On August 23, 2025, our team at Tena Link had the privilege of engaging in a deep and inspiring dialogue with Dr. Ibrahim Hassen, a respected Muslim scholar and community leader. The meeting was more than just an exchange of ideas—it was an encounter filled with wisdom, mutual respect, and the spirit of partnership. Over the course of the day, we shared thoughtful discussions, moments of reflection, and the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality.

A Journey of Trust and Dialogue

Our engagement with Muslim communities did not begin here. In the past months, we’ve been listening closely to voices within the community—youth, women, parents, and religious leaders—who highlighted the importance of culturally and faith-sensitive approaches to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). It became clear that for digital health solutions to succeed, they must be grounded not only in medical evidence but also in the values and ethics that guide people’s everyday lives.

This realization led us to Dr. Ibrahim Hassen, whose scholarship and compassion immediately resonated with our mission. His openness to dialogue and his ability to balance faith, culture, and science made him an ideal partner in shaping our upcoming faith-sensitive SRHR content.

Faith and Health: Insights from the Discussion

During our session, Dr. Hassen reminded us that Islamic teachings place a strong emphasis on preserving life, protecting dignity, and promoting responsibility within families and communities. He also explained how SRHR education can be communicated in ways that are both theologically grounded and socially relevant.

• Maternal and child health as a shared responsibility.
• Menstrual dignity as an issue of faith, purity, and respect.
• Contraception and child spacing within the framework of family well-being.
• Mutual respect between partners as a moral and spiritual duty.

What stood out most was Dr. Hassen’s emphasis on compassionate, stigma-free language and his vision that “faith should be a bridge, not a barrier, to healthier and more informed lives.” His ability to interpret sensitive topics through a lens of empathy and clarity reinforced our belief that faith and digital health can work hand in hand.

A Shared Sense of Purpose

As our conversation drew to a close, we shared traditional refreshments, laughter, and heartfelt exchanges. The atmosphere felt less like a formal consultation and more like a family gathering—bound by a shared purpose: empowering communities through culturally rooted, faith-aligned, and technologically innovative SRHR education.

Moving Forward

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Ibrahim Hassen and to the wider Muslim community members who continue to welcome us into these conversations. Their trust and collaboration reaffirm that faith-sensitive approaches can enrich digital health, ensuring that content is not only accurate but also meaningful, relatable, and respectful.

At Tena Link, we remain committed to walking with all faith communities—Orthodox, Muslim, and beyond—as we build a digital ecosystem that bridges tradition and technology, health and holiness, science and spirituality.

Stay connected as we continue developing Muslim-related SRHR content, crafted with compassion, respect, and the belief that informed choices are a reflection of both faith and dignity.