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


Halaqa Schedule

  • Lessons from Selected Hadith

  • Surat Al-Kahf Recitation

  • Open Q&A

Instructors

Anse Rima Makhiawala

Anse 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.

Education Director Anse Eamaan Rabbat

Anse 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.

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.

Anse Dana Nass

Anse Dana Nass is a dedicated educator who has a passion for empowering Muslim youth to become the best versions of themselves. Anse Dana has a B.S. degree in Arabic Literature from Damascus University and a Master's degree of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. In addition, she studied traditional Islamic Studies directly from famous scholars in Damascus and Rabata. She received her ijāzah in the Hafs recitation of the Quran and an ijāzah in the Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi. While serving as a board member and educational director for seven years at the Islamic Center of Northeast Valley, she led the Sunday School and numerous successful women and youth programs in empowerment, mental health support, religious identity, mentorship, community outreach, and interfaith groups. She is a co-founder of a non-profit organization, Grow Together, working to establish a mentoring relationship with young people in foster care who are disconnected from their faith community. Anse Dana loves coffee and crocheting while enjoying the beautiful view of Arizona skies.

Anse Michelle Sekusky

Anse Michelle Sekusky, an Ohio native, embraced Islam in 2011. In 2013, she enrolled in the Ribaat Academic Institute, studying traditional Islamic education under the guidance of Anse Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray. Within the Columbus, Ohio community, Anse Michelle served on the board of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for four years and actively volunteered with local masjid committees. There, she also developed a support system for and worked closely with converts for eight years. As an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, Anse Michelle is known for writing, performing, and conducting workshops across the nation. Her foundation in the performing arts, cultivated during her time in middle and high school, was further enriched by touring during her college years. She is passionate about using music to connect women of all ages to their faith through nasheed and singing. Currently, she is a proud member of the Twin City Women’s Choir and serves on the board of Her Voice Productions. Anse Michelle is the Rabata Cultural Center Manager. She remains an enthusiastic student of the Ribaat Academic Institute and actively teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies and RabaTEENS youth programs. She also contributes by supporting Rabata’s Convert Care program. In 2022, she obtained her ijaza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi. Recently, Anse Michelle joined the speakers and board of the Islamic Resource Group (IRG), where she educates the wider community about Islam.