As happenstance would have it, Asma Khan, June’s Student of the Month, stumbled across Anse Tamara on social media one day, not knowing much about Rabata at the time. It didn’t take long for Asma to sign up for the free halaqa program, which opened doors for her to all that Rabata offers. Now, three years later, Rabata plays a central role in her spiritual development and continued Islamic learning.
Hooked on Rabata
Now, “hooked on everything Rabata and Ribaat,” she learned about Ribaat Academic Institute first from halaqa and signed up to study Arabic, tajwid, and select Islamic studies courses along the way. She’s already made great headway through the programs, even in the midst of managing life as a mother to two and professor at a community college.
Her first days with Rabata set the tone for her future experience. Anse Hazel Gómez, her halaqa teacher, built community that stretched across the world through Zoom. Asma learned that vulnerability could be a very effective teaching tool and found that uplifting companionship that so many come to love at Rabata.
A Dream Now Seems Possible
Her dedication throughout the past three years has allowed her to make great strides in Arabic and set her off onto the path of memorization now with Ribaat’s tajwid program, after moving from TAJ 201 through the Khitma Project. Asma approaches her studies with consistency and grace, allowing herself to work away at her goals and not feel discouraged by the inevitable ups and downs of memorization.
Asma says, “Ribaat has given me the courage to dream the biggest dream that I have ever dreamt—by Allah’s permission, I want to memorize the Quran and understand it while I recite it. I want to live by the teachings of the Quran to the best of my abilities.”
From Learning to Practice
Asma can be found throughout the week and year in Masjid Rabata’s programs, bringing life to her learning. She considers the annual Pilgrims at Home Challenge to be the highlight of her year, now having participated three years in a row. She’s amazed by how much ‘ibada that she can accomplish each day when she has a plan and is willing to forgo on some sleep.
Added joys have been the Post-Tarawih halaqa talks and The Khadija Collective Book Club with Anse Tamara. Anse’s insights in Ramadan speak to her soul and she treasures these special moments, while the book club has her back to reading books, a lost habit that she is glad to return to.
May Allah ﷻ bless the journey ahead for Asma, allow her to surpass her dreams, and make her a light for the ummah.