This is the second interview for “Irada”, a series about Islamic studies circles that are led by African-American or African descent Muslim women. Irada (إرادة) is a term that means “will” and signifies the determination to reach the Beloved (God) through spiritual effort, or the aspiration of becoming beloved by God by fulfilling what pleases Him.”1 To read the introduction to the series, click here.
Tahira Wellman & Masjid Muhammad of Atlantic City’s Sisters Group
In recent months, Ustadha Tahira Wellman has spearheaded the establishment of a study circle for Muslim women as part of the Masjid Muhammad of Atlantic City’s Sisters Group. The group aims to foster spiritual growth and accountability among its participants, focusing on supplicating after Fajr prayers and memorizing the abbreviated creed, known as the Aqida Matn. By building a deep and sincere sisterhood, the circle seeks to create a supportive environment for spiritual development.
Ustadha Tahira explains that the motivation behind organizing this study circle is to encourage spiritual improvement and accountability among sisters. The current focus of the circle is to instill the habit of supplicating after the Fajr prayer using specific invocations and supplications from the Quran. Additionally, the group is dedicated to memorizing an abbreviated version of the creed, known as the rightly guided creed, to understand its principles and maintain a consistent habit of invocation.
The study circle provides a space for women to study Islamic teachings, addressing the lack of opportunities for women compared to men. Participants have reported feeling inspired, supported, and experiencing reduced anxiety, depression, and loneliness through their involvement in the study circle. The sense of peace and tranquility gained from starting the day in a mindful and observant manner has been a significant benefit for many women.
Ustadha Tahira shares personal anecdotes, highlighting that some sisters have started filming their reflections on Islam, reading Islamic studies-related books out loud, and memorizing more duas. The study circle has fostered a sense of personal and spiritual improvement among participants, with more long-term reflections expected in the future.
The impact of the study circle on building a sense of community and sisterhood is profound. Ustadha Tahira emphasizes the depth and sincerity of the connections formed, which help overshadow egotistical tendencies such as competition and measuring oneself against others. The intentionality and sincerity of the sisterhood created through the study circle are key aspects of their success, providing a platform for genuine connection and mutual support among women.
Inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for women from diverse backgrounds and levels of knowledge are challenges that Ustadha Tahira acknowledges. The focus of the circle is primarily on uplifting and spiritually developing African American Muslim women, who have been underserved in terms of access to quality learning and resources. However, the study circle includes a few non-African American sisters and is open to anyone interested in learning consistently.
To accommodate different levels of knowledge, Ustadha Tahira encourages participants to memorize the English translation of texts and provides repetition of Arabic recitations at a slower pace. The goal is to encourage participants to strive for memorizing texts in Arabic, even if it takes time, while also making the material accessible in English for those who need it.
The Masjid Muhammad of Atlantic City Sisters Group, under the guidance of Ustadha Tahira, has shown significant promise in fostering spiritual growth, personal development, and a strong sense of sisterhood among its participants. As the circle continues to evolve, its long-term impact on the lives of the women involved remains to be seen, with the hopeful expectation of even greater benefits and deeper connections in the future.
Tahira Wellman, M.S., is an advanced practicing inpatient internal medicine PA at Montefiore Medical Center with 18 years with experience in the fields of internal medicine, Electrophysiology and general cardiology, medical oncology and clinical research. She is currently completing a second masters degree in Islamic Religious Leadership at Boston Islamic Seminary, after receiving a full scholarship as a MAS fellow and studies traditionally with Imam Amin Muhammad of Masjid Muhammad of Atlantic City, in the sciences of Aqidah/Theology and Hadith. She serves as a hospital chaplain and interfaith liaison with The Bridge of Faith as well as Hackensack University Medical Center, part-time. Her educational background includes: Wellesley College, BA in biological science; Rutgers University, M.S. as a certified Physician Assistant, Boston Islamic Seminary, MIRL (Masters in Islamic Religious Leadership); Brandeis University, Middlebury College School of Languages, traditional studies with Imam Amin Muhammad of Masjid Muhammad of Atlantic City, Fajr Center – Cairo, Egypt and Al Albayt University, Mufraq, Jordan for the study of Arabic Language/Grammar and Aqidah. She is the proud mother of two sons, 27 and 25 years of age and resides in Westchester, NY.
Contact Ustadh Tahira at CityTwellman21@bostonislamicseminary (.) org for chaplaincy/interfaith related career interests or interest in joining a listserve for notification of halaqah information and educational events at Masjid Muhammad of Atlantic City.
Akanke is an Atlanta native raised in a secular household who embraced Islam in 1994. She has a Communication degree from Georgia State University with concentrations in film, TV, and cultural anthropology. She has cultivated a multidimensional career spanning media as a TV/radio producer, empowerment life coaching certification, abstract painting exhibitions, public speaking coaching, leadership training, and voiceover artistry serving clients globally. Since 2007, she has worked with MANA, progressing from volunteer roles to her current dual leadership positions as Board Vice President, steering organizational strategy, and part-time Communications Director, crafting impactful storytelling campaigns.
