Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Each of you is a caretaker and each of you should provide quality care for what he/she cares for. The father is a caretaker of his household and he should provide quality care for his household. The mother is a caretaker for her children and she should provide quality care for her children. An employee is a caretaker of a business and he/she should provide quality care for that business. A leader is a caretaker of people, and he/she should provide quality care for the people whom he/she leads."
If you desire to become a spiritual-care provider, Hakima (Wise Woman) to serve your family and/or community, please fill out this brief application form.
This program will be facilitated by Sr. Amany Shalaby, a trained Chaplain, and founder of the Universal Chaplaincy program.
CURRICULUM
The Hakima training program incorporates elements of traditional Chaplain training incorpirating Islamic texts and Sufi spiritual principles. The following TWO UNITS are currently being offered.
Unit 1: Understanding and Managing Emotions for Spiritual Growth
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 20th | CLASSES BEGIN: Week of July 27th (16 Weeks per Unit)
Emotions are integral to life's journey, powerful indicators of our inner states and responses to the world around us. As chaplains, it is essential to understand that emotions are not merely reactions but profound gateways to spiritual insight and growth. This course aims to equip future Islamic chaplains with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of emotions, transforming them into opportunities for deepened spiritual awareness and development.
The Role of Emotions in Islamic Spirituality
Islamic teachings offer profound wisdom on the nature and purpose of emotions. Emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, and love are all acknowledged in the Quran and Hadith, and are seen as natural aspects of the human condition. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified how to manage and channel these emotions in a way that aligns with the will of Allah (SWT) and fosters spiritual growth.
In this course, we will delve into the following core principles:
- Recognizing Divine Wisdom in Emotions: Understanding that emotions are a gift from Allah (SWT), designed to guide us towards greater self-awareness and reliance on Him.
- Emotions as Reflective Tools: Learning to reflect on our emotional responses to gain insights into our spiritual state and areas that require growth.
- Balanced Emotional Expression: Embracing a balanced approach to emotional expression rooted in the Sunnah, which promotes emotional health and spiritual well-being.
By the end of this course, students will:
- Develop a deep understanding of the nature of emotions from an Islamic perspective.
- Acquire practical skills to manage and channel emotions constructively.
- Learn to use emotions as tools for introspection and spiritual growth.
- Cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence in their chaplaincy practice.
- Integrate Islamic teachings with contemporary psychological insights on emotional health.
Unit 5: The Habitat of the Seekers - Exploring the Stations of the Heart (al-Maqāmāt
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 20th | CLASSES BEGIN: Week of July 27th (16 Weeks per Unit)
Unit 1 is a prerequisite to enroll in Unit 5
Course Description:
This course offers an immersive journey into the inner terrain of the spiritual path, charting the classic maqāmāt—the stations of the heart—as described in the Islamic tradition of spiritual development. Drawing from Qur'anic insights, Sufi wisdom, and the lived experiences of seekers, students will explore the stages that mark the soul’s ascent toward closeness with Allah.
Each maqām—such as tawbah (repentance), zuhd (detachment), ṣabr (patience), tawakkul (trust), riḍā (contentment), and maḥabbah (love)—is not just a theoretical concept but a living habitat of the heart that transforms one’s perception, behavior, and relationship with the Divine.
Through reflective study, spiritual practices, and dialogue, students will:
- Learn the meaning, signs, and challenges of each station.
- Explore how these maqāmāt interrelate and unfold in the seeker’s journey.
- Engage in self-reflection to locate their own spiritual state.
- Develop practical tools for nurturing presence, sincerity, and resilience.
- Deepen their capacity for compassionate service and inner alignment.
This course is ideal for chaplains, spiritual caregivers, and seekers of all backgrounds who wish to grow in heart-based knowledge and embody the ethics of the soul in service to others.
REGISTRATION
Register early! Space is limited to a minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 Muslim women per class.
Registration Fee - $500 (Donation paid in full or installments, beginning after 2nd class)
Full and Partial Scholarships available - Apply HERE
PAYMENTS NOT REQUESTED UNTIL THE TRAINING SESSIONS BEGIN.
For more information, email Amany@mwo-orlando.org.