The Rihla Fellowship
Students gathered together inside the prayer hall of Masjid Quba.

About

The Rihla Institute

The institute was formed to build serious, durable institutions for Muslim American students, beginning with a fellowship.

Madinah · 2024

Fellows gather inside Masjid Quba during their visit in Madinah.

The institute

A programme built slowly, and described honestly

The Rihla Fellowship is the flagship programme of The Rihla Institute.

The institute was formed to build durable, serious institutions for Muslim American students, beginning with a fellowship that treats travel, worship, and study as one continuous formation rather than three separate activities.

What exists is a pilot journey that proved the idea, a programme model shaped by what that journey taught, and a commitment to say only what is true about the work.

Students seated with local hosts in a majlis for an evening gathering.
Jeddah · 2024Fellows join local hosts for an evening gathering centered on conversation, hospitality, and community.

How we work

Principles that govern the institute

Say only what is true

The fellowship is described exactly as it stands today. Nothing about scale, funding, or outcomes is stated more confidently than the record allows.

Formation before scale

The work is designed for depth first. Growth follows from a programme that holds together, not from an ambition to grow quickly.

Dignity in every detail

Photography, language, and hospitality are treated with the same care as logistics. Fellows are guests, not content.

A student holding a Saudi flag during an evening walk in Madinah.
Madinah · 2024A fellow takes part in the atmosphere of Saudi Flag Day during an evening walk in Madinah.
Students sharing tea and conversation at an old tea shop in historic Jeddah.
Jeddah · 2024Fellows share tea and conversation during a stop in historic Jeddah.
Contact the institute

For future fellows.
For future generations.

Rihla is only beginning. Help shape a fellowship for Muslim students who seek knowledge, live with purpose, and return ready to serve.

For prospective fellows

Discover the values, expectations, and anticipated selection process behind the fellowship.

Application Preview

For partners and supporters

Help build a fully funded formation experience rooted in faith, knowledge, access, and long-term service.

Partner With Rihla