RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


Step into the world of brilliant minds and discover the powerful legacy of Muslim scholars in this inspiring five-week course designed especially for Rabateens!

Together, we will explore how the pursuit of knowledge has always been a core part of our faith—from the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  to today. Each session will highlight a different group of scholars: early companions, trailblazing scientists, devoted spiritual thinkers, and incredible female scholars who shaped Islamic history. 

Through interactive lessons, fun projects, and meaningful discussions, students will not only learn about these role models but also connect their stories to their own lives and aspirations. Whether you love science, history, or storytelling, this class offers teens the chance to strengthen their identity, deepen their love for learning, and take pride in the rich heritage of Islam. 



Class Outline


Week 1:  Foundations of Knowledge

We will begin by exploring how Islam values knowledge, with inspiration from the Quran, the Prophet ﷺ,  and the lives of early scholars such as Aisha (RA) and Imam Malik. Students will learn how the pursuit of knowledge became a defining part of Muslim identity from the very beginning. 


Week 2:  Muslim Minds That Changed the World 

This week highlights Muslim scholars who made groundbreaking discoveries in math, science, medicine, and more—such as Al-Khwarizmi, Ibn Sina, and Fatima al-Fihri. We will explore how their legacy continues to shape the world today. 


Week 3:  The Women Who Preserved and Taught Islam 

Students will meet influential female scholars such as Zaynab bint al-Kamal and Karima al-Marwaziya, who taught hadith and shaped Islamic scholarship. We will focus on their stories to show that women have always played a central role in the intellectual history of Islam. 


Week 4:  Wisdom and Worship: Scholars of the Heart  
 
We will explore scholars like Imam Ghazali, Rumi, and Ibn Taymiyyah, who combined deep knowledge with spiritual insight. This class shows how ‘ilm and ihsan go hand in hand, inspiring students to connect knowledge with personal growth. 


Week 5:  Carrying the Torch: Today's Scholars & Your Legacy 

In our final session, we will look at contemporary scholars who continue the legacy of Islamic knowledge and reflect on what students have learned. Each student will share a final project and leave with the message that she, too, is part of this beautiful tradition. 


Class Activity Materials

Student journals or notebooks 

Recommended Readings (Optional)


1001 Inventions and Awesome Facts from Muslim Civilization by National Geographic 



Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past by Firas Alkhateeb

Class Day & Time

Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:00 pm CST 

Session dates: September 18 - October 16 

Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.


*Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. 

**RabaTEENS programs are for girls aged 12-17 ONLY. Students are required to be 12 already in order to join any of RabaTEENS programs.

Certificate of Participation

A certificate of participation will be given to students who complete the class.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

Heritage of Wisdom: Muslim Scholars Who Shaped Our World

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Aqsa Akram

Anse Aqsa Akram was born and raised in New Jersey. She holds a BA in Economics, an MBA in Finance and a Masters in Science in International Business. She is currently pursuing a Project Management certification. She started her journey with Ribaat in 2016, where she is from the second graduating class of Ribaat of 2022. She has taught for Rabata's youth program, Dragonflies, and is also an assistant for the Chapters community group, and an active volunteer for the New Jersey chapter. She serves on the Board of Director for Sakinah Institute, a New Jersey-based educational institution. Professionally, Anse Aqsa is the Team Leader, for the Health and Welfare domain, at Alight Solutions. Personally, she loves to read, keep up with her Harry Potter trivia knowledge, and connect with family and friends.