Emmanuelle (Eman) Manigat
Emmanuelle (Eman) Manigat embraced Islam 26 years ago and serves as Rabata's Convert Care Coordinator. Emmanuelle (Eman) Manigat is a proud child of Haitian immigrants. She was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, and now resides in Toronto. She holds a Master's degree in Pastoral Studies and a certification in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto. Additionally, under the tutelage of Dr Tamara Gray, she obtained her Islamic teacher certification from Ribaat University, where she in 2022 and continues additional studies presently.
Emmanuelle is a former member of the steering committee for Black Canadian Muslims, a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of Black Canadian Muslims of African descent.
Currently, she is a contributor to Baraka Umm Ayman Foundation, which runs Sakina Literary Society for the Arts. The Foundation aims to facilitate and support women and girls of African diaspora through events that uplift and inspire, both spiritually and educationally.
Moreover, she is working for Ruhcare, which provides counselling, psychotherapy, and spiritual care. Eman is a caring friend, dedicated mother, and loving wife who is appreciated by all who know her.
What are the most meaningful aspects of this person's work and life?
Eman strives to excellence in so many areas of her life Mashallah. She is a convert to Haitian parents & who grew up in Montreal but now lives in Toronto. She runs a convert care circles for sisters and went back to school late in life to acquire her Masters in Pastoral Studies with a Certification in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. She successfully graduated from the program and now offers counseling. But more than that, she is always caring for others and concerned with the well-being of other people, especially for the black community. She is also dedicated to obtaining Islamic knowledge and she finished her Ribaat Islamic Studies Teaching Certificate as well. So she is personally interested in growth and I have seen her rise from an unfulfilling situation to where she is now Mashallah.
How has this individual overcome the challenges they face?
She has overcome multiple challenges in her life, from being a convert and acquiring Islamic knowledge to going back to school after raising her kids to achieve her dream of being a Spiritual Care pastor and psychotherapist to serve the community MashAllah.
How has this individual empowered you and/or our communities?
Eman has been a dear friend for many years, and I am consistently surprised at how dedicated she is to serving the community Mashallah. I just found out recently that she also runs a convert care circle at ISNA masjid; she is always looking for ways to benefit the community through her knowledge, including through delivering workshops at various masjid. Most recently was a workshop at Masjid Vaughan on the link between menstrual health & mental health.
Name a Black Muslim woman who has been an inspiration to you and why
So many Black women have inspired me on my journey, but if I had to choose one, it would be our beloved teacher, Ustadha Iasha Prime. I vividly remember the first time I saw her on the RIS stage for a tribute to Muhammad Ali. She wore a stunning blue dress, radiated warmth with her smile, and spoke powerfully about Muhammad Ali's legacy, concluding the event with heartfelt duas in Arabic. As an Afro-Caribbean convert, witnessing another Black Ustadha, who embodies knowledge and Prophetic character, is profoundly inspiring. Ustadha has cultivated a nurturing tradition for Muslim women, especially Black Muslim women, which reflects deep love and care. Her impact resonates so strongly that I recall when my daughter, around 14-15, saw Ustadha Iasha for the first time and said, “Now I understand why we, as Black people, must strive harder and be our best. I get it!” Hearing our daughter's revelation as a teenager was truly inspiring and a testament to Ustadha Iasha's profound influence.