Track 1
Everyday Muslims
PACES
Parents–Adult Children Education Suite
This suite is the inaugural offering of the Islamic Law Literacy Initiative (ILLI) at Ma’ruf Commons, beginning where Islamic guidance matters most in everyday life: our family relationships.
Suite Overview
Rather than offering simple rules or one-size-fits-all answers, this education suite provides a thoughtful framework for navigating family situations as they evolve over time. Built around nine key principles, three core values, and clearly defined categories of duties, it equips learners with practical tools to translate those principles into practice. In doing so, it empowers them to make private decisions with confidence and to engage in wider conversations within Muslim communities with clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PACES?
PACES is a suite of resources designed for adult children navigating their relationships with their parents and for parents of adult children. It is particularly relevant for the “sandwich generation”—those caring for aging parents while raising their own children.
How will this make an impact on my life?
PACES gives you a clear, principled Islamic framework for navigating one of the most personal and sometimes complicated relationships in your life. Whether you are navigating disagreement, setting boundaries, or simply seeking to show up better in your family relationships, PACES equips you with the tools, vocabulary, and confidence to do so with clarity, integrity, and care.
What does PACES include?
PACES includes the following:
- A course with six pre-recorded modules (approximately four hours total)
- Videos with integrated case studies so you can practice applying the tools in real time
- Quizzes in each module to reinforce your learning
- A comprehensive workbook designed for structured reflection and application
- A principles framework with nine key principles guiding the parent–adult child relationship
- An extensive, in-depth glossary with detailed explanations of the origins and uses of Arabic terms
- A Qur’an and Hadith reference guide
- A frequently asked questions (FAQ) index
- Recommendations for further learning and support
How much does PACES cost?
The full suite of resources is $175, with flexible payment plan options available: 2 monthly installments of $87.50 or 4 monthly installments of $43.75.
There is also a reflective workbook that can be purchased separately for $25.
How can I access PACES?
PACES is hosted on Teachable, a secure online learning platform. Once enrolled, you will have access to all PACES course materials and resources directly through your Teachable account, available on mobile and desktop devices at any time.
Who is behind PACES and how was it created?
At Maʿruf Commons, we are committed to educational programs that are rigorous, co-constructed, research-based, and grounded in real community needs. PACES was developed through a collaborative process that brought together expertise in Islamic law, Islamic psychology, adult education, and lived community experience.
PACES was initially developed by Dr. Mariam Sheibani after more than five years of teaching and engaging with questions related to parents and adult children. The course was then reviewed and refined in collaboration with nine experts: three traditionally trained jurists, three Muslim therapists trained in Islamic psychology, and three educators with advanced training in adult education. Their feedback and critiques were carefully incorporated into the final version of the program.
In addition, Maʿruf Commons’ research team spent months studying contemporary Muslim conversations, questions, and challenges related to parent–adult child relationships, both online and within local communities. These insights helped shape the themes, concerns, and practical questions addressed throughout PACES.
Is PACES suitable for me if I have experienced harm in my family?
PACES takes the reality of harm in family relationships seriously. The curriculum specifically addresses how to balance the obligation to maintain family ties with the obligation to remove or reduce harm. It is designed to help you distinguish between relationships that are difficult and those that are genuinely harmful, and has been reviewed by therapists to ensure it aligns with sound therapeutic principles and best practices.
Is PACES relevant if my relationship with my parents/adult child is healthy?
PACES is not a crisis intervention—it is an educational suite of resources. Even in healthy relationships, many Muslims navigate family life without a clear understanding of what Islam requires, recommends, or permits in the parent–adult child relationship. This course provides a principled framework and practical tools, grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah, that deepen your understanding and engagement in your family relationships and help you navigate the inevitable challenges of family life.