UMM MU'AAWIYAH: Masha'Allaah, the idea for this group was originally thought up by me (Umm Mu'aawiyah LaKeita) and came about due to the numerous amounts of emails and questions that I was getting about life here in the Kingdom (from a woman's perspective). Masha'Allaah I contacted a few sisters whom I know personally and also reside here in the Kingdom, and told them about the idea and asked them what they thought of it as well as if they would be interested in helping administrate the group. Masha'Allaah they LOVED the idea and said we should do it.

AMANDA: The person who came up with the idea was Umm Mu'awiyyah LaKeita. She got the idea from one of her Facebook statuses and asked me and the other sisters to help her administrate the group. I just happened to do the actual "creating".

How and why did you create "Sisters In Saudi Sand"?

UMM MU'AAWIYAH: Many sisters contacted me via email with questions about life here in the Kingdom as well as how to move to the Kingdom themselves. As opposed to writing each and every individual sister back, I thought this group would be an easy and fun way to inform others about life here as well as job opportunities. I, myself, wanted to meet more sisters residing here in the Kingdom and thought this would be an easy and fun way to network.

AMANDA: We all always get a lot of questions from sisters who are trying to move over to Saudi Arabia about what life is like over here. So a group was a perfect way to answer those questions and to get to know other sisters who also live here in the Kingdom.

Who can be a member?

UMM MU'AAWIYAH: Women only

AMANDA: Any Muslim sister who lives in Saudi Arabia.

What benefits do you expect members to get out of the group?

UMM MU'AAWIYAH: First and foremost to facilitate sisterhood for the sake of Allaah azza wa jal, to gain a better understanding about life here in the Kingdom (from a woman's perspective), to stay informed about potential Job opportunities, to meet and become acquainted with sisters already residing here in the Kingdom, to learn the "Do's and Don'ts" about living here in the Kingdom, to be able to ask questions and find out "what you need to know" before moving here, to learn and grow together as sisters in Islam living in the Kingdom or wanting/desiring to move to the Kingdom while firmly adhering and sticking to the Qur'an and Sunnah with the understanding of the first three generations of Muslims, and finally to open a network for sisters already residing here in the Kingdom to meet one another insha'Allaah.

AMANDA: We hope sisters find this group as a place where they can learn about life here in Saudi, connect with people who live here, find jobs that are available, share experiences, ask questions, share photos, meet new people, and generally strengthen our overall sisterhood.

What are some examples of the topics discussed on the group?

UMM MU'AAWIYAH: Saudi culture, foods, education, job opportunities.

AMANDA: Some examples of topics we discuss are "Having Babies in Saudi", "Living expenses", "Who's Hiring in KSA", "Mingling with Saudis", "Saudi Weddings", "What to Know Before you Go", "Share your beautiful Hajj/Umrah stories", and many, many more. (We like to talk! Our discussion board is full of threads :) )!

Do you or your members find support on the group that is lacking elsewhere?

UMM MU'AAWIYAH: Yes

What are your hopes for the group in the future?

UMM MU'AAWIYAH: To continue to help and support one another upon birr wa taqwa while enjoining the ma'roof and forbidding the munkar for the pleasure of Allah azza wa jal.

AMANDA: Well, we just hope that our group continues to grow and most of all help and encourage others to make hijrah to the land of the Muslims.

Is there anything else you would like others to know about the group?

UMM MU'AAWIYAH: Join, ask, learn, meet, greet, and have FUN Insha Allaah!! :-)