In-Person Workshop: Sacred Signs: Understanding Janazah (Funeral prayer) & Muslim Traditions for ASL Interpreters

august, 2025

23aug10:00 am12:00 pmIn-Person Workshop: Sacred Signs: Understanding Janazah (Funeral prayer) & Muslim Traditions for ASL Interpreters0.2 Professional Study CEUs10:00 am - 12:00 pm Central Time IN PERSON at St. Cloud, MN at Stearns History MuseumCategory:GMN,Professional Studies Event TagsDHHSD GMN,In Person Provided/Sponsored By:

This program is provided by ASLIS and is supported by grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services Division.

Time

(Saturday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Central Time

Location

IN PERSON at St. Cloud, MN at Stearns History Museum

235 South 33rd Ave S

Provided/Sponsored By

This program is provided by ASLIS and is supported by grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services Division.

ASLIS and MN DDBHHSSD logos

Calendar GoogleCal

Presented in

ASL with NO English Interpretation

Cost

$20 for the Minnesota Metro
FREE for Interpreters who reside in Greater Minnesota Regions

Greater MN Interpreters, enter the Coupon Code that was provided in your email. Don’t have the Coupon Code? Email us before registering at workshops@aslis.com

All workshop registrations are final. No refunds.

Event Details

Join us for IN PERSON workshop!

Sacred Signs: Understanding Janazah (Funeral Prayer) & Muslim Traditions for ASL Interpreters

Learn from our amazing Presenters! Join us for IN PERSON WORKSHOP in the St. Cloud, MN

Presented by Asma Abdille and Valerie Shirley

This specialized workshop is designed to equip American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters with essential vocabulary and culturally appropriate signs related to Islam, with a focus on funeral and end-of-life terminology. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of key Islamic concepts, religious practices, and culturally sensitive communication strategies that are vital when serving Deaf members of the Muslim community, particularly in emotionally significant contexts such as funerals.

Led by experienced ASL professionals and Muslim community leaders, the workshop will offer practical, hands-on training in interpreting terms such as Janazah (funeral), ghusl (ritual washing), du’a (prayer), and more. Interpreters will also explore the religious significance of these terms to ensure respectful and accurate interpretation. Through real-life scenarios, role-playing, and discussion, attendees will leave with the confidence and cultural competence needed to support Deaf Muslim individuals and their families during critical moments of spiritual and communal importance.

This workshop promotes inclusivity and accessibility within faith-based spaces, empowering interpreters to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing Muslim communities.

Education Objective: By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to accurately interpret key Islamic religious and funeral-related vocabulary in American Sign Language (ASL), demonstrate cultural competence when working with Muslim Deaf individuals, and apply appropriate signs and practices during faith-based and end-of-life events to ensure respectful and effective communication.

This workshop is presented in ASL with no interpretation.

Presenter Bio

Asma Abdille

Asma Abdille is the former and the first Board member, board Secretary and the current assistant director of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC). She formerly worked as a teacher at ThinkSelf deaf adult education program in St. Paul Minnesota. Asma was born shortly before the civil war broke out in Somalia. Due to the civil war her family ran away from the city and became nomads raising livestock. Asma grew up in the nomads of northern Somalia as a herd-girl with no formal education as a child. She was born and grew up much of her youthhood as a hearing person but due to illness, she lost her hearing ability at age 14. In late 2008, Asma relocated to the United States to seek medical treatment for her hearing loss and settled in Minnesota with her mother and siblings who were already in the country. Asma is a graduate of SouthWest High School in Minneapolis, she finished her high school within a year of enrollment. After high school, Asma enrolled in a post-secondary education program and then adult education. Asma plans to go back to school to pursue a higher education in the near future. Asma is passionate about volunteering in the Deaf community, helping others, attending community and social events, spending time with her daughter and reading books. She is currently interested in learning nonprofit organization management and might establish her own nonprofit in the future.

Valerie Shirley

Valerie Shirley is the Founder and Executive Director of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC). She currently works as a sign language interpreter for MDMC and other agencies. Previously she worked as a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at a number of school districts within the Twin Cities. She is a University of Minnesota alumnus. Valerie is passionate about dismantling systems that oppress others.

Register

Organizer

ASLIS