IQRA

A DIVINE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE

“Read in the name of your Lord who created –
Created man from a clinging substance.
Read, and your Lord is the most Generous –
Who taught by the pen –
Taught man that which he knew not.”

HOLY QURAN - 96:1-5

The word “Iqra” of Classical Arabic origin, meaning “Read,” was the first Divine Revelation bestowed by Allah upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the sacred stillness of the Cave of Hira. The first breath of the Divine word fell like rain upon the thirsty heart of the Prophet ﷺ where the seed of wisdom took root and began to grow. This moment marked the beginning of the Qur'anic revelation, a sacred outpouring that unfolded over 23 years, forming the core of Islam's sacred scripture: The Holy Quran.

At its core, the very foundation of Islam is an unwavering  pursuit of  knowledge.  A sacred quest not limited to the finite, but one that seeks the infinite, the knowledge that connects the heart to its Creator, and the intellect to its purpose.

The Women Sanctuary’s book club has been named Iqra, to embody the essence of this sacred command and to serve as an invitation to embark on this  divine quest. A quest that leads the seeker beyond words and meanings, to the eternal Source of all understanding. Through knowledge, the veils of ignorance are lifted, and the signs of Allah, embedded in the essence of all existence, are revealed to the yearning heart.

Together, we will seek understanding  and reflect upon the signs embedded in the universe. As every element of existence, from the smallest particle to the vast expanse of the cosmos, points to Allah. Every atom whispers His name, every heartbeat sings His praise, and every sunrise bathes the world in the glory of His Divine Authority.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of pleasure with what he does."

Ramadan Book Club:

“Prophetic Healing”

At The Women Sanctuary, we aim to embody the essence of Fil Harakah Barakah—a reminder that our bodies are an Amanah, a Divine trust bestowed upon us by Allah. As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ beautifully taught, “Your own self has rights over you.” This sacred trust calls us to honor and care for our bodies and spirits with deep intention and reverence.

It felt only natural for the book of the sacred month of Ramadan to be a journey toward holistic living honoring the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

At the heart of our Ramadan book club is Prophetic Healing: How to Achieve Vibrant, Holistic Health Using the Best of Prophet Muhammad’s Guidance and Modern Science.

Twice a month, we will gather with Zainib Abdullah to immerse ourselves in the profound teachings of this book and engage in enriching discussions that bring the principles of Prophetic healing to life. She will lead guided meditations and, a reflective practice centered on the date—a sacred plant of the Qur’an—and a heart-centered murāqaba session.

If you’ve been seeking a path to better health and a more mindful way of living, deeply rooted in Prophetic wisdom, this book club is for you.

Book Club Gatherings:

Session I: March 23rd 4pm CET.

Session II: April 12th 4pm CET.

Throughout the month, we will gather for two nurturing and soul-nourishing sessions. This journey is one of growth—cultivating well-being, elevating our fasting experience, and fostering meaningful connections with like-minded souls during this sacred month.

  • Muhammad By Martin Lings

    For our inaugural book club, we embarked on an extraordinary journey through one of the most foundational texts in history. Over the course of two months and four guided gatherings, we delved deep into the remarkable story of faith, revelation, and humanity.

    Widely praised as the finest English biography of the Prophet’s Seerah, the book provided us with a captivating narrative of Arabia’s history, chronicling the transformative birth of Islam and the life of its final Messenger. Through 85 concise chapters, we explored pivotal moments in the journey of Islam. Through guided writing exercises led by beloved author and writing coach Medina Tenour, we were guided to write from the perspectives of the remarkable women who surrounded and loved the Prophet ﷺ.

  • Prophetic Healing by Dr Salahuddin Ahmad

    As we step into the blessed month of Ramadan, a time of renewal and sacred devotion, we chose the book Prophetic Healing, an absolute treasure trove of wisdom. It offers practical guidance on living a holistic, Sunnah-based wellbeing, providing us with the tools to nurture our physical, mental, and spiritual health in alignment with the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

    Prophetic Healing is a gentle, accessible guide that invites us to integrate the wisdom of the Prophet ﷺ in our daily lives, cultivating wellness through prophetic traditions, mindful nourishment, and heart-centered living, making it the perfect companion during this blessed month.