Q&A with Dr. Haifaa, Ustadha Anse Sawsan, Dr. Rania, Dr. Amina, Ustadha Maryam & Ustadha Hosai

Six distinguished teachers answer audience and online questions after a retreat about cultivating a life based on the four perfect archetypes for woman at from early Islamic history.

This question & answer sessions was during a women's retreat about defining womanhood as a Muslim woman. Watch the complete seminar at http://mcceastbay.org/womanhood

This program was sponsored by the Jannah Institute, The Rahmah Foundation & MCC East Bay. It was proudly hosted at Muslim Community Center - East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on November 28, 2021.

About the Speakers:
Dr. Haifaa Younis is an American Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with roots from Iraq. Her pursuit of Islamic knowledge initiated when she began to study with various Islamic scholars from across the United States while she simultaneously attended individual courses and lectures on subjects including Aqeeda, Fiqh, usual Fiqh, Hadeeth, and Tazkiyah (purification of the soul). Learn more about her at https://www.jannahinstitute.com

Ustadha Dr. Rania Awaad, M.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine where she is the Director of the Muslim Mental Health Lab and Wellness Program and Director of the Diversity Clinic. Prior to studying medicine, she pursued classical Islamic studies in Damascus, Syria and holds certifications (ijaza) in Qur’an, Islamic Law and other branches of the Islamic Sciences. Dr. Awaad has also served as the first female Professor of Islamic Law at Zaytuna College. Follow her on I/T: Dr.RaniaAwaad

Amina Darwish “Imamina” started as the Associate Dean for Religious and Spiritual Life and Advisor for Muslim Life in February 2021. She previously served as the first full time Muslim Life Coordinator at Columbia University. Dr. Darwish has a decade of professional experience working with Muslim community. She also brings years of experience building and serving in nonprofit organizations. Dr. Darwish brings a unique blend of understanding the different cultures within the Muslim community while staying grounded in traditional Islamic scholarship.

Ustadha Maryam Amir received her master’s degree in Education from UCLA. She holds a second bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies through Al-Azhar University. Maryam has studied in Egypt, memorized the Quran and has researched a variety of religious sciences, ranging from Quranic exegesis, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic narrations and commentary, women’s rights within Islamic law and more for the past 15 years. She holds a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and speaks multiple languages.

Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi is the co-founder of MH4M (www.mentalhealth4muslims.com), a site dedicated to providing mental health related content tailored for the Muslim community. She has served the American-Muslim community for over 20 years as a spiritual advisor, mental health advocate, writer/editor, mediator, interfaith organizer, and public speaker, covering a variety of topics including women’s issues, marriage/family, youth/teen issues, education, self development, interfaith bridge building, spirituality, etc. She currently offers monthly self-development and spiritual wellness classes with MCC East Bay Masjid. Learn more about her at http://hosaimojaddidi.com

Ustadha Anse Sawsan Imady learned traditional Islam from her female teachers over 40 years. She has a BA in English literature and a Masters in Education. During her career, she has been a teacher of English and other subjects; as well as an Academic Supervisor, writing curriculum, directing instruction, and training teachers. She was born to a Syrian father and an American mother, bridging those two worlds throughout her life. She has raised five children with her husband of 42 years. Learn more about her at http://www.peacespective.org

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