MISSION: Teaching Rites of Passage to Young Muslim Men through Physically Challenging Spiritual Journeys
The Team
Chief Advisor
SHEIKH MENDES (CONFIRMED)
Adeyinka Muhammad Mendes is the Founder and Resident Scholar at Marhama, a family-centered community focused on building sustainable institutions through empowering service, prophetic spirituality, traditional knowledge, and the arts. He previously served as Imam and Resident Scholar at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton. A native Ohioan of Yoruba, Brazilian, and African-American ancestry who also spent some of his formative years in Nigeria and Houston, Texas. He has a background of working with interfaith, Muslim, academic, permacultural, and peace-building institutions. Adeyinka’s studies and work have taken him to countries worldwide including Syria, Mauritania, Morocco, Singapore, Turkey, Senegal, Malaysia, and back to Nigeria. He is fluent in Arabic, received a degree in Arabic Language and Cultural Studies from the Ohio State University, and has been trained for over two decades in the spiritual, scholastic, and aesthetic traditions of Muslim civilization by teachers worldwide.”
Core Advisors
KAMAU AYUBBI (CONFIRMED)
“Imam Kamau Ayyubi grew up in Los Angeles California. He received his Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University in Visual Art. As an undergrad, Kamau also completed an internship in Holistic Health studies. He received his religious and spiritual education and training under the Islamic Supreme Council of America (ISCA) and was appointed as an Imam in 2002. Imam Ayubbi received his Clinical Pastoral Education (chaplaincy training) at Beaumont CPE Center in Royal Oak, Mich. Before serving at the University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Imam Ayubbi worked as a staff chaplain in Adult Palliative Care and a Cardiac Progressive Care Unit at Beaumont Royal Oak from 2010 to 2015. He loves sharing principles and practices of Peace and Meditation for all ages.” (Sapelo Square)
HUSSAIN ABDULLAH
Hussain Abdullah is a former professional American football player who made a significant impact both on and off the field. Born in California, Abdullah played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He attended Washington State University, where he played college football before entering the NFL. Abdullah’s NFL career began in 2008 when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his strong work ethic and versatile defensive skills, he quickly became a valuable player on the Vikings’ defense. In 2013, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout his career, Abdullah was not only recognized for his athletic abilities but also his advocacy for Muslim athletes and religious freedom. He retired from the NFL in 2016, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated player and a role model for Muslim athletes in the sports world.
Dr. ABDALLAH ROTHMAN (CONFIRMED)
“Dr. Abdallah Rothman is the founder of Dar al-Shifaa and co-founder and Executive Director of the International Association of Islamic Psychology, working at the intersection of Islamic spirituality and mental health practice. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), licensed in the United States and currently living abroad in the UAE. Dr. Abdallah earned an M.A. in Psychology from Antioch University and earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Kingston University London. He is a student of Professor Malik Badri in Islamic psychology and in addition to his academic training has studied privately with a number of traditional Islamic scholars throughout the Muslim world. Dr. Abdallah’s clinical practice as well as his academic research focus on approaching counseling from within an Islamic paradigm and establishing an indigenous theoretical orientation to human psychology that is grounded in the knowledge of the soul from the Islamic tradition.” (Cambridge Muslim College)
Dr. MERAJ MOHIUDDIN
“Dr. Meraj Mohiuddin is an American physician and writer. The son of Indian immigrants, he was raised on the East Coast with a strong emphasis on sports and education. With a college background in neuroscience and a medical degree from Northwestern University, he moved to Boston to complete his training in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine. While teaching at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated hospitals, Dr. Mohiuddin developed an interest in international relief work and created a curriculum to encourage young American doctors to share their skills in the developing world.” (Revelation)
Imam DAWOOD YASIN
Imam Dawood Yasin previously served as Director of Student Life and Center for Ethical Living and Learning at Zaytuna College and is currently involved with the Islamic Center of Greater Austin (ICGA). “His field specialties include Arabic, Community Studies, and Ethical Living and Learning. At Zaytuna College, Imam Dawood has taught all levels of Arabic, leads the Experiential Learning Program, and teaches archery. Prior to his post at Zaytuna College, Imam Dawood served as Muslim Life and Service-Learning Coordinator at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. He previously served as Director of Outreach Affairs at Zayed Center for Islamic Culture in the United Arab Emirates and as an Arabic language teaching assistant at Yale University.” (Preserving The Legacy)
Mahdy Amine
“Mahdy is a Zaytuna College alumnus and practicing attorney. He also teaches Islamic Studies at ILM Tree and serves as Convert Care Coordinator for Ta’leef” (Ta’leef)
Umrah Tour Details
A Unique Father-Son Bonding Experience
“Our community of mature and elder men will help initiate and guide this cohort of boys into Sacred Manhood and Prophetic Masculinity through the ancient practice of Rites of Passage.” (Sheikh Mendes)
Travel Dates: November 21 – November 30
Air & Land: Quad: $2,595 per person
Hotels:
4 Nights in Tulip Inn Madinah
4 Nights in Voco Makkah
During the Retreat – Lessons on the Five Principles of Futuwwa (Sacred Manhood) & Lectures on Livelihood, Courage, Parents,and Marriage
- The Above Price Includes the following
- Ground transportation to Madinah, Makkah via private Buses
- Tourist Visa processing services
- Group Meet and assist at Madinah, Makkah and Jeddah
- Daily breakfast buffet
- Sightseeing in Makkah and Madinah “Mazarat”
- Complimentary Ihram for Males
- Staff assistance available 24/7
