Born and raised in Houston, Texas, our Student of the Month is an optometrist by profession and a devoted mother of two. Angela Qasim has been practicing optometry for 11 years but made the courageous decision to step away from her career during COVID, choosing instead to focus on her family and faith.
Her journey to Islam began in college when she took an Introduction to Islam course during her freshman year at UT Austin. Guided by a childhood friend—now her husband—she embraced Islam in February 2011. Though she converted over a decade ago, she shares that it’s only in the past few years that she began to truly understand the depth of Allah’s love and mercy and the beauty of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life.
Stepping away from her career was difficult, but it ended up being a turning point. “I think that was the first time I really turned to Allah and put my trust in Him,” she reflects. Today, Angela works just once a week and dedicates the rest of her time to raising her children and deepening her connection to her deen.
Inspired by Her Children, Guided by Sisterhood
Her desire to study Arabic was sparked by her daughter. “When she started bringing Arabic homework home, I felt embarrassed that I couldn’t help her,” she says. This moment—along with the support of a beautiful sisterhood she found through her daughter’s school—led her to Ribaat. Introduced to the program by a group of mothers who had become her close friends, she decided it was time to start learning Arabic and, inshallah, to one day understand the Quran.
The Ribaat Experience
Since joining Ribaat in Fall 2024, she has completed the Novice Beginner and Novice Middle Arabic courses, both with Anse Saimah Asghar. “She’s so patient, kind, and compassionate,” she shares. “She makes sure every student feels seen and supported. She’s been such a big part of what’s made this experience so enjoyable.”
Another highlight of her Ribaat journey has been the friendships formed in class. “Some of us still stay in touch, even after class ended. We support each other outside of Ribaat, too. It’s amazing how we’re all on different paths, but there’s so much to learn from one another.”
Her long-term goal is to complete all levels of Arabic and begin the Tajwid program. Her greatest motivation? Her children. “I want to set a good example for them,” she says. “Not just to teach them what I’ve learned—but to show them what it looks like to prioritize our relationship with Allah.”
We are inspired by her dedication and pray for her and her family’s success, here and hereafter!