Dr Haifaa Younis

Dr Haifaa Younis is an American Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, an Islamic scholar, educator, author, and founder of the Jannah Institute, renowned for her work in both medicine and Islamic education.

Early Life and Education

Dr Haifaa Younis was born to Iraqi parents and raised with deep cultural and religious roots. She pursued her medical degree at the University of Baghdad College of Medicine and later specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology, gaining board certification in the United States. Her journey into Islamic scholarship began with study under various scholars in the United States, eventually leading her to study extensively in Saudi Arabia. She graduated from the Mecca Institute of Islamic Studies in Jeddah and completed her memorisation of the Qur’an at Al-Huda Qur’an Memorisation School, also in Jeddah.

Career

Dr Haifaa Younis has built a multifaceted career bridging clinical practice and religious education. As a gynaecologist, she has served diverse populations in the United States, balancing her medical responsibilities with continuous involvement in Islamic learning and outreach. In 2013, Younis founded Jannah Institute, which aims to provide authentic, accessible Islamic education primarily for women. Through the institute, she offers courses in Qur’an memorisation, tafsir (thematic Qur'anic commentary), tazkiyah (inner purification), Arabic language, and practical spirituality.

She also holds the position of resident scholar at the Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI) and leads numerous seminars, workshops, and international speaking engagements, focusing on the spiritual and practical applications of Islamic teachings in daily life. Younis is actively involved in efforts to increase Muslim women’s participation in scientific and religious fields, mentoring students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Islamic studies. Her influence extends worldwide via online platforms, educational programs, conferences, and collaborative projects, empowering underrepresented communities.

Books and Publications

Haifaa Younis is an accomplished author whose writings centre on women’s historical roles in Islam, personal faith, and spiritual development. Her most notable works include:

• Builders of a Nation (2022): This book traces the lives of thirty-seven influential women throughout Islamic history, drawing attention to their critical roles and guiding values. It includes profiles of women such as the wives and daughters of Prophet Muhammad, the female Companions, and prominent later figures, offering historical narratives and moral lessons for modern audiences.
• Sins: Poison of the Heart: In this book, Younis examines the concept of sin in an Islamic spiritual context, discussing its impact on the heart and soul as well as the means to seek forgiveness, cultivate character, and maintain ethical self-discipline.
• Les bâtisseuses d'une nation: This French adaptation of “Builders of a Nation” broadens Younis’s readership and extends her message of empowerment to Francophone audiences.

Her publications are recognized for blending scholarly insight with real-world relevance, making Islamic teachings accessible and meaningful for readers of varied backgrounds.

Achievements

Dr Haifaa Younis’s achievements include:

• Founding and expanding Jannah Institute, which globally impacts Islamic education for women.
• Completion of full Qur’an memorisation and distinguished study in Islamic sciences.
• Residency as a scholar at multiple Islamic centres and institutes, and public speaking at international events.
• Advocacy for women’s representation and equity in education, especially within the sciences and religious scholarship.
• Authorship of several works, including “Builders of a Nation” and contributing to texts addressing Muslim women’s experiences and Islamic thought.

Personal Life

Dr Younis’s personal life, centres around her commitment to faith, education, and service. She blends her medical profession with roles in Islamic education and mentorship, dedicating efforts to women’s empowerment and spiritual development.

Legacy and Impact

Haifaa Younis is regarded as a pioneering figure in integrating Islamic scholarship and professional life for Muslim women. Her influence is notable in global Islamic education efforts, particularly through the Jannah Institute’s hybrid model, which makes Qur’anic study accessible to women worldwide. By emphasising both spiritual and practical relevance of Islam, her teaching enriches contemporary Muslim discourse and inspires inclusion, balance, and systemic change across fields of religious and scientific study. Her legacy continues to empower future generations to pursue knowledge while maintaining faith and impactful service.