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


In this 5-week class, students will explore the profound legacy of women’s leadership in Islam, focusing primarily on Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA), one of the most iconic female figures in Islamic history. Throughout the course, students will learn about Khadija (RA)’s extraordinary role as a businesswoman, a compassionate mentor, and a pillar of strength and support not just to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  but also to her community. They will uncover how her leadership was instrumental in the early days of Islam and how her qualities continue to inspire leadership in contemporary times. 

Each week, the class will also highlight other remarkable Muslim women throughout history who have shaped their communities and societies, including Fatimah al-Fihri, Nusaybah bint Ka'ab (RA), and Hurrem Sultan. These women, alongside Khadija (RA), demonstrate that leadership in Islam is not bound by gender, and that faith, integrity, resilience, and compassion are powerful qualities that guide women to lead with impact in all areas of life. 

This class will encourage deep reflection through activities such as group discussions, journal reflections, and hands-on leadership exercises, empowering students to understand that leadership in Islam is inclusive and transformative, and that women leading with strength and wisdom has always been a part of the Islamic tradition.   



Class Outline


Week 1: Introduction to Khadija (RA) - A Pioneer of Leadership

This week introduces the life of Khadija (RA), exploring her background, key qualities, and leadership as the first wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.  Her exceptional character as a leader is highlighted, alongside other historical figures like Fatimah al-Fihri, who founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin, and Nusaybah bint Ka'ab (RA), who demonstrated bravery and leadership on the battlefield. 


Week 2: Khadija (RA) the Businesswoman - Leadership in Action 

This week focuses on Khadija (RA)’s influential role in the Meccan economy, her challenges as a woman in business, and the leadership qualities that made her successful. Her support for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  and her contribution to the early Muslim community are also examined, alongside other historical leaders like Shajarat al-Durr, who ruled Egypt as sultan, and Zaynab al-Nafzawiyya, a prominent businesswoman and scholar. 


Week 3: Khadija (RA) as a Mentor and Supporter - Leadership Through Compassion 

We explore Khadija (RA)’s role as a mentor to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  and her support for the early Muslim community. The focus is on her compassion, faith, and emotional support during times of adversity, drawing connections to other leaders like Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA), known for her intellectual leadership, and Rabi’a al-Adawiyya, who led with love and devotion in her spiritual leadership. 


Week 4: Khadija (RA)'s Legacy - A Lasting Impact on Muslim Women’s Leadership  
 
This week looks at the lasting impact of Khadija (RA)’s leadership on Muslim women today. The session examines how her life continues to inspire and empower women in leadership, drawing comparisons to leaders like Sitti Mariam, who influenced politics in the Ottoman Empire, and Hurrem Sultan, whose leadership shaped Ottoman politics and society.


Week 5: Leading Like Khadija (RA) - Personal Leadership Action Plan 

In this final week, students will discuss a personalized action plan to apply the leadership qualities of Khadija (RA) in their own lives. The session focuses on goal-setting, building resilience, confidence, and vision, empowering students to embody Khadija (RA)’s leadership qualities, alongside examples like Sayyida al Hurra, who defended her kingdom’s independence, and Sultanah Ratu, who demonstrated leadership in diplomacy and military strategy.

Class Activity Materials

None 

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm CST 

Session dates: April 23rd - May 21st 

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. 

The Khadija Factor: Lead Like A Girl

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

Instructor

Anse Najiyah Maxfield

Anse Najiyah Maxfield serves as the Head of Publishing at Daybreak Press, Rabata’s non-profit publishing house. She brings to this role years of experience in editing for Discover: The Magazine for Curious Muslim Kids, as well as experience teaching English and history in the US and the Middle East. Anse Najiyah holds a Ribaat Teaching Certificate and a Dare to Lead Certificate. Anse Najiyah has authored many articles, poems, and short stories. Her young adult novel, “Sophia’s Journal”, is an award-winning time-travel adventure, for which Daybreak Press also produced a companion curriculum. Anse Najiyah serves as an instructor at the Ribaat Academic Institute in the areas of writing and public speaking and leads a Rabata halaqa. She also leads workshops and seminars on writing and developing your craft, as well as facilitating Project Lina workshops. Outside of teaching, writing, and publishing, Anse Najiyah can be found kayaking in the summer, crocheting in the winter, and playing “The Floor is Lava” with her delightful grandkids year-round.