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.
She leads an education foundation in Indonesia, continuing a legacy of service initiated by her late father and grandfather. In her local Muslim community, she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Community Center of Hillsboro (ICCH), supports converts, and manages biweekly halaqa gatherings. Her efforts also reach the broader Indonesian Muslim Society in America (IMSA), where she works in its Operational and Media Department and mentors its youth halaqa and Quranic reading programs.
A Serendipitous Encounter with Ribaat
Vanda’s journey with the Ribaat Academic Institute began in an unexpected way—through Anse Dr. Tamara Gray’s Tahajjud series on Yaqeen Institute. Her curiosity led her to the Rabata booth at ISNA, where conversations with Anse Eamaan, Anse Nusaiba, and Anse Saadia inspired her to enroll. What started as an intention to pursue a Tajwid ijaza as a 50th birthday gift quickly transformed into a full-fledged commitment. She found herself immersed in class after class, deepening her understanding of Arabic, Tajwid, and spiritual development.
A Love for Learning
Since joining Ribaat in 2022, Vanda has taken a wide range of courses, including Arabic, Tajwid, Training the Tongue, Purifying the Heart, Leadership and Cultural Change, and The Forty Hadith of Imam al-Nawawi. While she finds each class valuable, her top two favorites are the Quran classes and Training the Tongue, Purifying the Heart, which pushed her to reflect deeply on her intentions and actions. Her passion for Ribaat is evident—despite her busy schedule, she eagerly signed up for the Jedi Halaqa after moving up from Padawans.
When asked which Anse influenced her the most, Vanda said, “It is like when my boys ask me which one of them I love the most. I don’t think I can answer that. Each Anse gave me something different. Each one of them helped me in my spiritual journey.”
Tasting The Impact of Dhikr
Beyond academic knowledge, Ribaat has strengthened Vanda’s time management skills, enabling her to balance family, studies, and community work more effectively. The structured nature of the courses helped her develop discipline, and she found immense spiritual benefit in challenges like the Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and Salawat (sending praise and blessings on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) challenge. Reaching thousands in her count, she discovered the transformative power of consistent dhikr. “My heart felt at ease, my duas were answered, and Allah provided solutions to my problems,” she shared, describing the experience as truly remarkable.
A Journey of Grief and Growth
The past year brought an unexpected test of resilience. Vanda lost her younger brother in December, an experience that left her grappling with profound grief. She traveled home to be by his side while he was in a coma and stayed with him until he passed. This loss coincided with her most demanding semester at Ribaat—enrolled in five classes, she found herself needing to step back. She was able to complete two courses, but the emotional toll led her to take a break.
Now, with renewed strength, she has re-enrolled in Arabic and Quran classes, allowing herself the space to heal while continuing her studies at a pace that nurtures her growth. The slower approach has, in fact, boosted her confidence—her understanding of Arabic has deepened, enhancing her connection with the Quran.
We pray that she is reunited with her brother in the highest levels of Jannah, Amin!
Looking Ahead
Vanda’s ultimate goal in Islamic studies is to obtain her Tajwid ijaza (certification). As both a Quran student and teacher, she recognizes the responsibility that comes with imparting sacred knowledge. Teaching was not originally in her plan, but a promise to her former instructor who set her on this path, and now she hopes to formalize her qualifications through the Ribaat Academic Institute.
Outside of her studies, Vanda finds joy in simple pleasures—reading, cooking for her family, hiking, and camping. She has a fondness for British murder mysteries, a strong aversion to drama, and a deep appreciation for her morning coffee and afternoon tea (remember the British influence?). Raising four boys has tested and strengthened her patience, and her husband reminds her often to slow down.
Her journey is one of balance—between family and faith, service and self-growth, challenge and perseverance. Through Ribaat, Vanda continues to find strength and a path to deeper understanding. May Allah ﷻ grant her barakah (blessings) in her time and all her remarkable endeavours!
