Program Schedule

Join our leading scholars as they examine both the external and internal dimensions of the Qur'an and share their commentary and insights during Al-Madina's Annual Pearls of the Qur'an conference from September 26th - September 28th, 2025, in Reston, VA, close to Dulles International Airport.

Session Time Session Title Speakers
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Check-in & Registration

Please stop by the check-in station to pick up your name tag and conference materials.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Jummah Prayer

Jummah prayer led by Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui
2:20 PM - 3:05 PM
Do Not Despair

Our beautiful Deen empowers believers to navigate life's challenges without falling into despair by emphasizing a strong connection with Allah and a resilient mindset. With life’s constant provocations, what is known in the mind may not always translate practically to the heart, unless we are anchored with practices and surroundings that support us.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
3:15 PM - 3:55 PM
The Opening

Surah Al-Fatiha, often referred to as "The Opening" or the "Mother of the Qur’an", holds a special and sacred place in our hearts. Beyond its frequent recitation in prayer, Al-Fatiha holds numerous benefits and profound secrets that deepen our understanding of Islam and connection to Allah.

This session delves into some of these virtues and showcases the conversation Muslims have with Allah through it every day in prayer.

Dr. Zainab Alwani
3:55 PM - 4:10 PM
Moments with the Messenger ﷺ

In this blessed session of collective dhikr, hearts unite in sending prayers upon the Beloved Messenger ﷺ

Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
4:15 PM - 4:55 PM
Suhba: Righteous Companionship

The aim is simple. Gain best friends for life—and for the afterlife! Choosing righteous companions recognizes the profound impact they have on an individual's faith, character, and ultimate destiny. But where do we start? And how do we maintain such Suhba?

Shaykh Yasir Fahmy
5:05 PM - 5:30 PM
Asr & the Daily Remembrance of God (Evening Adhkaar)
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Maghrib
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
7:45 PM - 8:50 PM
Inner Dimensions of the Qur’an Part 1 [Main Hall]

Amongst the pearls of the Qur’an are those verses which carry deep spiritual importance in addition to their external practical meaning. In these sessions, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui will reflect on several Qur’anic verses, reflecting on how they play a crucial role in our understanding of the process of self-purification and embodying good character.

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui
7:45 PM - 8:50 PM
Lose Yourself [Youth Session in Prayer Hall]

Every now and then, we think of the deep need to understand our true selves. As we struggle at times to balance the unique interplay of the religious, cultural, and individual identities, we face the constant questions: what do we drop? And what do we build?

Dr. Amir Abdelzaher
7:45 PM - 8:50 PM
Fitya [Youth Session in Prayer Hall]

The “fitya” were the exemplary group of youth Allah revered in Surah Al-Kahf, who bravely embraced faith with conviction, and received divine intervention in miraculous ways. How can we personify the virtues of their path today in 2025 America?

Imam Dawud Walid
9:00 PM - 9:35 PM
O Our Lord! Part 1

Forty times in the Qur’an, the supplication starts with the words “Rabbana”. These duas are highly regarded for their profound meanings and Prophetic origins. This series takes a deeper look into several of these well-known treasures to help us connect better in our dua.

Ustadha Zaynab Ansari
9:45 PM - 10:35 PM
My Prophet: Inspiration From His Life ﷺ

Internalizing the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ imprints his life into our character and our environment. This session echoes the personal reflections of our speakers on gleaning timeless wisdom from moments of his blessed life, the ‘walking Qur’an’, peace be upon him.

Dr. Shadee Elmasry
Shaykh Hassan Lachheb
10:35 PM - 10:55 PM
Joining the Hearts Through the Qur’an
Imam Sami Zaharna
11:00 PM - 11:15 PM
Isha
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
Session Time Session Title Speakers
6:15 AM - 6:45 AM
Fajr & the Daily Remembrance of God (Morning Adhkaar)
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Psychology of the Self [Main Hall]

To truly embark on a journey to the Divine, a roadmap of the spiritual terrain and the hazards on the way is essential. Fighting the powerful impulses within requires a knowledge of the self.

Shaykh Riad Saloojee
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Qur’anic Reflections Session 1 [Sisters-Only in Prayer Hall]

A sisters-only session dedicated to reflection on the words of Allah. Participants will engage with selected verses of the Qur’an—contemplating their meanings, relevance, and guidance for daily life.

Dr. Zulekha Jalal
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
O Our Lord! Part 2

Forty times in the Qur’an, the supplication starts with the words “Rabbana”. These duas are highly regarded for their profound meanings and Prophetic origins. This series takes a deeper look into several of these well-known treasures to help us connect better in our dua.

Imam Dawud Walid
10:55 AM - 11:40 AM
Striking the Balance: Multigenerational Families [Main Hall]

Caring for lively children, complicated teenagers or elderly parents can be so exhausting that we naturally lose sight of the immeasurable value of the experience. As we are pulled and pushed in all directions, the time crunch, financial burdens, angst of difficult decisions, and emotional stress mightmake us feel drained, or even lost. How can we draw from the well of Ar-Rahman to keep us on the course for ourselves and those who depend on us?

Dr. Rania Awaad
10:55 AM - 11:40 AM
They Just Don’t Get Me [Youth Session in Prayer Hall]

Life with parents isn’t always easy. This session shares how faith can guide you through challenges at home, helping you strengthen your relationship with them while staying true to yourself.

Dr. Shadee Elmasry
11:55 AM - 12:25 PM
Suhba Program Graduation
1:25 PM - 1:45 PM
Dhuhr
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
2:00 PM - 2:35 PM
The Story of Death

Humanity may differ in so many ways, but we all share the inescapable reality of death. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Remember often the destroyer of pleasures.’ Recalling the events of death invites us to a more purposeful and fruitful life.

Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
2:35 PM - 2:45 PM
Moments with the Messenger ﷺ

In this blessed session of collective dhikr, hearts unite in sending prayers upon the Beloved Messenger ﷺ

Shaykh Yasir Fahmy
3:00 PM - 3:55 PM
I Made It, But… [Main Hall]

On a global scale, the majority of Americans are either upper-middle income or high income. Wealth can be a blessing, but also a trial that can be one’s undoing if we are unthankful, neglect the rights of others or use it unethically. How do we engage wealth with virtues that bring us closer to God?

Shaykh Hassan Lachheb
Shaykh Yasir Fahmy
3:00 PM - 3:55 PM
Qur’anic Reflections [Sisters-Only in Prayer Hall]

A sisters-only session dedicated to reflection on the words of Allah. Participants will engage with selected verses of the Qur’an—contemplating their meanings, relevance, and guidance for daily life.

Ustadha Zaynab Ansari
Shaykha Muslema Purmul
4:05 PM - 5:00 PM
Inner Dimensions of the Qur’an Part 2

Amongst the pearls of the Qur’an are those verses which carry deep spiritual importance in addition to their external practical meaning. In these sessions, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui will reflect on several Qur’anic verses, reflecting on how they play a crucial role in our understanding of the process of self-purification and embodying good character.

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Asr & the Daily Remembrance of God (Evening Adhkaar)
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Maghrib
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
7:50 PM - 8:30 PM
Where Are You Going?

If we do not know who we are, how will we know what to do? We may reach a certain age where we’ve “grown up”, yet under the surface lie insecurities about our strengths, identity and life choices. When worldly pursuits lose their luster over time and seemingly create more problems, only our spiritual maturity can carry us to the goals that truly matter.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
8:40 PM - 9:20 PM
All in the Family: Yusuf and His Brothers

Prophet Yusuf endured much pain at the hands of his own brothers, yet despite their serious transgressions and flaws, the Qur’anic narrative leaves their story on a hopeful note. How does their story inform us about managing family life?

Shaykh Hassan Lachheb
8:40 PM - 9:20 PM
Silent Battles, Big Wins [Youth Session in Prayer Hall]

Everyone faces moments where it’s hard to do the right thing. This session explores how Islam helps you stay strong and make better choices.

Imam Sami Zaharna
9:30 PM - 10:20 PM
Conversations

In this session, our teachers navigate through a number of emotive and spiritually charged topics straight from the headlines, offering insights that bridge the realms of Islamic teachings and contemporary challenges.

Shaykh Yasir Fahmy
Shaykh Riad Saloojee
Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
10:20 PM - 10:50 PM
Mawlid: Celebrating the Beloved

Commemorate the best of creation, the Messenger of God ﷺ in a gathering of praise of the Beloved.

11:00 PM - 11:15 PM
Isha
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
Session Time Session Title Speakers
6:15 AM - 6:45 PM
Fajr & the Daily Remembrance of God (Morning Adhkaar)
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Hearts Illuminated [Main Hall]

The awliyā’ are those drawn near to Allah. Their lives, marked by devotion and certitude, continue to inspire and uplift. This session offers reflections on their lives and the enduring legacy they leave for hearts seeking the Divine.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
Imam Dawud Walid
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Qur’anic Reflections [Sisters-Only in Prayer Hall]

A sisters-only session dedicated to reflection on the words of Allah. Participants will engage with selected verses of the Qur’an—contemplating their meanings, relevance, and guidance for daily life.

Dr. Zulekha Jalal
Dr. Zainab Alwani
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
O Our Lord! Part 3

Forty times in the Qur’an, the supplication starts with the words “Rabbana”. These duas are highly regarded for their profound meanings and Prophetic origins. This series takes a deeper look into several of these well-known treasures to help us connect better in our dua.

Shaykha Muslema Purmul
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
Beauty and Majesty: The Divine Names of Allah [Main Hall]

This session offers a glimpse into the profound meanings of Allah’s Beautiful Names (Asma’ al-Husna). Through reflection on His Names of Beauty (Jamal) and Majesty (Jalal), we will deepen our understanding of His mercy, justice, transcendence and how they shape our relationship with Him.

Dr. Amir Abdelzaher
Imam Sami Zaharna
11:10 AM - 11:55 AM
Lost and Found [Youth Session in Prayer Hall]

In a world of constant connection, many young hearts feel more distracted, anxious, and alone than ever before. This session explores the impact of social media, digital overload and the difficulty of finding good friends on our mental and spiritual well-being.

Dr. Rania Awaad
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Dhikr of the Names of Allah

In this spiritual session, hearts come together in remembrance with the recitation of a heartfelt dua imploring Allah through His Divine Names.

Imam Sami Zaharna
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Dhuhr
Shaykh Ismet Akcin
2:05 PM - 2:45 PM
Love and Mercy: Sacred Bonds

Anchored in the verse “He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them” (Qur’an 30:21), this session explores marriage as a spiritual bond and divine trust. Through Qur’anic guidance and prophetic wisdom, it offers insight into building a union rooted in love, mercy, and nearness to Allah.

Shaykh Riad Saloojee
2:55 PM - 3:35 PM
Life Lessons

This reflective session explores how life’s experiences—both trials and triumphs— can serve as pathways to deeper faith and nearness to Allah. Through a panel conversation, the audience is invited to consider how moments of struggle and growth reveal divine wisdom and nurture the soul’s journey toward its Creator.

Ustadh Moutasem Atiya
Dr. Shadee Elmasry
Dr. Amir Abdelzaher
3:35 PM - 3:45 PM
Moments with the Messenger ﷺ

In this blessed session of collective dhikr, hearts unite in sending prayers upon the Beloved Messenger ﷺ

Shaykh Hassan Lachheb
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Inner Dimensions of the Qur’an Part 3

Amongst the pearls of the Qur’an are those verses which carry deep spiritual importance in addition to their external practical meaning. In these sessions, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui will reflect on several Qur’anic verses, reflecting on how they play a crucial role in our understanding of the process of self-purification and embodying good character.

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui
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