Dr. Yasemin Saib
Founder | Theology Educator | Spiritual Advisor
Bismillahi Arrahman Arrahim:
Dr. Yasemin Saib is an accomplished Islamic Theologian, educator, and author with over 30 years of diverse professional experience. She currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Religion at Florida International University and as a lecturer at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, where she has been teaching since 2019.
Academic Qualifications
Dr. Saib holds a PhD in Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Sarasota, FL, and a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, focusing on Islamic theology and Sufism. She also holds a Master’s Degree in International Development from North Carolina State University, concentrating on Adult and Higher Education and virtual learning.
Professional Experience
With a career spanning multiple countries and sectors, Dr. Yasemin Saib has worked in seven U.S. states and six countries, including Germany, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey. Her professional background includes roles as a theologian, educator, philanthropist, broadcaster, author, fundraiser, and social entrepreneur. Her broad expertise has enabled her to contribute to both private and public sectors in various capacities.
Languages
Dr. Saib is fluent in Arabic, Turkish, and English, both spoken and written. She is actively involved in translating classical theological texts across these three languages.
Community Leadership
Dr. Yasemin Saib is frequently invited to lecture on topics related to Islam, interfaith dialogue, and comparative theology at various religious and academic institutions. Her work also extends to public speaking engagements, focusing on youth development, women’s empowerment, and fostering interfaith understanding.
Islamic Education and Training
Dr. Saib’s formal Islamic education began over 40 years ago in Saudi Arabia, where she studied core Islamic sciences such as Tawheed (theology), Tafseer (interpretation), Fiqh (jurisprudence), Hadith (sayings of the Prophet), and Quran for 12 years in traditional Islamic seminaries. She has pursued advanced theological studies under numerous notable scholars in both the West and the East. Her continuing education includes studies with scholars such as Cemalnur Sergut Hoca of the Rifa`i Tariqa in Istanbul, Turkey, and participation in the International Intensive Summer School of Sufi Studies.
Other Qualifications and Licenses
Dr. Saib is a licensed foster parent in Florida, where she has served as a guardian for many children under the Broward County court system since 2015. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and the author of Bridging Divides: The Power of Faith-Based Family Mediation.
Philanthropy
Dr. Yasemin Saib is the founder of the Live It Up Foundation, a U.S.-registered nonprofit that has provided support to over 11,000 orphaned and abandoned children, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
Authorship
Dr. Saib has written six children’s books in English and Turkish, teaching good manners, available on Amazon. Her most recent work, Bridging Divides: The Power of Faith-Based Family Mediation, reflects her commitment to resolving conflicts and promoting unity through faith-based mediation.
Personal Values and Leadership
Dr. Saib is committed to spiritual education and community building. She is dedicated to nurturing noble character and spiritual consciousness within humanity. Her leadership extends beyond academia, as she served as Chairperson of the Muslim Women’s Organization of South Florida from 2015–2019, where she worked closely with the community to address its needs. She also taught AP college courses at Nur Ul Islam Academy during this time.
Ordained Marriage Officiant
Dr. Yasemin Saib is an ordained Marriage Officiant, offering heartfelt and meaningful wedding ceremonies that honor diverse traditions and spiritual values. With a deep commitment to fostering love and unity, she works closely with couples to create personalized ceremonies that reflect their beliefs, cultures, and journey together. Whether rooted in faith, tradition, or a unique blend of both, her approach ensures a sacred and memorable experience for every couple.
Oher Qualifications and Licenses
Dr. Saib became a licensed foster parent in Florida in 2015, where she served as a guardian for many children under the Broward County court system. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator since 2019 and the author of Bridging Divides: The Power of Faith-Based Family Mediation. Dr. Yasemin Saib is also an ordained Marriage Officiant, offering heartfelt and meaningful wedding ceremonies that honor diverse traditions and spiritual values.
Faithfully
Dr. Yasemin Saib, PhD
