Hasna Maznavi, an advocate for women’s spiritual leadership in Islam and the co-founder of the first women-only mosque in the United States, passed away unexpectedly last month at the age of 39, due to complications from Type 1 diabetes.
Maznavi, known for her passionate commitment to Muslim women’s empowerment, was remembered by close friends and community members during a Ramadan beach prayer held in her honor.
Seven women gathered in Zapopan Beach near Los Angeles, donning hijabs and laying prayer mats on the sand to perform maghrib, the sunset prayer—a personal tradition of Maznavi’s during the holy month.
Their tribute was interrupted by a man yelling at the group, but they continued undeterred.
“It felt like Hasna was there with us,” said Nurjahan Boulden, one of the participants. “Telling us to do the scary thing.”
A Mosque By and For Women
Founded in 2015, the Women’s Mosque of America stood as a bold response to the discomfort many Muslim women felt in male-dominated mosque spaces. Though the mosque only held monthly services and had no permanent location, it was a groundbreaking platform for women to lead prayers, deliver sermons, and develop leadership within an Islamic framework.
Maznavi’s goal wasn’t to compete with traditional mosques, but to create a nurturing space where women could grow spiritually and personally—then take that strength back into broader Muslim communities.
“She empowered us,” said Tasneem Noor, who often led prayers at the mosque. “She encouraged us, affirmed and validated that whatever perspective and level of knowledge we had to offer was valuable.”
Maznavi urged women like Boulden, who later gave her first sermon at the mosque, to embrace their spiritual authority.
“It was a transformational moment for me to be a leader in a space,” Boulden said, crediting Maznavi who passed away on April 2, with offering support every step of the way.
A Creative Spirit Grounded in Faith
Born Maryam Hasna Maznavi on October 2, 1985, in Long Beach, California, she grew up in Cerritos as the youngest of four siblings in a family of professionals. While her siblings pursued careers in medicine, law, and finance, Hasna followed her artistic calling—studying at UC Berkeley and later attending film school at the University of Southern California.
Her career spanned scriptwriting, short films, teaching surfing, and stand-up comedy, but her Islamic faith was a steady force.
A Lasting Legacy
Though her life was cut short, Hasna Maznavi leaves behind a profound legacy in American Islam. She not only created a space where women could spiritually thrive, but also redefined what religious leadership could look like in the 21st century.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration across Muslim communities, both in the U.S. and abroad. She is remembered as a woman who challenged norms with grace, faith, and a fearless belief in women’s potential.
“She showed us,” Noor said, “that leadership in our faith is not reserved for one gender—it belongs to all of us.”
