DR. RANIA AWAAD
Dr. Rania Awaad, is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University where she is the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab. She is also the University’s Affiliate Chaplain and Affiliate Professor of Islamic Studies. In the community, Dr. Rania serves as the President and Co-Founder of Maristan, a holistic mental health nonprofit serving Muslim communities, and the Director of The Rahmah Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating Muslim women and girls. She is also faculty of Islamic Psychology at Cambridge Muslim College, The Islamic Seminary of America, and a Senior Fellow for Yaqeen Institute and the ISPU. Prior to pursuing medicine, Dr. Rania pursued classical Islamic studies in Syria.
WHAT IS FRIDAY GEMS?
Friday Gems is CelebrateMercy’s weekly live online program, which aims to further our mission to help people discover the truth about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and transform their lives through his beautiful example and teachings.
For the average busy Muslim adult, it’s a great way to maintain a consistent connection with the most beloved ﷺ of God, on the most blessed day of the week.
Part 1 (30 min) of the session is a fulfillment of the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ to engage meaningfully with the 18th chapter of the Quran, The Cave (al-Kahf), every Friday. This practice holds various virtues. English translation is shown on the screen with the Arabic verses so that it’s a meaningful experience for the audience.
Part 2 (35 min) is an inspiring and practical reminder delivered by one of our esteemed teachers on a certain aspect of the Prophet’s ﷺ life, character and teachings. This is coupled with references to relevant passages in the Quran. The topic is presented in a manner that’s applicable to one’s own life, today’s world and current events.
Part 3 (25 min) is a heartfelt discussion and Q&A between the teacher and the audience. It’s a great opportunity to foster community and support one another, no matter where a person is in their journey. Emulating the Prophetic example, prayers and encouragement are exchanged, leading to a heart softening and spiritually uplifting experience.