Research & Development

Suhbah Circles

 

What is a Research & Development Suhbah Circle?

Under the guidance of Imam Sherif or dedicated mentor(s), the Research & Development Circles are an initiative to harness the talents and insights of our local community to create meaningful resources and publications for the Muslim community.

Through these circles, participants collaborate to develop toolkits, handbooks, presentations, and course content that address relevant questions and needs within our community.

This is a journey of ‘ilm and transformation—both spiritual and academic—designed to nurture deep learning, companionship, and purposeful contribution. Each participant has the opportunity to work alongside a mentor, engage with peers, and conduct guided research and study through structured milestones, expectations, and regular check-ins.

If you’re interested in joining or learning more about how to get involved, please fill out the contact form below. Together, we can build knowledge that benefits hearts, families, and communities.

The Suhbah صحبة Circle Journey

  • Submit Interest

    Begin by completing a short Interest Form sharing your background, area of interest, and (optionally) your résumé. This helps us understand your goals and connection to Islamic learning and khidmah (service).

  • Meet & Assess

    Our team will schedule a brief follow-up call or meeting with you to learn more about your learning journey, experience, and what kind of guidance or study you’re seeking.

  • Group Topic & Mentor Matching

    Based on your background and goals, you may be matched with a mentor or directly with Dr. Imam Sherif to select a focus area, topic, or project for study and reflection. Most groups will require a minimum of 2 participants.

  • Join a Suhbah Learning Circle

    You’ll join a small circle of peers who share similar interests, meeting monthly or biweekly (virtually or in-person) to study, reflect, and develop your chosen topic under guided mentorship - for a minimum of 5-10 weeks.

  • Grow, Research & Contribute

    Participants commit an average of 2–5 hours per week for learning, reflection, research and project development—transforming insights into community resources such as presentations, booklets, or infographics that serve others.

    Participants and students will also be invited to join suhbah gatherings, socials and spiritual engagements

Student Experiences

 

Learning Islam with a mentor helped me connect more deeply to the faith. It made things clearer, more personal, and easier to apply in my daily life. Having someone guide me step by step has been much more impactful than learning on my own.

— Student

 

“Seeking knowledge without tazkiyah is misguidance, and spreading knowledge with tazkiyah is action.” This quote has been echoing in my thoughts, serving as a reminder that knowledge alone is not enough—it must be accompanied by sincerity, purification of the heart, and genuine action

— Student

Learning Islam under a mentor has transformed not just my own understanding, but also the atmosphere in my home. Seeing my wife come closer to the Deen holding the Qur’an, reciting it with intention is something I deeply admire and value. It reminds me that this path benefits not just the individual, but the entire family

— Student

 

Small group learning has allowed for a more personal connection with the material being studied.

— Student