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Sabeel Institute
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Teachers and program leaders

Women trained to teach, mentor, and carry learning forward.

Sabeel Institute’s Houston-based teaching team brings together women trained in traditional Islamic scholarship, Qur’an recitation, education, and mentoring. In person and live online, they teach Arabic grammar, Qur’an and tafsir, hadith, fiqh, spirituality, character, and service.

Women standing arm in arm in a masjid hall

Founder

Teacher

Meet Ustadhah Sameera Shah.

Sameera Shah leads Sabeel’s educational vision. She earned a B.Sc. (Honors) in Economics from LUMS, completed her ‘Alimiyyah credential through Wifaq ul Madaris in 2009, and later completed certification in Advanced Qur’an Study and Tafsir and in Advanced Islamic Jurisprudence through Whitethread Institute.

Read Sameera’s bio

Leadership

Guiding Sabeel’s work

Teaching team

Our ‘Alimiyyah-Qualified Teachers

Ust. Sameera Shah and Ust. Mariam Sattar teach alongside the following ‘Alimaat:

What is ‘Alimiyyah?Read explanation

An ‘Alimiyyah degree is a traditional four- to six-year program devoted to the in-depth study of the Islamic sciences, including the Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic law, theology, and Arabic. Through years of structured study under scholars, graduates develop a strong foundation in the Islamic tradition — one that informs their teaching and the care they bring to sharing sacred knowledge.

Our Sacred Service Team

Learn. Reflect. Serve.

The bonds nurtured through learning and suhbah endure at Sabeel: students who studied with us over a decade ago still serve alongside us. Our Sacred Service Team brings together more than 30 graduates, students, and volunteers who sustain Sabeel through the time, skills, and care they give.

Some have faithfully carried an ongoing responsibility for years; others lend a hand during a particular program or season. We are deeply grateful for each contribution, including the quiet work that so often goes unseen.

  • Teaching & Mentorship

    Sharing sacred knowledge and nurturing our students. Graduates of Sabeel’s three-year Classical Islamic Knowledge and two-year Hikam Foundations certification programs give bayans, contribute to sacred season programs and summer youth intensives, and teach children’s courses.

  • Technology, Communications & Outreach

    Supporting our online programs and helping people connect with Sabeel through technical support, design, flyers, emails, social media, and community outreach.

  • Program & Community Support

    Caring for the many details that bring our programs to life — from preparing classrooms and supporting students to helping with events, seasonal programs, and fundraising.

May Allah accept their service and reward them abundantly.

Learn with the team

Explore current programs for women, youth, and families, offered in Houston and live online.

View Programs

Interest list

Hear about upcoming programs.

Choose the areas you care about and we’ll let you know when new programs open.

I’d like to hear about