Empowering Muslim Women Through the Quran
In the early morning hours, as the world is still quiet, a powerful community of Muslim women comes together virtually, united by their love for the Quran and their commitment to spiritual growth. At the heart of this transformative group is Juwariyah Abdul-Quddus, a mental health counselor, mother of five, and a beacon of inspiration for Muslim women across the United States.
Rooted in a Rich Islamic Heritage
Juwariyah’s journey is deeply influenced by her family’s remarkable history. Born to parents who converted to Islam in their early twenties, she grew up in a household that prioritized Islamic education and community service. Her mother was instrumental in establishing the first Islamic school on Long Island, creating a nurturing environment for Muslim children to learn and grow.
“My parents were grassroots activists,” Juwariyah recalls. “They understood the importance of preserving our Islamic identity in a challenging cultural landscape.” This early exposure to community-driven education and spiritual commitment laid the foundation for her current mission.
A Virtual Sanctuary of Learning
What began as a small, intimate gathering has blossomed into a vibrant community of over 70 women. The virtual Quran study group meets daily after Fajr prayer, creating a sacred space for collective learning and spiritual reflection. During Ramadan, the group’s commitment intensifies, reading the entire Quran together and sharing deep, meaningful insights.
The group’s structure is both simple and profound. Participants take turns reading the Quran, with a knowledgeable sister providing summaries and contextual understanding. “It’s not just about reading,” Juwariyah explains, “it’s about understanding how the Quran speaks to our daily lives.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Connections
One of the most remarkable aspects of the group is its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. Participants join from across the United States and even internationally, including sisters from the UK. This virtual platform has created a powerful network of support, breaking down the isolation many Muslim women experience.
“Sisterhood is at the core of our group,” Juwariyah says. “We’re not just reading together; we’re supporting each other’s spiritual journeys.” The group embodies the Quranic principle of mutual support and collective growth.
A Personal and Collective Transformation
For Juwariyah, the group is a response to her own spiritual needs. As a professional, mother, and community member, she understands the challenges of maintaining a consistent spiritual practice. “I created this group as much for myself as for other sisters,” she admits. “It’s about being intentional in our worship and connecting with Allah’s words.”
The impact extends far beyond daily readings. Participants report increased spiritual awareness, deeper understanding of the Quran, and a sense of community that sustains them through life’s challenges.
Invitation to Spiritual Growth
Juwariyah’s virtual Quran study group is more than just a reading circle—it’s a movement of spiritual empowerment. For Muslim women seeking connection, understanding, and support, this group offers a transformative experience.
Interested women can join the group’s WhatsApp community, becoming part of a growing network of sisters committed to spiritual growth, mutual support, and deep Quranic understanding.
As the morning light breaks and the group begins its daily reading, it serves as a powerful reminder of the Quranic verse: “And continue to remind, for certainly, reminders benefit the believers.” (Quran 51:55).
Juwariyah is a mental health counselor and community leader from Florida. The oldest of 12 children, she was raised in a pioneering Muslim family that was deeply committed to Islamic education and community service. With a master’s degree in mental health counseling, Juwariyah works with individuals with developmental disabilities and runs a group home with her husband. A mother of five grown children, she remains actively involved in her local Islamic community, serving as a board member at the Islamic Center of Ocala and teaching Sunday school. Her passion for Quranic study led her to create a virtual Quran reading group that unites nearly 100 women across the United States, inspiring spiritual growth and sisterhood.
Akanke is a native of Atlanta who now resides in Dayton, Ohio. She has also lived in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Grenada, West Indies. She discovered Islam in 1994, and her faith, spirituality, and personal development have been the driving force in her life ever since. A graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Communication, Akanke focused on film, TV, and cultural anthropology during her studies. Her career is diverse, and her interests span various media platforms. From producing TV and radio shows to creating documentaries, coaching individuals towards empowerment, creating and exhibiting unique abstract paintings, providing public speaking guidance, delivering leadership training, and lending her voiceover talent to various projects, she strives sincerely to make a lasting and authentic impact wherever she goes. Akanke has been a dedicated supporter of MANA since 2007, currently serving as the organization’s Board Vice President. In this role, she plays a key part in shaping the organization’s vision and strategy. Additionally, she serves as the part-time Communications Director, where she excels in crafting compelling communication tools, including newsletters, articles, graphic designs, and social media campaigns. Through her work with MANA, Akanke continues to make a positive difference, using her talents and passion to uplift and inspire others.
