The Najaf Retreat
The Mainstay Foundation in both the United Kingdom and United States are pleased to announce that registration is now open for this year’s Najaf Retreat. This project aims to take a select group of active brothers and sisters ages 18-24 to the Holy City of Najaf, in which the retreaters will meet with renowned scholars in the Islamic Seminary and benefit from their knowledge and expertise, while at [...]
Aging Gracefully: Mental Wellness For Women
Understanding the aging process for women and its multifaceted effects on mental health, including how hormonal changes, life transitions such as retirement and empty nesting, shifting social roles, and physical changes can influence emotional well-being, self-identity, and cognitive health in later adulthood. How women can successfully manage and adapt to later adulthood by developing practical coping strategies, building emotional resilience, fostering meaningful social connections, practicing mindfulness and [...]
Sister’s Circle – When Stress Shows Up in Your Body
About the Sisters Circle Sisters Circle is a biweekly support group for Shia Muslim young women ages 18+ that provides a safe, faith-based space to connect, reflect, and grow together. The group encourages open dialogue around personal, social, and spiritual challenges while fostering sisterhood, self-development, and empowerment through shared experiences. Each session centers on meaningful discussions, journaling, and interactive activities that connect Islamic teachings, especially from the lives of [...]
Stand Out, Get In: Medical, Dental, PA, Law School, and Other Grad Programs
Preparing a world-class application to medical, dental, PA, law school, and other similarly competitive graduate programs requires strategic planning, academic excellence, meaningful experiences, and a compelling personal narrative that clearly reflects your readiness and commitment to succeed. How to craft a compelling personal statement, a strong experiences and activities section, impactful supplemental essays, and other key application components that together present a clear, authentic, and competitive narrative [...]
Nahjul Balagha Virtues and Vices of Anger – Part 3
This course will help students unlock the timeless wisdom of Imam Ali (a) as preserved in Nahjul Balagha. It will deepen their appreciation for Islamic thought and provide practical tools for navigating life with justice, humility, and strength. Students will learn from Imam Ali’s sermons, letters, and sayings, covering topics such as leadership, spirituality, morality, and social justice. They will also study how his guidance applies to [...]
Character Deception in Marriage – Part 3
This course will help students strengthen their interpersonal skills and improve the way they handle disagreements in personal, family, and community life. It will give them tools to resolve conflicts with wisdom, empathy, and patience while remaining rooted in Islamic morals. Students will learn about the Islamic framework for healthy relationships, the principles of compassion and forgiveness, and strategies for conflict resolution. They will gain practical skills [...]
Introduction to Islamic History – Part 3
This course will help students connect their faith to its historical roots by studying the key events and figures that shaped the Muslim community. It will allow them to better understand the challenges, sacrifices, and leadership that preserved Islam and how history continues to influence Muslim identity today. Students will learn about the lives of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and his successors, the role of the Imams, [...]
Foundations of Belief – Part 2
This session will help students develop a clear, coherent understanding of Islamic belief as taught in the Twelver Shia tradition. It addresses confusion, inherited assumptions, and unanswered questions by grounding belief in reason, revelation, and lived faith. Students will gain intellectual confidence in what they believe, emotional clarity in why it matters, and a framework that allows them to navigate doubt, questions, and modern challenges without fear or fragility. [...]
Innovation & Critical Thinking – Part 3
This course will help students become more thoughtful and intentional in the way they approach new ideas, challenges, and perspectives. It will give them the ability to evaluate information critically, separate cultural habits from authentic Islamic principles, and avoid blind imitation by cultivating independent thought rooted in faith. Students will learn the tools of critical thinking and problem-solving, paired with the ability to innovate while staying grounded [...]
Tafsir of the Holy Quran – Part 3
This course will help students move beyond recitation and memorization to deeply connect with the meanings of the Quran. It will enrich their relationship with Allah’s words and allow them to approach life’s challenges with guidance rooted in revelation. Students will learn about the context behind Quranic verses, the themes of revelation, and how scholars of tafsir interpret different passages. They will gain both spiritual and practical [...]
Sister’s Circle – Maintaining the Spiritual High of The Month of Ramadan
About the Sisters Circle Sisters Circle is a biweekly support group for Shia Muslim young women ages 18+ that provides a safe, faith-based space to connect, reflect, and grow together. The group encourages open dialogue around personal, social, and spiritual challenges while fostering sisterhood, self-development, and empowerment through shared experiences. Each session centers on meaningful discussions, journaling, and interactive activities that connect Islamic teachings, especially from the lives of [...]
Support the Displaced
The Mainstay Foundation is responding to the severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Your support will help deliver critical aid, including emergency shelter, food assistance, and essential supplies for displaced families. Give today. Help us Support Lebanon. Use 313-264-4655 or accounting@mainstay.us to send money via Zelle. Use 313-264-4655 or accounting@mainstay.us or username mainstayus to send money via Venmo. Use 313-264-4655 or accounting@mainstay.us to send money via [...]
Drive Camp 2026
Drive Camp is a transformative summer experience for high school students, focused on personal growth and empowerment.Through a blend of workshops, lectures, team-building exercises, and engaging activities such as sports, lake adventures, and social gatherings, participants are encouraged to develop a strong sense of identity, confidence, and self-esteem.Campers will interact with mentors while enjoying Camp Taha’s scenic setting from July 23–26 for a holistic journey supporting physical, mental, and emotional [...]
Tajweed 101
Building a relationship with the Qur’an begins with proper recitation. This course is designed to help students learn how to recite the Qur’an correctly, with care, confidence, and respect for its words. This session will help with pronunciation, fluency, and applying the basic rules of tajweed, allowing students to recite with clarity and a deeper connection to the Qur’an. Students will learn the foundational rules of tajweed, [...]
Month of Ramadan – Youth Sessions
These sessions will help students connect with the spirit of the blessed month of Ramadan in a meaningful and engaging way. Through stories, activities, and guided lessons, students will be supported in developing stronger character, deepening their awareness of worship, and practicing values such as kindness, patience, and gratitude throughout the month. Students will learn how the month of Ramadan encourages personal growth through good deeds, self-discipline, reflection, and [...]
Foundations of Belief
This session will help students develop a clear, coherent understanding of Islamic belief as taught in the Twelver Shia tradition. It addresses confusion, inherited assumptions, and unanswered questions by grounding belief in reason, revelation, and lived faith. Students will gain intellectual confidence in what they believe, emotional clarity in why it matters, and a framework that allows them to navigate doubt, questions, and modern challenges without fear or fragility. [...]
Experience Ziyara – April 2026
Join us on a unique experience with Mainstay, where every Ziyara in Iraq is an unparalleled experience and another opportunity to further connect with the Imams (a). Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or an experienced visitor, our spiritual retreat to Najaf, Karbala, Kadhimiya, and Samarra in Iraq is one that you won’t want to miss. At Mainstay, our commitment goes beyond merely facilitating your visit; we aspire for every [...]
Innovation & Critical Thinking – Part 2
This course will help students become more thoughtful and intentional in the way they approach new ideas, challenges, and perspectives. It will give them the ability to evaluate information critically, separate cultural habits from authentic Islamic principles, and avoid blind imitation by cultivating independent thought rooted in faith. Students will learn the tools of critical thinking and problem-solving, paired with the ability to innovate while staying grounded [...]
Hormones 101: What Every Woman Should Know
This is a practical, no-fluff foundation for understanding how hormones truly affect daily life. Students will gain clarity on how hormonal shifts influence energy, menstrual cycles, weight changes, mood, sleep, focus, skin, and overall well-being. Special attention is given to the real hormonal transitions that occur in the 20s, 30s, and 40s so women can recognize what’s normal, what’s not, and when to advocate for themselves. Students will [...]
PCOS & Irregular Patterns: Understanding What Your Body Is Signaling
This session helps students recognize symptoms that are often overlooked, dismissed, or normalized. Many individuals live for years with signs of hormonal imbalance without clear answers. Students will learn how to identify patterns in their cycles, skin, weight, energy, and mood that may point to underlying issues rather than personal failure or “normal stress.” Students will learn the common and often misunderstood signs of PCOS, including irregular or absent [...]
Tafsir of the Holy Quran – Part 2
This course will help students move beyond recitation and memorization to deeply connect with the meanings of the Quran. It will enrich their relationship with Allah’s words and allow them to approach life’s challenges with guidance rooted in revelation. Students will learn about the context behind Quranic verses, the themes of revelation, and how scholars of tafsir interpret different passages. They will gain both spiritual and practical [...]
Relationships & Conflict Resolution – Part 2
This course will help students strengthen their interpersonal skills and improve the way they handle disagreements in personal, family, and community life. It will give them tools to resolve conflicts with wisdom, empathy, and patience while remaining rooted in Islamic morals. Students will learn about the Islamic framework for healthy relationships, the principles of compassion and forgiveness, and strategies for conflict resolution. They will gain practical skills [...]
Introduction to Islamic History – Part 2
This course will help students connect their faith to its historical roots by studying the key events and figures that shaped the Muslim community. It will allow them to better understand the challenges, sacrifices, and leadership that preserved Islam and how history continues to influence Muslim identity today. Students will learn about the lives of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and his successors, the role of the Imams, [...]
Introduction to Islamic Beliefs – Part 2
This course will help students strengthen their foundation in faith by addressing the essential theological questions every Muslim should be able to answer. It will give them clarity on what they believe, why they believe it, and how to explain it in both simple and intellectual terms. Students will develop greater confidence when it comes to articulating their Islamic worldview in academic, social, or interfaith settings. Students [...]
The Power of Self-Compassion
This session helps students understand self-compassion as an essential mental health skill, not a weakness or indulgence. It explores how women are often conditioned toward self-criticism, perfectionism, and over-responsibility, and how these patterns impact emotional well-being, relationships, and burnout. Students will learn how self-compassion supports resilience, emotional regulation, and healthier self-talk in daily life. Students will learn the core components of self-compassion, including awareness, kindness toward oneself, and recognizing [...]