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


Join us in this inspiring history class designed for teen girls, where we will explore the rich heritage of Islam and gain the confidence to navigate the future by learning from the past. 

The history of the Muslim world has been shaped by the rise and fall of several powerful and influential caliphates that expanded across vast regions, impacting culture, politics, economics, and religion. In this inspiring history class, we will explore the struggles, triumphs, and achievements of the Muslim Ummah across history and discover how learning about these shared experiences fosters a sense of community and responsibility toward our fellow Muslims. 

We will journey across the lands and peoples that Islam has reached, and across past Muslim time periods, from the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Umayyads and Abbassids to the Mughal and Ottoman periods. Along the way, we will highlight key moments, achievements, and lessons that have shaped our history and offer inspiration for understanding who we are as an ummah and making a meaningful impact in our lives and beyond.



Class Outline


Week 1: The Birth of Islam and the Early Caliphate 

In this first session, we will explore the birth of Islam and the early caliphates, starting with the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the key tenets of Islam. We will examine the rise of the Islamic state, including the migration (Hijrah) to Medina and the establishment of the first Muslim community, followed by the leadership of the Rashidun Caliphate, its expansion, and key events such as the Battle of Yarmouk and the first civil war (Fitna). The session will conclude with a discussion on the legacy of the Rashidun Caliphate and its influence on Islamic governance and theology. 


Week 2: The Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates 

In Session 2, we will delve into the expansion and cultural development of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. We will explore the Umayyad dynasty’s vast empire, from al-Andalus (Spain) to India, and its political reforms, followed by the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate, which ushered in a Golden Age of scientific, philosophical, and literary advancements. The session will also cover the decline of the Abbasids, the fragmentation of the empire, and the Mongol invasions, concluding with a discussion on the lasting cultural legacy of the Abbasids. 


Week 3: The Ottoman Period: Rise and Golden Age 

In Session 3, we will explore the rise and Golden Age of the Ottoman period, beginning with its origins in Anatolia and the conquest of Constantinople under Sultan Mehmed II. We will examine the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, highlighting the empire’s political, military, and cultural achievements, and its role as a center of Islamic power. The session will also cover the causes of the empire’s decline, including internal issues, military defeats, and European expansion, followed by a discussion on the Ottoman period’s lasting significance in world history. 


Week 4: The Mughal Period 

In Session 4, we will explore the rise and influence of the Mughal period in South Asia, beginning with its foundation by Sultan Babur and the height of Islamic rule under Emperor Aurangzeb. We will examine Mughal contributions to art, architecture (such as the Taj Mahal), culture, and the spread of Islam, as well as their role in governance, agriculture, and the economy. The session will also cover the period’s decline due to weak leadership, succession disputes, and the rise of British influence, followed by a discussion on the Mughal period’s lasting impact on world history. 


Week 5: Safavid Period and the Modern Islamic World 

In this final session, we will explore the impact of the Safavid period, including its cultural contributions such as advancements in art and architecture. We will then examine the influence of European colonialism on the Muslim world, the rise of modern Islamic states, and the challenges they face in balancing modernization, secularism, and Islamic governance. The session will conclude with a reflection on the enduring legacy of Islamic civilization, from its contributions to science and philosophy to its continued influence on the contemporary world.


  • I liked that it was easy to understand and was very informative, I learned a lot.

  • I liked learning about the different Islamic civilizations

  • I liked everything....I learned so much Allhamdulillah! May Allah reward Anse for her efforts

  • I liked learning more in detail about our history. It was all great

  • I liked the teaching style/activites

  • I liked the fact that it was a Islamic History class because I’ve never taken one before. I wished it was longer. It was a very good class.

  • I liked learning about history and culture. These classes are really fun!

Class Activity Materials

Pen and paper for note-taking 

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM Central Time 

Session dates: April 15 - May 13

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

Certificates of participation are available upon request.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

The Muslim Historical Landscape: A Timeline of Islamic Civilization

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.