Izzah Learning Center offers space for women to study Qur'an

Although classes are also offered for children, Ms. Abdi and Ms. Ahmed are quite clear that their priority is providing an opportunity for women to grow spiritually through close study of the Qur'an.

Both Ms. Abdi and Ms. Ahmed had the opportunity to study with Sheikha Umm Abdallah Azizah Hafez since 2009.  Sheikha Hafez has received Ijaazah (certification) on Hafs recitation from Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Akhdar who is the imam of reciters in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Through studying with the Sheikha and eventually volunteering to lead classes with other female students, Ms. Abdi and Ms. Ahmed realized that there was a real need to create a space for women to learn.

Students at the center are taught recitation by the Taqleen method, which focuses on the visual representation of correct pronunciation and recitation of Qur'anic verses. “This method is based on how the Prophet (SAW) learned from Angel Gibreel (SA). It's visual. It's not over the phone. You have to see the person, and they see you and they imitate you,” explained Ms. Abdi. The language of instruction is English in order to ensure that women from a diversity of ethno-cultural backgrounds can attend.

The center also tries to focus on the other reason women often aren't able to pursue religious studies ”“ time. Classes are offered at a variety of times during the week in order to accommodate mothers with young children, working women, and students.

Salma Abdi, no relation to Ms. Abdi, is one of the center's students and she really appreciates the center's flexible class schedule. “I find sometimes with weekend courses it is kind of hectic because I have two kids myself so having courses during the weekday when they are in daycare and in school has been great,” she explained. She also really appreciated that the center operates out of actual classrooms. “I always wanted to go to a class that is taught by sisters where it feels like you are going to school. This is exactly what I wanted. Nice desks, good facilities, good utilities, resources. It feels at home but it is very professional too,” she said.

Ms. Abdi and Ms. Ahmed are grateful for the support of the community and their families, particularly their husbands, as they worked on bringing the center from an idea to a reality. “We get a lot of support from people who understand our mission and that gives us the push to keep going even if there is a struggle. So even with the little means we have, we have been able to stand up on our feet, with the tawfiq (guidance) of Allah,” Ms. Ahmed shared.