On May 2, 2026, Bayan Islamic Graduate School hosted A Mother’s Day Tea and Conversation: Celebrating Motherhood and the Art of Spiritual Care in partnership with MCC East Bay, bringing together community members for an afternoon of reflection on motherhood, faith formation, and the often-unseen labor of spiritual care.

Hosted and moderated by Eman Tai Ahmad, a member of Bayan’s Advancement Team, the gathering invited participants into a thoughtful conversation about how mothers and caregivers shape the spiritual and emotional foundations of families and communities.

The program opened with reflections from Rukayat Yakub, a Bayan graduate, educator, published author, and mother of five, who explored motherhood as a form of pastoral care. Drawing on the example of Khadijah (RA), she reflected on how nurturing presence, emotional guidance, and intentional care create the foundation that allows children to grow with confidence, faith, and belonging.

The conversation continued with Nora Zaki, also a Bayan graduate, who spoke about the role of mothers as cultivators of resilience and moral grounding. Her reflections highlighted how faith is often transmitted not only through formal instruction, but through lived example, relationships, and daily acts of care.

Hina Khan Mukhtar, co-founder of ILM Tree, offered practical insight into creating intentional spaces for faith-centered learning in the home. She reflected on the importance of recognizing that our role as spiritual caregivers continues beyond active parenting, inviting attendees to embrace ongoing purpose through service, wisdom-sharing, and community care.

Over tea, conversation, and shared reflection, the event offered more than celebration. It created a space to honor motherhood as a profound act of leadership, service, and spiritual stewardship.