Our Scholars & Co-leaders
Every Sisters Umrah is founded and led by Dr. Naila Althagafi and co-led by a visiting scholar or teacher, so each journey brings its own theme and its own voice.
- Founder & initiator of Sisters Umrah retreats
- Ministry of Tourism licensed tour guide & Umrah guide
- Many years in Hajj with prominent Saudi Hajj companies
- PhD, Purdue University · award-winning dissertation
Dr. Naila Althagafi
Dr. Naila Althagafi is the founder of The Retreat and the initiator of Sisters Umrah retreats. She is a pioneer in leading these initiatives, dedicating a safe space for women on their journey to Makkah and Madinah. She comes from generations of mutawwifeen (caretakers of pilgrims) in Makkah, is a Ministry of Tourism licensed tour guide who provides Umrah guidance, and has worked in Hajj for many years with prominent Saudi Hajj companies.
She holds a PhD in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from Purdue University, and her dissertation, Muslim Women's Authority in Sacred Spaces, won a dissertation award. A filmmaker with an MFA and experience in convert care, her work has long centred on women's scholarship and creating spaces where women learn and grow together.
On every retreat she leads the programme, hosts the group on the ground and makes sure the journey is safe.
Read Dr. Naila's storyScholars who have co-led our Sisters Umrah with Dr. Naila Althagafi
Hazel Gomez
A student of the Islamic sciences and faith-based community organizer who teaches with Rabata, mentors converts and studied at Al-Azhar University. In 2021 the Center for American Progress named her one of 21 faith leaders to watch. She co-led our first Sisters Umrah.
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Zainab Ismail
Creator of Fit for Allah, which brings fitness together with the prophetic teachings on health. A former celebrity trainer who has taught trainers internationally, she co-led our Ramadan Renewal Sisters Umrah.
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Fatma Alhawsawi
With 20+ years in management, consulting, education and coaching, Fatma founded an education consultancy, led teacher development with Arizona State University and has coached hundreds, including professional athletes. She led our "Knowing Yourself" Sisters Umrah.
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Misba Khan
Co-led the Sacred Journey Sisters Umrah in January 2025, in collaboration with Sakinah Retreats.
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Dr. Jinan Yousef
Author of Reflecting on the Names of Allah and the 99 Names of Allah guided journal. She teaches the Names of Allah for SWISS and Tawasaw Institute and studies tafsir and hadith at Al-Salam Institute.
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Ustadah Razia Hamidi
An Alimah graduate and spiritual counselor who has guided pilgrims as a Hajj and Umrah guide for years, focusing on the inner and outer dimensions of worship. She led "The Journey to Allah" Sisters Umrah.
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Aliyah Umm Raiyaan
Founder of Solace UK, host of Honest Tea Talk and Sunday Times bestselling author of Ramadan Reflections and The Power of Du'a. She led "The Power of Du'a" Sisters Umrah.
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Ustadha Suzane Derani
A hafidha and educator with 20+ years in the Qur'anic sciences, trained in Damascus, holding ijazah in Hafs and the 10 Qira'at, a Master of Divinity, and experience as a Muslim chaplain.
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Ustadah Amal Albaz
A teacher of the Islamic sciences rooted in the Qur'an, completing a Master's in Da'wah with certifications in Quranic Sciences and Tajweed, and inspiring audiences worldwide for over a decade.
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Dr. Sofia Rehman
Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Leeds and author of A Treasury of Aisha bint Abu Bakr and Gendering the Hadith (Oxford University Press). She leads the Legacy of 'A'ishah (RA) Sisters Umrah.
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LáYínká Sánní
Award-winning transformation coach, leadership and change facilitator, and author of A Beautiful Homecoming. She leads the "Knowing Yourself" Sisters Umrah, 14–24 January 2027.
Join this retreatTravel with Dr. Naila and our next co-leader
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