Meet Our Scholars
Get to know the esteemed scholars guiding us through the BLOOM retreat. With their deep knowledge, compassion, and practical insights, they bring wisdom and inspiration to help couples strengthen their bonds and thrive in love and faith.
Sh Yassir Fazaga
Mental Health & Counseling Director
Shaykh Yassir Fazaga is originally from Eritrea in North East Africa. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic and Arabic Sciences from Imam Saud University, the Virginia USA branch.
Shaykh Fazaga holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the California State University at Long Beach, and a second Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas Austin. Shaykh finished his certification requirement to become a certified sex educator and therapist. He served as the director of the mental health department at Access California Family Services.
Shaykh Fazaga served as a therapist at Family Assessment and Counseling Education Services (FACES), a nonprofit organization in Orange County, CA, where he provided counseling to families in crisis to help them overcome various social and psychological challenges.
Shaykh Fazaga presently is serving as the President and Founder of Tanweer Institute dedicated in the fields of psychology, sexology, parenting and relationships. His expertise is in psychotherapy and he lectures on mental health, Islam and psychology, and Islam & sexuality.
Mahad Qamar & Safiya Ravat
Co-Founders of Suhbah
Mahad Qamar and Safiya Ravat are an American couple from Houston, Texas – of Pakistani (Mahad) and South African (Safiya) heritage. They co-founded the SUHBAH Institute in 2018 and have been married for over a decade, with one son – Noah.
Mahad and Safiya began their Islamic Studies journey in 2008 under Shaykh Isam Rajab at Arees Institute, and continued on to attend the Bayyinah Dream Arabic Program. They then pursued their Bachelor’s degrees in Islamic Fiqh and Usul al Fiqh (Islamic Law and Jurisprudence) from the International Islamic University of Malaysia and finally completed their Master’s in Pastoral Counseling in Marriage and Family Therapy. Safiya also holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!).
President, American Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Director, The Noor Foundation, Chairman, The Righteous Foundation
Chief Host and Resident Scholar, Imam Masjidul Mumineen of Houston
832-212-3098
Masjidul Mumineen
Host Community
Nestled in the heart of Houston, Masjidul Mumineen, home of the Nigerian Muslim Association of Greater Houston (NMAGH), stands as a vibrant center of faith, unity, and community. Known for its welcoming spirit and dedication to fostering Islamic values, Masjidul Mumineen is more than a mosque—it’s a hub where families come together to grow spiritually and socially.
As the host community for the BLOOM retreat, Masjidul Mumineen reflects the essence of love and mercy, offering the perfect backdrop for this enriching and transformative experience.
713-271-5221