It’s not every day that you see a woman leading a group of men in a mosque cleanup, an effort typically driven by female volunteers. But that’s exactly what’s happening at Darul Uloom New York (DUNY), where Mursheda Rahman, a dedicated staff member of Zakat Foundation of America, is not only coordinating the project but also courageously guiding a team of male volunteers in cleaning and revitalizing the mosque and madrasah grounds.
Driven by faith and a passion to serve, her presence is powerful. Hijab-clad, she walks confidently into spaces around town where many wouldn’t dare to as these areas are considered “too dangerous,” even for men. And yet, it’s through her example that these very men are inspired to show up. This role reversal is striking and deeply meaningful.
This effort isn’t just about sweeping floors or hauling debris; it’s about fulfilling a shared spiritual responsibility. Islam places great emphasis on purity; Prophet Muhammad (on him be peace) said, “Cleanliness is half of faith” (Sahih Muslim 223, Book 2, Hadith 432). For places of worship, cleanliness is more than a physical act; it is about preserving sanctity and serving God by serving His people. Just this Ramadan, volunteers led cleanups in 5 cities. Together, the community is rebuilding these sacred spaces with our own hands, united in faith and purpose.
Mursheda’s leadership reminds us that real strength isn’t always loud; it’s consistent, compassionate, and grounded in purpose. She’s showing that service knows no gender, and leadership knows no bounds. With humility and determination, she’s leading a group of brothers not just to clean a building, but to ignite a spirit of responsibility and shared ownership in the house of God.
At Zakat Foundation of America, we empower individuals to pursue their passions and give back to the community through collective action. When talent and purpose come together, the results can be truly life changing.
