Voices from the College

A Means of Enlightenment, Peace, and Salvation

Zaytuna is the olive tree, limited neither to the East nor to the West. It aims to spread and deliver knowledge to shine as light upon light that is linked across time to the root of Scripture. Such sacred knowledge exists to save humanity. The first command revealed to the Prophet Muhammad s was, “Recite!” (96:1). From this command, the imperative for Muslims to read and to learn was established at the very beginning. The Holy Prophet s was a teacher who instilled in his Companions, may God be pleased with them, the knowledge of spiritual development, leadership, and statecraft. His teachings are the foundation of every chain of knowledge, which is preserved to this day. These lessons are a means of enlightenment, peace, and salvation. The founders of Zaytuna College did not enter this for personal, political, or worldly gain but to obey that divine command by teaching and preserving sacred knowledge. This is a trust given to every generation to pass on to the next. In dark times, these chains connect us to the Prophet s, and his teachings are the means for reviving and rebuilding society. The Qur’an instructs us to turn to those who have knowledge to teach us. And it is an obligation for those who have that knowledge to teach it. Likewise, to support such teaching is an obligation upon the community. Let us be among those who spend in the cause of Allah during both ease and hardship. Let this be the means by which we gain His pleasure. Dr. Suhail Obaji is a member of the Zaytuna College Board of Trustees.

An Answer to a Du‘ā’

Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed to be on this journey with Zaytuna since its transformation into a college in 2009. With each passing year, I have become more convinced of how vital institutions like Zaytuna are for Islam to thrive in the West. I heard a Friday sermon several years ago in which the imam raised concerns about Muslim youth leaving their religion, and I simply could not believe it. But, unfortunately, over the years I have personally witnessed young adults who have completely stopped practicing and even a few who no longer believe in the existence of God.

We all hope and pray for our future generations to succeed in their dīn and dunyā, but this requires more than du‘ā’ alone.

I sincerely believe that the answer to that du‘ā’ is Zaytuna, a college where students receive a rigorous higher education with a strong foundation in Islam.

The Qur’anic verse, “Where, then, are you going?” (81:26) shakes me to my core. I sincerely pray that institutions like Zaytuna will be a guidepost for our future generations. Those individuals who come out of Zaytuna will lovingly practice this beautiful faith, making them the best ambassadors of Islam.

What better śadaqah jāriyah could I ask for? Dr. Farah Rana is a member of the Zaytuna College Board of Trustees.

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Finding a Spiritual Home

Six years ago, the hand of providence brought me to Zaytuna College, which became my spiritual home. I had become Muslim just a few months before, and Zaytuna provided me with a community to help me follow the path of the Almighty. At the College, I interact with many supporters— both donors and non-donors—via phone calls, emails, and travel. Each one of these conversations warms my heart, because I witness the palpable love our broader community has for this College. The support and prayers of patrons inspire all of us at Zaytuna to do our best and to be accountable for our responsibilities. At the office of public programs and outreach, we are aware of the desire of our supporters to better their understanding of Islam and other subjects. By the grace of God, we will soon address this need through upcoming programs that connect our supporters with our scholarship. I sincerely look forward to sharing this treasure chest of knowledge with my fellow brothers and sisters in the religion. Seema Duhan is the public programs manager at Zaytuna College. She currently spearheads the expansion of online learning initiatives for Zaytuna supporters.

Seema Duhan managing a recording session for the Rabi’ al-Awwal video series.