Leenah Safi

Leenah Safi is new to the Chaplain’s Office, joining as Assistant Muslim Chaplain in the fall of 2024. She comes to Yale having previously worked as a chaplain at the University of Michigan and Wayne State with a non-profit organization serving the Muslim community. Working within and between Islamic tradition and religious education, significant practical and theoretical questions of identity arose, making doctoral research a necessity. Leenah returned to her alma matter Chicago Theological Seminary with her questions and current dissertation project, entitled “Shūrā: A Practice of Relational Care in the Formation of Muslim Selves.” Leenah also serves on professional committees with the Association of Muslim Chaplains and the Moral Injury and Recovery unit at the American Academy of Religion.

When writing Leenah is inspired by the angelic voice of Ella Fitzgerald and listens carefully when Toni Morrison (and when mothers more generally) speak and educate. Leenah is renewed by conversations about the meaning(s) of life, having the opportunity to hear people talk about those they love, and the consumption of coffee prepared every which way.