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 2: Refining Our Character - The Balanced Path 

Starting April 23 (16 Weeks Semester)

Course Description:

This course is rooted in the wisdom of Ibn al-Qayyim, who taught that every true virtue lies between two vices—each an extreme in opposite directions. Whether it is courage between cowardice and recklessness, or humility between self-deprecation and arrogance, the course guides students in understanding the fine equilibrium that defines moral excellence.

Over the span of 30 virtues—such as patience, sincerity, gratitude, courage, mercy, and trust—students will explore how the Qur'an, prophetic example, and classical spiritual teachings map the nuanced terrain of character. Special focus will be given to the subtle but transformative difference between:

Patience and passivity
Courage and impulsiveness
Humility and self-erasure
Mercy and enabling
Contentment and stagnation
Each virtue will be examined not only intellectually but experientially—inviting students into inner discernment, real-life application, and reflection on the patterns of imbalance in their own lives.

What Students Will Learn:

• The concept of wasatiyyah (balance) in Islamic ethics and how it applies to character development.
• The structure of every virtue as a “middle way” between excess and deficiency, based on the teachings of Ibn al-Qayyim.
• How to identify the subtle spiritual and psychological signs of imbalance.
• How to cultivate virtues as dynamic habits of the soul, not rigid ideals.
• Techniques for moral discernment in challenging real-life situations—especially in leadership, caregiving, and community roles.
• How to avoid spiritual bypassing by mistaking imbalance for virtue.

Practical methods for self-reflection and aligning behavior with deeper intention.
Ideal for: Chaplains, spiritual caregivers, educators, and seekers who desire to deepen their character, understand ethical nuance, and bring greater harmony to their inner and outer lives.

Unit 5: The Habitat of the Seekers

Exploring the Stations of the Heart (al-Maqāmāt)

Starting April 24 (16 Weeks Semester)

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 via paypal, 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.