Dr. Zainab Alwani is the first woman to serve as Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at the Howard University School of Divinity (HUSD), where she also chairs the Master of Arts in Religious Studies program. A pioneering scholar and educator, Dr. Alwani brings over 30 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development in Quranic and Islamic studies.
Publications
Books
Dr. Alwani’s books address vital themes in Quranic studies, Islamic law, women and family relations, and the lived realities of Muslims in the West. Each work offers practical insights rooted in deep spiritual and academic inquiry.
Articles
Dr. Alwani’s articles offer critical reflections on contemporary issues through the lens of the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence. Her writing focuses on topics such as maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, family law, civil-Islamic legal intersections, and frameworks for Quranic methodology.
Taddabur al-Quran
Dr. Zainab Alwani’s work in Taddabur al-Qur’an invites individuals to connect deeply with the Quran through reflection, contemplation, and lived application.
Projects & Organizations
Glass Lamp Institute
Dr. Zainab Alwani is the President and Chairwoman of Glass Lamp Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals connect, reflect, understand, and implement the Quran. Glass Lamp Institute’s programs emphasize developing a personal relationship with the Quran and then extending that relationship to small teams and larger groups to collectively engage with the Book to address modern challenges.
Orphan Care Project
Dr. Zainab Alwani was inspired to spearhead the Orphan Care Project after extensive research on the topic. The Orphan Care Project was created to educate Muslims on the issue of orphan care from an Islamic perspective and to provide knowledge and scholarship on orphan care in Islam.