Sakina Literary Society
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About

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The tradition of women's literary circles in the Arab world dates back to the pre-Islamic period when the eminent literary figure, Al-Khansa, would stand in the 'Ukaz market in Mecca reciting her poetry and airing her views on the scholarship of others. From this, a culture of literary criticism emerged among Arab women, and under the Umayyad dynasty, Sukaynah Bint Al-Husayn (رضي الله عنها), also known as Sakina, established the first literary salon in her home.
The tradition was revived during the late nineteenth century as a result of sweeping social, political and economic change within the Ottoman Empire and Europe's increasing political and cultural influence in the region. The initial pioneers of the Arab salon were women from wealthy families in Greater Syria and Egypt, who returned influenced by interaction with European women during their time spent studying abroad and frequenting Parisian salons, or studying in schools run by European or American missionaries.

The vision of the Sakina Literary Society of the Arts is to augment and enrich the cultural, literary, creative, and social development of its members and furnish avenues of expression and social fellowship, which we hope will contribute much to personal, spiritual, and creative growth.
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Featured Event

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Commemorate 100 Years of Malcolm X

Honour a revolutionary voice—together.
Limited space -- RSVP now!
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Join us for Sakina Literary Society’s inaugural event ‘Coffee & Connect’, a women’s-only evening centered on the centennial birthday of el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz.

Reconnect with the legacy of the noble martyr Malcolm X through readings of his autobiography, dialogue, and spiritual reflection in an elegant private lounge.
Why Join Us?
•⁠ ⁠Honour one of the most courageous voices of our time
•⁠ ⁠⁠ Reflect and share in a supportive sisterhood
•⁠ ⁠⁠ Revisit his enduring wisdom
•⁠ ⁠⁠ Enjoy soulful music, spiritual grounding & good company
Details
  •  Saturday, May 17
  •  7:00 PM
  •  North Party Room (8th floor) 10 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 0E1 (Guest of Unit 5913)
  •  Public parking at One York
  •  Women only | 50 spots max
  •  Bring your autobiography — extras provided

An Archive of Fellow Organizations

With this archive, Sakina Literary Society's aim is to facilitate a global literary community through the promotion of similar organizations.
​Promotion herein does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these organizations.
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Muslim Writers' Salon | Instagram
 Muslim Writers' Salon ​is a thriving membership community that offers co-writing sessions, writing support and resources, opportunities to share your work, and a platform to connect with other Muslim writers across the globe. They also gather at retreats and local events and offer workshops.

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Poinciana Paper Press | Instagram
Poinciana Paper Press​ is a Center for Writing, Book Arts, and Publishing located in Nassau, The Bahamas. Founded by Sonia Farmer, Poinciana Paper Press creates opportunities for engaging with books and their allied crafts in order to advance the diversity of voices in Caribbean art and literature and empower cultural ownership and voice.

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Qalb Writers Collective | Instagram
Qalb Writers Collective is a newsletter dedicated to Black and Muslim women writers, with the aim of sharing knowledge (on writing and publishing), resources and interviews featuring other Black, Muslim and minoritised-ethnicity women creatives.​

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The Qarawiyyin Project | Instagram
The Qarawiyyin Project is a global initiative aimed at reviving Islamic discourse among Muslim women. With writers from all corners of the world, we seek to analyse contemporary challenges from an Islamic lens. We hope to encourage creativity among our readers, inspiring them to think beyond dominant political and social frameworks to envisage solutions rooted in Islam.

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Rabata Daybreak Press | Instagram
Daybreak Press publishes books that give rise to women’s voices and promote positive cultural change. They also have a Writing Circle, writing webinars, a YouTube Live series with insights and advice on writing, and an Authors Studio that takes Muslim women writers from the early drafting stages to a polished, submission-ready manuscript.

Contact Us

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Fill out the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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A community project of:
BARAKA UMM AYMAN FOUNDATION
  • Home
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  • Rambles with Na'eemah
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