Muslim Women in LA Build Community Through Her Gather

Anisa Abdulle founded a group to foster connections among Muslim women in the city

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:21am

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For many Muslim women, community is foundational, but finding spiritually familiar connections can be challenging in large cities like Los Angeles. This gap in belonging has led women like Anisa Abdulle to intentionally create spaces to gather, connect, and build friendships. Abdulle founded Her Gather, a community-oriented group for Muslim girls in LA, after moving from Ohio and missing the supportive Muslim community she grew up with.

Why it matters

The creation of Her Gather highlights a common need for intentional community building, particularly for individuals navigating new environments or seeking spaces that reflect their cultural and religious identities. Abdulle's initiative demonstrates the power of individual action in addressing gaps in social support networks.

The details

Abdulle grew up in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by a supportive Muslim community where gatherings were a part of everyday life. As a newlywed who moved to Southern California, she felt a shift in her surroundings, missing the familiar faces and support system she had known. After realizing she was unfairly channeling her loneliness towards her husband, Abdulle decided to create Her Gather, a group designed to foster connection among Muslim women. The idea for Her Gather originated on TikTok, where Abdulle connected with another Muslim woman who reached out to her. Since its inception, Her Gather has hosted events such as an annual Ramadan service project on Skid Row, providing food and affirmation cards, and Abdulle has created a Ramadan calendar to encourage connection during the fasting month.

  • Abdulle's parents sent her to Egypt after middle school, where she stayed for three years, attending school and connecting with her community.
  • Abdulle founded Her Gather after moving to Southern California as a newlywed and missing the supportive Muslim community she had grown up with in Ohio.

The players

Anisa Abdulle

The founder of Her Gather, a community-oriented group for Muslim girls in Los Angeles, California. Abdulle grew up in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by a supportive Muslim community, and later moved to Southern California as a newlywed, where she felt a lack of familiar connections.

Mayha Aaejaz

A member of Her Gather who says she had trouble finding other Muslim women to connect with in the populated city of Los Angeles until she met Abdulle, who was warm and welcoming.

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What they’re saying

“I was born and raised in the suburbs of LA, but just moved downtown last year. I had trouble finding other Muslim women to connect with because of how populated the city is. I met Anisa, and she was so warm and welcoming and kind that I naturally felt comfortable around her. It's so nice to finally have a space where people who look and dress like me obtain to meet up and do fun, cute things together.”

— Mayha Aaejaz, Her Gather member

What’s next

Her Gather plans to continue hosting events and building community among Muslim women in Los Angeles, including their annual Ramadan service project on Skid Row.

The takeaway

The creation of Her Gather demonstrates the importance of intentional community building, especially for individuals seeking spaces that reflect their cultural and religious identities. Abdulle's initiative shows how individual action can help address gaps in social support networks.