today, you were hooked up to a dialysis machine. It was the last thing to try to keep you here. Within a few hours of it starting, I began to accept that we were going to lose you. You should have stabilized then, but I watched your numbers slowly decline. It made
What is in a year? Read More »
In the throes of world-wide isolation, Dr. Aaisha Vawda felt this separation more poignantly as she migrated across the Atlantic, from South Africa to Canada. The loss of family, friends, and familiarity left the introverted Aaisha in search of something more, but still hesitant to venture out into her new community. After a few months, her mother, recognizing her loneliness, shared the Rabata instagram page with Aaisha, encouraging her to explore the organization. Dr. Aaisha obliged and soon found her spiritual and emotional lifeline, a family away from family, a much needed space.
Student of the Month – November Read More »
To my dismay, I didn’t have another ready-made story idea burning a hole in my pocket. And when I thought of a few (really good ones, actually), a malicious voice always overrode my enthusiasm: This idea requires too much research… That one has a good premise but where would it go from there? And worst of all, You did it once, but you know you can’t do it again. The voice paralyzed me for years.
Then I remembered my red spiral notebook.
Covid-19 did not do us many favors but one of the best things to come out of that trying time was the proliferation of online methods of study. At Ribaat, we have been at the forefront of digital knowledge spaces even before that time and we find our numbers of students accessing our classes increasing every year. This is indeed a sign of more and more women seeking out knowledge and finding that online spaces to learn can be just as effective. As a teacher at Ribaat, teaching women on this online platform brings me joy. As Anse Najiyya pointed out last month, our students are of all ages, life stages and levels of knowledge.
Importance of Etiquette when Seeking Knowledge Read More »
With great joy and much confidence, the Ribaat Academic Institute announces the 2023 recipient of the Andrea Scholarship: Kori Majeed. Kori Majeed holds many titles and epithets, and soon hopes to add Ribaat Teacher, and insha’Allah one day, Ribaat Scholar to the list. Mrs. Majeed, self-proclaimed serial learner, considers education as a necessary tool in propelling all her ideas forward. She lives a life of beautiful intentionality and purpose, and as a result, she exudes faith in action. Kori works in multiple spaces, online and offline, public and personal, encouraging others to do the same.
Student of the Month – October Read More »
Passion Corner: The Quran Every year since I converted I would read through the entire Quran in English as I listened to Sh. Sudais on a CD set given to me shortly after my conversion. I would play the Arabic and follow along in English. Thanks to the transliteration, I could listen to make sure
For the love of the Quran Read More »
