Anse Leila Anwar Pačariz serves as a Sīra instructor at the Ribaat Academic Institute. She graduated from First Bosniak High School and currently studies at the Faculty of Islamic Sciences in Sarajevo. Anse Leila holds an ijāza in Qur’an recitation Hafs ‘an ‘Asim and an ijaza in 40 hadith of Imam Nawawi.
Anse Leila’s introduction to Rabata came during the Pilgrims at Home competition many years ago. Now, she runs Rabata’s affiliate in Bosnia, a women’s association named Halka – which means circle and is the name for the traditional Bosnian door opener. The word Halka signifies the importance of bringing people together and opening the door for everyone with good intentions. Since 2004, she has continuously run Quran classes in Bosnia, welcoming students who are tremendously passionate about learning the Quran. Together with fellow Rabata and Ribaat enthusiasts, she hosted Dr. Anse Tamara Gray and a few of her students in Sarajevo in 2018.
Anse Leila was born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she still lives and works today. She is a single mother of two young women. Her eldest is studying to become an agricultural engineer and is planning to help build back the economy of Bosnia. Her younger daughter is in school, working hard and dreaming of becoming a doctor of Sharīʿa, to stand strong with Muslim women on the path of knowledge and independence. Anse Leila enjoys making colorful spreadsheets and reading reports.
Anse Leila began teaching Sīra at Ribaat in 2023 along with leading a Rabata Halaqa. She also serves as the Operations Manager at Rabata, a role she took on after 15 years of work in the humanitarian field.
