About Us

Our Story

Get to know the sisterhood behind Banāt al-Ummah, united by faith, friendship, and a shared pursuit of beneficial knowledge.

Group photo of the four sisters

Our Background

A Sisterhood Built on Faith, Friendship, and Knowledge

Banat al-Ummah is more than a group of four Muslim women hoping to study abroad. We are sisters in faith whose friendship has grown through shared experiences, bringing our families together, playing sports, cooking for one another, attending Qur'an classes, reading, and learning together.

Our sisterhood is built on more than simply spending time together. We encourage one another to grow, remind each other of Allah, offer sincere advice, correct one another when we are wrong, and hold each other accountable with kindness and care. Through both everyday moments and meaningful conversations, we've developed a bond rooted in our shared desire to become better Muslimahs.

Although we each have our own personalities, backgrounds, and aspirations, seeking beneficial knowledge is something that brings us together. We want to surround ourselves with people who encourage us to do good, strengthen our understanding of Islam, and help one another put what we learn into practice.

In the summer of 2027, inshaAllah, we hope to take this shared commitment a step further by traveling to Cairo, Egypt, to study Arabic, the Qur'an, and Islamic sciences, followed by a Qur'an-centered retreat in Bosnia.

For us, this journey is not the beginning of our sisterhood, but another chapter in something we've already been building together. We hope to return with stronger faith, deeper knowledge, beautiful memories, and lessons that continue to benefit us, our families, and our communities for years to come, inshaAllah.

Meet the Sisters

Four Sisters. One Pursuit.

Get to know the women behind Banāt al-Ummah, their interests, aspirations, and what seeking beneficial knowledge means to them.

Portrait of Yasmine W

Meet Yasmine W

Yasmine W

Student • Seeker of Knowledge

Assalamu alaikum warahmatulallhi wabarakatu! I'm Yasmine, and I have a sincere desire to continue growing in my faith and seeking beneficial knowledge. I hope to take this opportunity to learn in an environment where I can focus on my studies, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding of Islam and the Qur'an.

What I Hope to Study

One of my main goals is to learn Arabic so I can better understand the words of Allah and connect with the Qur'an on a deeper level. I also hope to expand my knowledge of Islamic teachings, strengthen my foundation in the religion, and continue learning things that will benefit me throughout my life.

Why This Journey Matters to Me

This journey means a lot to me because I want to be more intentional about seeking knowledge and strengthening my relationship with Allah. I hope that what I learn will not only increase my understanding but also positively influence my character, choices, and the way I live each day. My goal is to carry this knowledge with me and continue growing long after the journey ends, insha'Allah.

Portrait of Annika C

Meet Annika C

Annika C

Student • Seeker of Knowledge

Assalamu alaikum! I'm Annika. I believe that seeking knowledge is a lifelong journey, and I'm excited about the opportunity to step outside my usual routine and dedicate time to learning more about my deen. There's so much beauty and wisdom in Islam, and I hope to continue discovering it through both studying and personal experiences.

What I Hope to Study

I'm looking forward to exploring the Arabic language, improving my Qur'an recitation and understanding, and learning more about Islamic history and the teachings of our religion. I hope to become more confident in what I know while remaining open to everything I have yet to learn.

Why This Journey Matters to Me

For me, this journey is about making time for something that truly matters. Being surrounded by other sisters who share a love for Islam and a desire to learn is something I look forward to. I hope to come away with new perspectives, lasting friendships, and a deeper appreciation for my faith, insha'Allah.

Portrait of Anngel J

Meet Anngel J

Anngel J

Student • Seeker of Knowledge

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah! I'm Anngel, and I'm hoping to use this opportunity to grow in my knowledge of Islam, especially the Arabic language. I want to continue learning and strengthening my relationship with Allah, while putting what I learn into practice in my everyday life.

What I Hope to Study

My main goal is to improve my Arabic so I can better understand the Qur'an, communicate confidently, and continue studying Islam with a stronger foundation. I also hope to grow in my understanding of the Qur'an and Islamic teachings.

Why This Journey Matters to Me

I want the knowledge I gain to benefit me beyond this trip, insha'Allah. One day, when I'm married and have a family of my own, I hope to share what I've learned with my husband and children and help create a home centered around Islam. More than anything, I want to keep learning, improving myself, and applying what I learn throughout my life.

Portrait of Kamilah L

Meet Kamilah L

Kamilah L

Student • Seeker of Knowledge

Assalamu'alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh! I'm Kamilah, and I'm looking forward to experiencing a new environment where I can immerse myself in learning about Islam. I believe that knowledge becomes even more meaningful when we put it into practice, and I hope this journey helps me grow not only in what I know but also in how I live.

What I Hope to Study

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the Qur'an, Arabic, and the teachings of Islam. I'm especially interested in learning from knowledgeable teachers, experiencing different approaches to Islamic learning, and developing a stronger foundation that I can continue building upon.

Why This Journey Matters to Me

What matters most to me is being able to take what I learn and reflect it in my actions. I don't want this experience to simply be something I look back on, but something that continues to shape the way I carry myself, treat others, and practice my faith. I hope to return with beneficial knowledge, meaningful lessons, and the ability to embody what I've learned in my everyday life, insha'Allah.

Group photo of the four sisters

Our Shared Hope

We hope to strengthen our knowledge, our connection to the Qur’an, and our ability to benefit our communities.

Banāt al-Ummah

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