Introducing our RIDHA framework: An aid for Self-Determination and Healthy Sexual Relationships
We believe that centering the concept of ridha -- fullness of choice -- is the best way to honor a Muslim’s right to fully consent and be in control of their sexual health decision-making.
“Ridha” is also reminiscent of the self determination that women practiced during Prophetic times. the RIDHA framework as a useful aid to identify healthy (sexual) relationships that are rooted in choice, consent, pleasure, communication, and spiritual well-being. Indeed, many Qur’anic verses and Prophetic hadith emphasize these values as central to ethical human interaction. We hope that this framework will inspire an approach to decision-making that will help guide you in your intimate relationships.
As an offering from HEART tfor Ramadan, 30 HEART is an invitation to slow down and reflect. Each day includes a Qur’anic anchor, one tangible practice, and guided reflection, rooted in justice, mercy, intention, and collective care.
This zine encompasses a series of essays, and poems, and original artwork that came out of a deep dive into my personal history, including my birth and lineage.
This has been an interesting process, one that I began by interviewing my mother. The most effective way of doing this was by asking one question and letting her speak freely; my mom is someone who loves to talk, which was to my advantage for this project. I wrote down every single word she said; another way of effectively doing this would be recording the conversation.
After our conversations I read through my shoddy transcripts for patterns and things I found thought-provoking or moving.
This project is a manual for fathers to build a healthy and strong attachment to their birthing partner and the child. The manual consists of nine modules starting with the role the father has Islamically within the birthing context to offer support to their partner and child. The module takes fathers through various topics to prepare them for their role. The modules equip them with the knowledge to feel confident as they offer support. This is designed to be used as both stand alone modules and as a full spectrum offering for those looking for a more comprehensive approach. The curriculum is in the development phase and will be previewed as an outline for today’s symposium. This project is now in a collaboration phase, so interested folks are welcomed to contact Mariam directly at mariamcoker@gmail.com.
This project is a monthly book club for Muslim women in Central New York. Participants read books by Muslim writers and meet for facilitated, participant-driven discussions that connect the readings to lived experiences. The first book covered is Blood Feast by Malika Moustadraf. It is a short story collection examining “the gendered body, social class, illness, double standards, and desire, as lived by a diverse cast of characters” within contemporary Moroccan society. Purchase the book here and use the attached reading log to support your reading journey!
Printing Instructions: Print double sided and fold as booklet.
From Safa to Marwa: An Islamically Motivated Guide to Postpartum Guide, is a self-paced guide for people experiencing postpartum. The guide honors the person experiencing postpartum over the arrival to postpartum by centering and encouraging oneness of self and connection to Allah through evidence-based information, interactive prompts, and stories from Islamic tradition. If you would like a physical copy of the zine, please reach out to Sadiyah at sadiyah.bash@gmail.com.
There is a clear gap of research exploring the U.S. Muslims and their experiences in managing systemic reproductive oppression. Without identifying the issues, how can healing begin? The present study aims to explore how queer Muslims engage with reproductive justice.
Through a series of semi-structured interviews with queer Muslims across the United States, we (1) explore how queer Muslims engage with reproductive justice work in their every-day lives, and (2) identify recommended areas of support for queer Muslims.
Participants were asked to bring 2 photos to describe their reproductive story. They were also asked to make a duaa for Queer Muslim communities. Below are instructions adapted from those activities. Please feel free to download them and use them with credit to Radia and if you wish to connect with her about her research, she can be reached at rmchab2@illinois.edu.
"With Allah As Your Guide” is a short, intimate zine created for Muslims navigating abortion and pregnancy loss. Informed by Ja’Loni’s direct experience as an abortion doula amidst increasing criminalization in the U.S. South, this guide offers practical, spiritual, and emotional companionship. This resource is an act of community care, reclaiming the narrative of reproductive choice as an expression of faith and trust in Allah’s plan.
