(Lecturer, AlBalagh Academy)
Ustadah Romana Ahmed
Ustadah Romana Ahmed is an accomplished scholar, national public speaker, writer, and lecturer at Albalagh Academy. Known for her profound insights and clarity of thought, she is widely respected in the academic and Islamic education community. Since her graduation from the JKN Institute in Bradford in 2010, Ustadah Romana has dedicated herself to teaching, speaking, and writing on various Islamic topics, reaching audiences across the UK and beyond. Her contributions to Islamic education focus on traditional scholarship, while her academic background in psychology and clinical psychiatry brings a unique dimension to her teaching and approach to Islamic studies.
With a robust foundation in traditional Islamic sciences, Ustadah Romana is currently engaged in teaching advanced Islamic texts, including Tirmidhi, Jalalayn, and Usul ul Fiqh at prominent Islamic institutes. Her deep understanding of these texts allows her to explore complex theological and jurisprudential issues with clarity, providing students with both a theoretical and practical grasp of Islamic teachings. In her courses on Tirmidhi, she offers students an in-depth study of prophetic traditions, discussing their historical contexts, meanings, and practical applications in today’s world. Her approach to Jalalayn—a well-known Quranic exegesis—engages students in the linguistic, grammatical, and interpretive aspects of the Qur'an, while her Usul ul Fiqh lessons provide foundational knowledge on the principles of Islamic jurisprudence, enabling students to understand the intricate methodologies behind legal rulings.
Ustadah Romana’s teaching style is both academic and accessible, making her courses ideal for students who seek a deep, nuanced understanding of Islamic sciences. Her background in psychology adds an essential layer to her teaching, as she often incorporates insights into human behavior and mental well-being, addressing the challenges that modern Muslims face. Her unique expertise allows her to bridge the gap between Islamic knowledge and contemporary issues in mental health, providing students with a balanced and holistic educational experience. By combining Islamic teachings with psychological insights, she encourages students to appreciate the Quran and Sunnah’s guidance on emotional resilience, mindfulness, and mental well-being.
Ustadah Romana’s journey into psychology began with her Bachelor’s degree in the field, which sparked a deep interest in understanding human behavior, emotional health, and mental illness. Building upon this foundation, she pursued further studies in clinical psychiatry, where she explores the intersection of psychology and spirituality. This dual focus gives her a unique approach to Islamic education, as she is able to draw connections between Islamic teachings on the self, morality, and emotional regulation and the psychological principles that underlie mental wellness. In her lectures and courses, she often discusses topics such as coping with stress, understanding self-worth, and fostering resilience from both an Islamic and psychological perspective.
Beyond the classroom, Ustadah Romana is a sought-after public speaker, frequently invited to give talks and lead seminars on a wide array of topics, including spiritual development, women’s issues in Islam, and the importance of mental health in a balanced Islamic lifestyle. Her workshops are known for their engaging format and practical takeaways, providing attendees with actionable insights that are grounded in both Islamic teachings and contemporary psychological practices. Through her lectures and public appearances, she addresses pertinent issues that modern Muslims face, such as balancing faith and career, maintaining mental health, and building strong interpersonal relationships.
At Albalagh Academy, Ustadah Romana teaches courses designed to deepen students’ understanding of Islamic texts while equipping them with the tools to apply this knowledge practically in daily life. Her courses on advanced texts like Tirmidhi, Jalalayn, and Usul ul Fiqh are invaluable for students who wish to engage with Islamic scholarship on a deeper level. With her guidance, students learn not only to interpret classical Islamic texts but also to connect these teachings to their personal lives and modern contexts. Her unique ability to blend Islamic sciences with psychology enables her to address students’ spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth holistically.
In addition to her teaching, Ustadah Romana contributes to Islamic scholarship through her writings, in which she discusses the intersection of Islam and psychology, women’s roles in Islamic history, and spiritual development. Her work has been recognized for its clarity and relevance, providing Muslims with valuable resources that resonate with the challenges and aspirations of contemporary society. Her contributions as a writer and educator make her a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone seeking a meaningful connection with Islamic teachings.
Through her role at Albalagh Academy, Ustadah Romana Ahmed continues to inspire and educate, embodying a commitment to lifelong learning, intellectual inquiry, and spiritual development. Her diverse expertise allows her to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience that integrates Islamic sciences, psychological insights, and practical wisdom, making her a truly transformative presence in the lives of her students.