Anse Dr. Tamara Gray

Executive Director at Rabata

Anse Dr. Tamara Gray is the founder of Rabata, an organization dedicated to promoting positive cultural change through creative educational experiences. She holds a doctorate in leadership from the University of St. Thomas, a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory and Instruction from Temple University, and spent twenty years studying traditional and classical Islamic sciences, Quran, and Arabic in Damascus, Syria. Dr. Gray worked in the field of education for twenty-five years before moving into the non-profit world. She is now both the Executive Director of Rabata and its Chief Spirituality Officer. Her work includes the daily nitty gritty of project design as well as the support and mentorship of hundreds of women around the world. Dr. Gray is also an author, translator, and public speaker. Her publications range from several culturally appropriate English language curriculum programs to translations of sacred texts. Dr. Tamara’s most recent work is the translation of Mukhtasir al-Jami’ fi al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya by Samīra Zayid [Compendium of the Collection of Sources on al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya] (Co-translator). Her book, Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart, is in its second print. Dr. Gray is often engaged to speak about issues of gender, leadership, Islam, and spirituality; locally, nationally and globally. Some of her platforms have included the International Leadership Association, the World Parliament of Religions, the Islamic Society of North America and several universities, including Princeton, Virginia Tech and Oxford University. She sits on the board of the Collegeville Institute’s Inter-religious Fellows Program, working to develop educational programming for faith leaders around social justice issues and on the academic council of The Islamic Seminary of America where she is also a faculty member. She serves as a council member at the Fiqh Council of North America and Senior Fellow at the Yaqeen Institute. Dr. Gray lives in Minnesota where she enjoys coffee, the seasons, and her grandchildren.

Anse Eamaan Rabbat

Education Director

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 Fara Rasiman

Youth Program Education Administrator

Anse Fara Rasiman serves as Rabata’s Youth Program Education Administrator, which includes the RabaTEENS and Dragonflies programs. Hailing from the culturally rich and humid landscapes of Malaysia, Anse Fara lived in Australia for a few years in her 20s, before moving back to her home country. Seeing herself as a global citizen, Anse Fara's career has spanned various sectors, including startups, sustainable energy, and nonprofits, touching lives across the Asia-Pacific, European, and North American markets. Despite this, her passion lies in volunteering and working on community projects. Anse Fara’s professional and volunteer experiences, including impactful work with organizations like the Cancer Council New South Wales, Camp Quality Australia, and Habitat for Humanity Australia, paved the way for her engagement with Rabata. Beyond her role, she also volunteers as Rabata's Social Media Coordinator and a Ribaat Course Admin. Outside of work, Anse Fara is a student of accomplished teachers specializing in Quran and hosts a halaqah group for Muslim women to gather weekly to learn about the Sira, Tafsir, and Al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith and Riyad as-Salihin. Looking ahead, Anse Fara aspires to build impactful leadership and volunteering programs for the youth at Rabata, while she works towards achieving her Quran Ijāza and continues on the path of memorizing the Quran.

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.

Anse Eva Sasa

Anse Eva P. Sasa is passionate about learning and dedicated to fostering a love of knowledge in others—whether her own children or other youth and students. She has homeschooled her children, and has taught in a variety of settings, including Islamic schools, cooperatives, online classes, and 4-H programs. Anse Eva holds a B.A. in Italian Studies, a B.S. and M.S. in Holistic Nutrition, as well as Montessori diplomas in Early Childhood, Lower, and Upper Elementary education. Additionally, she has earned graduate certificates in International Relations and Nonprofit Management and is a certified Reflexologist, Aromatherapist, and Childbirth Educator/Doula. Currently, she is completing her certification in Unani Tibb Medicine at BEarthschooling and is pursuing her Ribaat teaching certification, focusing on Tajwid and Arabic. Anse Eva is actively involved in volunteer work, especially with teens, and is passionate about supporting them as they grow into adulthood, saying, "Teens are our future, and Allah has equipped them for this journey. Our job is to support them by helping them build the tools they need for their minds and hearts to transition into adulthood."

Anse Najiyah Maxfield

Anse Najiyah Maxfield, writer and educator, currently serves as Head of Publishing at Daybreak Press. She dedicates her time to teaching courses on creative writing and public speaking and leading Rabata’s Project Lina workshops. She also taught English and history in the US and the Middle East and holds a Ribaat Teaching Certificate and a Dare to Lead Certificate. She was the Managing Editor of Discover: The Magazine for Curious Muslim Kids from 2012 – 2015. Anse Najiyah 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. She is the author of many articles, poems and short stories. Her young adult novel, Sophia’s Journal, is an award-winning time-travel adventure that explores themes of inclusion and identity and is being taught in several schools across North America.

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.

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 Dr. Farhana Yunus

Anse Dr. Farhana Yunus is a lifelong student of sacred knowledge. She has completed the Ribaat Teacher Certification through the Ribaat Academic Institute, completed Bayyinah Access 1, 2, and 3, studied the Ajroomiyah with Qutoof Academy, completed tajwīd and studied the Jazariyyah with Rahman School of Orlando, and studied with Islamic Online Institute with the Islamic Circle of North America Sisters Wing. She has been teaching Tafseer of the Quran for over 10 years and currently runs a study circle for women of Quran Tafseer and Seerah. She also organizes the women’s Annual Spirit Retreat, has served on the Muslim Womens Organization Board, and is a Girlscout Troop leader. She joined Ribaat as an instructor in 2021, and also teaches for both the Rabata youth programs, RabaTEENS and Dragonflies.

Anse Umeda Islamova

Anse Umeda Islamova serves as the current Communications Manager for Rabata. She completed a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Business. Anse Umeda has extensive experience in business, ranging from university commercialization and tech startup to retail and business consulting. She founded The Dua Journal in 2017, a global Islamic stationery brand. Upon building her brand, she discovered the rich world of Muslim female scholarship and Dr. Anse Tamara Gray. She has been a student of traditional Islamic education since 2018. Anse Umeda also serves as a RabaTEENS instructor and Rabata Padawans halaqa teacher. Locally, Anse Umeda can be found running halaqa for Muslim women from the masjid and university community.

Anse Afshan Malik

Anse Afshan Malik currently serves as Rabata’s Director of Development, and previously as Program Manager from 2017 – 2019. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Northeastern Illinois University and an MA in Nonprofit Management from the University of Houston-Downtown. She graduated in 2020 as part of the first Ribaat Academic Institute cohort for the Islamic Studies Teacher Certificate. In nonprofit work, Anse Afshan always seeks opportunities to expand her skillset, through which she benefits and leads Rabata’s fundraising strategies. With this objective in mind, she received certificates in social media marketing management and in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. When not researching grant proposals and writing reports, Anse Afshan likes to indulge in Dr. Pepper, afternoon naps, and historical fiction. She is a Chicago native but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and five children. She is the author of a young adult novel titled Pieces, which tells the story of a close-knit family dealing with the struggles of adolescence, mental illness, and change, published by Daybreak Press.

Anse Fadiyah Mian

Masjid Rabata is honored to be under the leadership and guidance of Imam Anse Fadiyah Mian, New Jersey mother of four, tajwid instructor, and educator. She grew up in Michigan with her three sisters who were raised in a family that valued Islamic learning, spiritual tarbiya, and community care. Anse Fadiyah embarked on the journey of a lifetime over twenty years ago to study Islamic sciences in the blessed city of Damascus. She completed her training in tajwid and received her ijaza from the late Shaykh Muhyi-al-Din al-Kurdi. It was during this transformational time in Damascus that Anse Fadiyah also met Anse Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray and studied under her and other female scholars. Anse Fadiyah is part of the first alumni cohort at the Ribaat Academic Institute who graduated in 2020. She also received an ijaza in the 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi. She is an enthusiastic teacher for the Rabata Dragonflies and RabaTEENS youth programs. In her local spaces, she nurtures both animals and humans, showing love and care to all of Allah’s creations. Anse Fadiyah also leads women’s halaqat and volunteers as the Rabata New Jersey chapter lead.

Anse Nishat Lal

Anse Nishat Aisha Lal was raised in Cardiff, Wales. A born Muslim of Indian descent, she began studying Arabic at age 14, which was her springboard to receiving Bachelor’s degrees in Arabic and History from the University of London. She then traveled to Syria for her third year of study, where she met Anse Tamara Gray, earned her ijāza in tajwīd and studied at the University of Damascus. Upon her return to England she earned a Master’s degree in Arabic Translation from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, after which she got married and now has three children. Anse Nishat has taught both Arabic and tajwīd online extensively as well as in person. “Learning Arabic is the key to the vast treasures of Islam, and I’m excited to help students begin their journey into the Qur’an and other Islamic texts with confident foundations.” Anse Nishat has been teaching Arabic with Ribaat since 2014. She also works with tajwid students one-on-one as part of the Quran Program and teaches Sira in her local community. She is a wife and mother of three kids. She loves to sing and make desserts!

Anse Marlene Poulin

Anse Marlene Poulin is French Canadian, and mother of 3 wonderful daughters. She is a jack of all trades, which has led her to pursue many paths. She graduated with a degree in community organization and is currently in the process of completing the Ribaat teacher’s certification. Anse Marlene is an entrepreneur, was a store manager for many years, an early childhood educator for more than a decade, and is now working in the field of home improvement. Anse Marlene loves teaching, nature, and taking on new projects with new challenges.

Anse ‘Alimatunnisa Abdul Ghani

Anse ‘Alimatunnisa Abdul Ghani was born and raised in Singapore. She studied Arabic and Islamic sciences at Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah for 12 years. Afterwards, she travelled to Damascus, Syria once completing her GCE A-Level to pursue her bachelor’s degree from Abu Al Nour University in the Faculty of Islamic Da’wa. Anse ‘Alimah spent four years in Damascus, Syria and one year in Beirut, Lebanon learning from various scholars, both male and female. She considers Damascus her hometown; a place where she found profound spirituality and amazing upbringing. She is now back in her home country Singapore and enjoys sharing the gems she has gained from her teachers with her community. She has experience in teaching Islam to students of various ages and backgrounds, including students with learning differences such as Autism, Down Syndrome and ADHD. She enjoys working with youth and adults alike - those who are new to Islam or learning more about the sacred sciences.

Anse Dr. Elizabeth Eman Penny

Anse Dr. Elizabeth Eman Penny grew up in Oxford, England and studied in Cambridge university, London and Leicester (she liked to study!). Her passion for equality and human rights led her from politics to Islam as a student; she converted to Islam in 2000. She has been a qualified clinical psychologist for 18 years, now working as a consultant in the NHS. Anse Elizabeth lives in Birmingham UK. She is a mother of three and in her spare time enjoys exercise, coffee, baking and travel. She first met Anse Dr. Tamara Gray in 2015 and remembers it felt like coming home. Since then she has been a student at ribaat, UK rabata helper, run on-line joy jots bookclub and 2024 Halaqa teacher.

Anse Dr. Hena Syed-Sabir

Anse Dr. Hena Syed-Sabir is a Yorkshire born, mother of three, currently residing in Birmingham UK. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Sheffield and is a clinical psychologist currently working in paediatric intensive care but has specialist knowledge of children and youth mental health. She took up taekwondo in recent years and is now a blue belt. She is also a cat mum of two cats who dislike each other - Coco and Lola. Anse Hena has worked with Rabata for a number of years supporting Rabata UK and is a co-facilitator of the Joy Jots book club.

Ustadha Robina Din

Ustadha Robina Din - the founder of Mystic Beats, first developed her passion for singing when she was only 8 years old performing a variety of naats at her local Urdu School. Since then, her journey continued and at the age of 18 years, she started to explore the path of Islamic Sufi Mysticism which led her to develop an interest into playing the Daff frame drum. She was soon noticed by her peers who encouraged her to teach Inshaad and the Daff drum and this led to the birth of Mystic Beats. Through Mystic Beats, Ustadha Robina has been providing vocal skills sessions in several languages and Daff frame drum workshops for more than 15 years in person throughout the UK and online across the globe. Since Covid-19, she started delivering several online workshops on a small group basis to help people to connect around the globe, and to support those who feel isolated - some psychologists argue that Drumming is better than anti-depressants!

Anse Nawar Taleb-Agha

Anse Nawar Taleb-Agha was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. On one of her first visits to Syria, she was introduced to a tajwid teacher and worked swiftly to receive an ijazah in the Hafs recitation from the late Shaykh Abu Al-Hassan Al-Kurdi (may Allah have Mercy on him.) While studying tajwid, she fell in love with Damascus and began to visit more frequently until she moved there for three years to study Arabic, Tafsir, Fiqh, Hadith Sciences, and more. During that time, she also memorized the Qur’an and received an ijazah from Shaykh Muhammad Nizar al-Kurdi. Anse Nawar has been teaching tajwid since her first ijazah in 2003 and began teaching with Ribaat in 2015. She also serves as the Ribaat Tajwid Coordinator. Anse Nawar holds a BA in Linguistics from UC Berkeley and an MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) from San Francisco State University and has been teaching ESL at local language centers and community colleges since 2013. She lives in California with her husband and enjoys indoor gardening and crochet.

Anse Asma Habal

Anse Asma Habal is a dedicated educator who is passionate about inspiring and motivating people. She has an Ijazah in the Hafs recitation of the Holy Quran and has studied several Islamic science subjects. For over 15 years, she has been teaching teenagers and children in Syria and Canada as a Quran and Islamic studies teacher. Anse Asma is also a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and a mindful eating educator. She graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and earned a Project Management degree from the University of Toronto. With over 15 years of experience in the health industry, she started her career as a Health Project Coordinator at the United Nations. Currently, she works as a Program Manager at a non-profit organization based in Toronto. She also offers interactive workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements on various Holistic Health and wellness topics. Anse Asma loves yoga and believes that food is a powerful tool that can make us feel healthy, strong and happy!

Anse Miski Dayib

Anse Miski Dayib is a Somali-American, Minnesota-born-and-bred, life-long learner. She graduated with a degree in Nutrition Studies from the University of Minnesota-TC in 2021 and has since worked as a public health nutritionist and health disparities researcher. She has extensive experience in type 2 diabetes research, with a particular focus on the development of culturally-competent interventions for patients with limited English proficiency. Her other academic interests include nutritional biochemistry, public health, and community medicine. Anse Miski began her Islamic Studies education through Abubakar As-Siddique Islamic Center (AAIC) Dugsi based in Minneapolis, where she was a student of Quran memorization and tajweed. She then went on to graduate from AAIC Institute with a two-year degree program in the foundational Islamic Sciences in 2016. Currently, Anse Miski continues her studies with local teachers and is an incoming student of Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui’s Suhba Seminary program as well as Ribaat Academic Institute with a focus on tajweed. She began teaching at Rabata in the summer of 2023. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, and sampling good-quality matcha.

Anse Fartun Elmi

Anse Fartun Elmi is originally from Somalia and a current resident of Minneapolis. Anse Fartun loves traveling, hiking, learning and being outdoors. She is currently in graduate school learning counseling and psychological services. Her motto is, 'helping others is wonderful.'

Anse Arwa Ghabra

Anse Arwa is a pharmacist currently living in Maryland with her husband and 2 children. She grew up in West Virginia but spent her summers in Damascus, Syria where she received her Ijaza in Quranic Recitation. She also studied Arabic, Fiqh, Islamic history, and Hadith during her time in Damascus. She is currently a Tajweed instructor at Ribaat Academic Institute and Head of the Rabata Maryland Chapter.

Anse Dr. Mona Islam

Anse Dr. Mona Islam has been deeply engaged with the American Muslim community on various levels for the past thirty years. Her greatest passions and areas of contribution lie in developing Muslim women and youth. She is an avid advocate of female scholarship. A committed lifelong learner, Islamic Studies teacher, and tarbiyya facilitator, she has studied under Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavaci and with Shaikha Dr. Hanaa Gamal closely, among many others. She currently serves as vice president of the Multicultural Center in Houston, a leading humanitarian center, where she leads the Education Department. She has founded a girl scout troop which grew to over 160 members, and a co-founder of a boy scout troop which now has over 320 members in Southeast Houston. She regularly contributes to and publishes Islamic Studies books for high school and middle school level youth. During COVID she offered over 200 online sessions for youth which included teaching the Quran cover to cover twice, seerah, hadith sciences, and purification of the heart. Anse Mona holds a Masters in Educational Administration and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. She lives with her family and five children in Houston, Texas.

Anse Shabnam Mahmood

Anse Shabnam Mahmood has her graduate degree in English with a focus on children's and British literature. She has taught at various universities and coaches a middle school literary competition called Battle of the Books; her team is the reigning champion. Anse Shabnam loves to read YA and children's literature. When not engrossed in a cup of tea and mystery, she devotes time to her second love, food! Anse Shabnam is a self-described foodie always in the kitchen trying new recipes and baking. She grew up learning about cooking and baking, writing about food for magazines, creating recipes for publication and loves teaching various regions' food histories and the culinary habits of her favorite authors. Anse Shabnam lives in Skokie, Illinois, with her family and a fish named Rumi, where she loves cooking and especially baking with her daughter for their family and community. Anse Shabnam volunteers at her masjid as the editor for the newsletter and library committee chair and teaches Seerah at Sunday School as Quran Department Head. Anse Shabnam is a board trustee of Skokie Public Library.

Anse Deeqa Hasan

Anse Deeqa Hassan is a Somali-American mother of four who has lived in the Twin Cities for over 26 years. She is also the legal guardian and primary caretaker of her beloved young adult sister Asha who has neurodevelopmental disabilities. Anse Deeqa works at the Children's Hospital of Mn as a Care Advocate Coordinator, and she is fortunate to engage in passionate advocacy for children with developmental delays and their families. She is happily married to an American convert, himself a father of five. She has recently discovered a love for gardening, coupling this with a love of cooking. Her dream is to one day be self-sufficient and grow what they eat.

Anse Sondos Kholaki

Chaplain Anse Sondos Kholaki serves as a hospital staff chaplain and a volunteer community and police chaplain in Southern California. She is board-certified with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Anse Sondos earned a Master of Divinity degree in Islamic Chaplaincy from Bayan Islamic Graduate School and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing from UCLA as a Regents Scholar. Anse Sondos is the author of “Musings of a Muslim Chaplain” (2020) and the co-editor of “Mantle of Mercy: Islamic Chaplaincy in North America” (2022).

Anse Asma Shikoh

Anse Asma Shikoh has a visual arts practice for the past 20 years in various continents. She is a Pakistani American, who has been very fortunate to have lived and worked in exciting cities. She considers her most important work done in NYC, which is female centric and celebrates amazing and strong Muslim women in America who come together to gain strength from each other, just like we do at Rabata. Her collaborative practice is based on religious and social landscapes, touching upon themes of shared identity, within an increasingly polarized world. Together, we are stronger! Anse Asma’s more recent work is about purifying our hearts in order to achieve tranquility InshaAllah. Anse Asma has a BFA degree and has taught extensively. Her work has been showcased internationally in several group and solo shows, is in important art collections and has been profiled by media including The New York Times, BBC and NPR.

Anse Azra Hasanović

Anse Azra Hasanović was born and raised in a small country in southeastern Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Being a full time mother of two daughters and three sons has inspired her to devote her time and talents to the growth of her community. She's been working as the editor of Magazine for Muslim Women "Bosnian Sumayya" for 8 years and has recently started teaching Islam in two primary schools. Anse Azra is a writer, translator, and author of Islamic books for children. Her fascination with letters and words is also visible in her paintings with motives of Arabic letters. During her studies on the Faculty of Islamic Sciences in Sarajevo, she fell deeply in love with Islamic History. Ever since then, she has been searching for jewels and pearls of the rich Islamic past. The life of the Prophet (s) and the great Muslim figures, especially women, are her main topics of interest. Trees, clouds and sounds of rivers make her thrilled, and she finds small pleasures in books, tea, and all kinds of creativity.

Anse Hanisah Lia Salleh

Anse Hanisah Lia Salleh holds a Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Biology and is currently pursuing an Ijazah in Quran memorisation as well as a teaching certification with the Ribaat Academic Institute. Her Quranic journey began in Oman, where she studied Tajwid under the guidance of a teacher from Libya whose deep love and passion for the Quran left a lasting impact on her. Inspired by her teacher’s devotion, she embarked on a path to improve her recitation and gain a profound understanding of the science of Tajwid. This pivotal experience became the foundation of her unwavering commitment to Quranic studies and her dedication to sharing this knowledge through teaching. While living in Oman, she homeschooled her children in Islamic studies, taught at an Islamic school for expat children, and hosted annual Quran recitation circles during Ramadan. She also played a vital role in organizing halaqat and other Islamic events for the expatriate community in Oman. Anse Hanisah has studied under huffadh from Oman, Libya, Syria, Malaysia, and Egypt and continues her journey towards obtaining her ijazah under Ribaat’s esteemed scholars. Beyond her teaching, she is a multipotentialite with interests in crochet, baking, journaling, reading, photography, and writing, as well as a mother to three beloved cats. She also volunteers as a Ribaat course admin for the Islamic Sciences and Arabic studies and is an enthusiastic volunteer for Masjid Rabata. Looking ahead, Anse Hanisah is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Quran teachers and hafidhas, ensuring the timeless legacy of Quranic recitation continues to flourish.

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.

Anse Dr. Roun Said

Anse Dr. Roun Said is a mental health therapist and a community-engaged researcher. She received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Dayton. She recently completed her PhD in Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, Anse Dr. Roun is pursuing Islamic knowledge as a student through Jannah Institute and Ribaat Academic Institute. As a Level 1 trained TIIP (Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy) Therapist with additional trainings in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Anse Roun’s work blends Islamic practices and Western psychology into a holistic, strengths-based approach.

Anse Sarah Ali

Anse Sarah Ali lives in Lasalle, Ontario, Canada, where she serves as the Rabata Windsor chapter lead. She is also one of our most recent Ribaat Academic Institute Graduates, receiving her Ribaat Teacher Certification in August of 2024. Anse Sarah is Rabata’s Volunteer Coordinator, where she places new volunteers in various roles within the organization. You can also find Anse Sarah at Masjid Rabata, filling many roles from admining and training to assisting new admins. She is also a veteran admin for the Ribaat Academic Institute. To round out her volunteering, she also connects with new Ribaat students as a student support representative. Anse Sarah is a homeschooling mom who loves to take walks in the cold fall mornings and enjoys reading and taking pictures in her spare time.

Anse Saffiyya Mohammed

Anse Saffiyya Mohammed was born and raised in the twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean, where she still resides. She holds a BSc. in Environmental and Natural Resource Management with a minor in Marine Biology, and currently works in sales and marketing. Her Rabata journey began in 2016, as she was searching for Muslim women’s voices in literature, online spaces, and the deen, and came across Anse Tamara and Ribaat, an answered dua, and the lifeline that is Rabata. She hopes to continue along her Rabata journey of learning, open the Caribbean chapter so other women can be part of this amazing community, learn and thrive. She aspires be a part of the rising tide of female scholars, and tell the stories of Caribbean Muslim female scholars. She enjoys reading, traveling - especially retreats and meeting diverse Muslim women from around the globe.

Anse Carla Taylor

Anse Carla Taylor currently works for Art & Wilderness Institute Community, where she leads backpacking trips, focuses on the non profit operations, and is the Director of Khulafa Al-Ard, an outdoor Islamic weekend nature program. Anse Carla is also a teacher for Rabata’s children program, Dragonflies and volunteers her time with her local library. She holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science. Anse Carla currently resides in Southern California, but was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she attended San Jose State University. She has worked in the nonprofit field for over 15 years in various capacities, which have provided her with opportunities to serve her community and beyond. When she isn’t working outside of the home, Anse Carla homeschools her 3 kids, enjoys outdoor activities with her family, and takes various classes on topics that she feels will enrich her life and the lives of those around her. In her not-so-spare time, she enjoys handwork and good conversations.

Anse Leanna Abdelmaged

Anse Leanna Abdelmaged serves as the Administrative Coordinator for Daybreak Press. 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 local mosques and centers in addition to institutes locally and globally including Zaytuna College, Bayyinah, and Ribaat. Anse Leanna has two adult children and two grandsons. She enjoys helping Muslim women learn to read the Quran, and she prays that Allah (swt) will bless us all wnith the Quran as a companion in this life and a witness to our benefit in the next.

Anse Fozia Bashir

Anse Fozia Bashir spent the first years of her life in the UAE, Pakistan, the UK, and China before her family moved to the USA. She calls herself a global citizen. Anse Fozia holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences and an MA in Geography, with a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She works as a GIS analyst for an environmental consulting company. Anse Fozia joined the Ribaat program in 2014 and, in 2024, graduated from the Ribaat Academic Institute, receiving her Ribaat Teacher Certification in August 2024. She has previously helped set up a play-based co-op for toddlers called Fitrah Co-op and ensured its smooth operation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her two kids. She homeschools one of them, while her toddler tags along for the ride. Over the years, Anse Fozia has volunteered for Ribaat in various capacities. Recently, she has been serving as an advisor for future graduates. In her spare time, she enjoys taking long walks with kids and friends, and sharing information about Ribaat.

Anse Dr. Linda Mahairi Hamadeh

Anse Dr. Linda Mahairi Hamadeh is a dedicated educator and community leader with a deep commitment to Islamic education and personal spiritual growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Secondary Science Education certification, a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Supervision, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Linda has also completed the Islamic Studies Teacher Certification through the Ribaat Academic Institute, graduating in 2020 as part of its first cohort. Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, where she currently resides, Anse Linda is passionate life-long learner, who is devoted to serving the Muslim community. Since 1997, she has been an integral part of Universal School, where she is currently the high school assistant principal. As the principal of the Mecca Center Sunday School since 2004, she has overseen its growth to over 350 students. Anse Dr. Linda is a current member of The Mecca Center’s board of trustees of seven years, where she has helped lead and facilitate multiple youth, educational, and community programs.