Halaqa Description

The Rabateens Weekly Teen Halaqa is a space for teens to grow spiritually together. Teens will meet weekly on Zoom to discuss lessons from Quran & Hadith, seasonal topics, reminders of how to hold strong to our faith as we step into womanhood, and real talk about the issues they are facing on a day-to-day basis. Held on Thursday evenings, it will include a reading of Surat al-Kahf to gain the blessing of light that it brings. At the end of each session, there will be an open Q&A session.

Attendance Policy

The attendance policy for this halaqa is to be on camera, dressed and seated as if attending a class at an in-person halaqa or class. Attendees who are not on camera will be placed in the waiting room until they are  visible on camera.

Day & Time

Meets every Thursday from 6:00-7:30 pm CST

Please Note: We are on break for Ramadan and Eid, the halaqa will resume on May 4th

Halaqa Schedule

  • Lessons from Selected Hadith

  • Surat Al-Kahf Recitation

  • Open Q&A

Instructors

Rima Makhiawala

Rima Makhiawala is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Integrated Health Associates in Brighton, Michigan, USA. She completed her bachelor’s degree in sociology and religion and medical schooling at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at University of Illinois at Chicago. Her professional interests include preventive health, reproductive health, teen health and health disparities. She has been a student of Rabata since 2012, has volunteered at several international medical relief missions and enjoys reading, excellent cinema, and her Peloton bike.

Director of Education Eamaan Rabbat

Eamaan Rabbat was raised in the United States and in Syria, where she benefited from renowned female teachers of the Islamic sciences, including tajwid, sirah, hadith, fiqh, and aqīdah. After moving to the United Arab Emirates, she earned her Bachelor’s in Mass Communications with concentrations in Advertising and Journalism and later earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration. Since graduating university, she has dedicated her time to the education and upbringing of children and adults. She has held various positions in educational institutions and schools, and volunteered at various educational centers. She has been honored to serve as director of the Ribaat Academic Institute since its inception in Fall 2013 and presently serves as Rabata's Education Director.

DBP Editorial Assistant at Rabata Michelle Marie

Michelle Sekusky is an Ohio native who came to Islam in 2011. In 2013, she joined the Ribaat Academic Institute to pursue traditional Islamic education under the tutelage of Dr. Shaykha Tamara Gray. Michelle’s interest in the Quran and Arabic included living and studying in Egypt for two years. Within the Columbus, Ohio community, Michelle served on the board of Noor Islamic Cultural Center for four years and volunteered with local masjid committees for religious council, outreach, Islam 101, and youth. There, she also developed a support system and worked closely with converts for eight years. As an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, Michelle can be found writing songs, performing, and teaching workshops across the nation. She continues to be an avid student of the Ribaat Academic Institute and teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies and Rabateens youth programs. She completed her ijaza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi in 2022. Michelle helps support Rabata's Convert Care program with a reach of over 2,500 women around the world. She also enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and spending time with people she loves - especially outdoors.

Publisher Najiyah Maxfield

Najiyah Maxfield is the author of many articles, poems and short stories. Her young adult novel, Sophia’s Journal, is an award-winning time travel adventure. Anse Najiyah has taught English and history in the US and the Middle East. She spent three years as the Managing Editor of Discover: The Magazine for Curious Muslim Kids, and is now head of publishing at Daybreak Press, Rabata’s non-profit publishing company. She lives in Hutchinson, Kansas where she kayaks in the summer, crochets in the winter, and plays “The Floor is Lava” with her four granddaughters year-round. Najiyah teaches two courses with Ribaat: “Public Speaking and Community Outreach” and “Creative Writing: Raising Muslim Women’s Voices”, in addition to leading Project Lina workshops and periodic webinars on the writing craft.

Dana Nass

Dana Nass is a dedicated educator who has a passion for empowering Muslim youth to become the best versions of themselves. Dana spent her early years in the United States and returned to Syria for 16 years and studied traditional Islamic education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Literature from Damascus University. Dana returned to the United States and settled in Arizona. She immediately was drawn to community service as a board member and educational director for six years at ICNEV where she led numerous women and youth programs in empowerment, mental health support, religious identity, community outreach and interfaith groups. She recently earned a master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Life Coaching from Grand Canyon University. Dana is the proud owner of Envision Youth center, and a partner of Grow Together, mentoring Muslim youth in foster care that are disconnected from their faith community. Dana had recently joined an effort to establish the first Muslim Community Senior Center in Greater Phoenix. She enjoys continually finding ways to serve her community. Dana loves coffee and crocheting; she takes her hooks and yarn wherever she goes.