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


Get ready for a five-week journey with An Acquaintance by Saba Syed — a powerful story about identity, courage, and staying true to your faith. Each week, we’ll dive into the book through thoughtful discussions, engaging activities, and guided journaling to help us reflect, grow, and connect with other young Muslimahs. It’s a chance to see yourself in a story that truly centers YOU, make new friends, explore big ideas together, and share your thoughts in a safe space where your voice matters. 

Together, we’ll explore real-life themes like faith, friendship, prejudice, and self-confidence through the relatable lens of a contemporary Muslim teen protagonist. This class will help students recognize how their experiences are reflected in literature while learning to navigate the world with resilience and compassion. 



Class Outline


Week 1:  First Impressions & Identity (Ch. 1–4)

In our first session, we’ll reflect on who we are, how we present ourselves to the world, and what it means to embrace our faith with confidence. 


Week 2:  Standing Firm (Ch. 5–8) 

This week, we’ll explore what it means to stay true to our values when others challenge them. We’ll reflect on how to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult. 


Week 3:  Trust & Transformation (Ch. 9–12) 

Transformation takes time — and trust is often the first step. This week is about showing Islam through our actions, building trust, and staying patient in the face of slow change. 


Week 4:  Hearts Opened (Ch. 13–16)  
 
Forgiveness and empathy are powerful tools for change. We’ll reflect on how Islam teaches us to respond to hurt with mercy, and how that can transform our relationships and the world around us. 


Week 5:  Closure & Reflection (Ch. 17–End) 

This week is about recognizing our own growth, reflecting on how stories shape us, and thinking about how we’ll carry our faith into our daily lives. 


  • Anse's style of teaching is amazing

  • Anse Leanna was very fun alhamdulillah!

  • I liked the positivity of Anse’s class as well as the not super serious and intimidating environment. I felt like it was very honest, and it brought me to make achievable goals and hopes.

  • I LOVE THESE CLASSES SO MUCH THANK YOU TO ALL THE ANSES

  • Love rabateens.🌸✨💓🫶🏼

Class Activity Materials

Notebook/journal

Magazines, scissors, glue, markers (optional for Week 1)

Paper, pen, and coloring materials (optional) 

Required Book



An Acquaintance by Saba Syed

Get the book: HERE

Class Day & Time

Sundays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm CST 

Session dates: September 14 - October 12 

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. 

Soulful Reads

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

Instructor

Anse Leanna Abdelmaged

Anse Leanna Abdelmaged is a retired special education teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Prairie View A & M University and later returned to school at the University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ campus for a M.A in Education. She has worked as an educator in both public and private schools for over 15 years in the U.S. and abroad. Raised in Indiana, Anse Leanna has lived in several states and countries overseas over the years. Since converting to Islam as an adult, Anse Leanna has studied Quran recitation and memorization, Arabic, fiqh, and tafsir. She has attended classes at local mosques and centers in addition to institutes locally and globally including Zaytuna College, Bayyinah, and Ribaat. Anse Leanna has two adult children and three grandsons. She enjoys helping Muslim women learn to read the Quran, and she prays that Allah (swt) will bless us all with the Quran as a companion in this life and a witness to our benefit in the next.