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


Compared to space, our oceans are still mostly unexplored. 

Through this five-week course, Muslim teen girls will go on an adventure exploring, discussing, and learning about the wonders of ocean life—from those near the surface to deep-sea creatures buried in ocean sediments, some of which scientists are only just discovering. Students will learn how scientists have discovered these sea creatures, their specialized features for adapting to their niche environments, and the roles they play in their ecosystems. 

Blending science with spirituality, each lesson connects the unique qualities of sea creatures to the divine attributes of Allah ﷻ.  Through reflection (tadabbur) and discussion, students will deepen their understanding of Allah’s names—such as Al-Khaliq (The Creator), Al-Hakeem (The Wise), and Al-Lateef (The Subtle)—by observing His signs in the ocean’s intricate design. 

The class will also highlight the role of Muslim stewardship in protecting the Earth, encouraging students to view environmental care not just as a science topic, but as an act of faith and responsibility as khalifahs (stewards) on this planet. By learning about women in science—especially those leading efforts in marine biology, deep-sea research, and ocean conservation—students will be inspired and motivated to pursue their own interests in STEM fields and become changemakers in their communities. 



Class Outline


Week 1:  Precious Pearls

We begin our journey with the ocean’s only living gemstone: the pearl. These unique gems are true miracles of nature, in its appearance and hues that have for centuries been sought after by royalty and still remains a popular gem to date. We will learn how these pearls are formed, how they are cultivated today in modern farming methods, and how they are protected for the future. 


Week 2:  Radiant Reefs 

Reefs are the forests of the sea. From the breathing corals, to the variety of fish, these are truly unique ecosystems. This week we will learn about the importance of these ecosystems, the symbiotic relationships that exist, the threats they face, and efforts to keep them thriving. 


Week 3:  Whales 

This week we will learn about the largest animals to ever live on planet earth. From dolphins to the blue whales, we will learn incredible facts about these animals from migration to feeding habits, and family structures. We will discuss what we can learn from them and the conservation efforts to protect them. We will also reflect on the powerful story and du'a of Prophet Yunus (AS) and how his experience inside the whale connects us spiritually to these awe-inspiring creatures. 


Week 4:  Under the Sea  
 
This week, we are moving down the water column to where the light no longer reaches. We will learn about some animals that have specialised adaptation to niche environments. We will discuss how even though the extreme conditions may not appear ideal, they are necessary for their survival. How were these animals discovered, how do they survive—and how many more are there? 


Week 5:  What’s in Sand? 

Our final session takes us to the ocean floor to investigate what lies beneath the sand—Is it just sand? We will learn about benthic creatures like sea stars and recently discovered species. We will discuss that even in the deepest of depths on the ocean floor, there is still a habitat that animals need that scientists are eagerly exploring and discovering new species. We will wrap up with a group reflection on how our learning about our natural environment gives us a greater appreciation for Allah's creation, shapes our understanding of Allah’s names, and inspires us to play our part in the protection of our natural environment.  


Class Activity Materials

None 

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Mondays 4:00 - 5:00 pm CST 

Session dates: June 30th - July 28th 

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. 

Sea of Signs: Ocean Gems

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

Instructor

Anse Saffiyya Mohammed

Anse Saffiyya Mohammed was born and raised in the twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean, where she still resides. She holds a BSc. in Environmental and Natural Resource Management with a minor in Marine Biology, and currently works in sales and marketing. Her Rabata journey began in 2016, as she was searching for Muslim women’s voices in literature, online spaces, and the deen, and came across Anse Tamara and Ribaat, an answered dua, and the lifeline that is Rabata. She hopes to continue along her Rabata journey of learning, open the Caribbean chapter so other women can be part of this amazing community, learn and thrive. She aspires be a part of the rising tide of female scholars, and tell the stories of Caribbean Muslim female scholars. She enjoys reading, traveling - especially retreats and meeting diverse Muslim women from around the globe.