Securing Hafsa’s Dream of Studying at Harvard

Hello and Salam,

This is Hafsa Amir Nawab from Karachi, Pakistan. A week ago, I graduated from Habib University with a Bachelors in Social Development and Policy and a minor in Computer Science. During my final semester, I got accepted into Harvard University for Masters in Theological Studies with a concentration in Arabic & Islamic Studies.

When I was 7 years old, in a big gathering, I heard an uncle say about a rape survivor: “Nothing is left of her except for her breath.” The point insinuated was that the victim has no reason to live now. I do not see this as a standalone statement reflecting one man's opinion - but rather as a communal issue stemming from a country that has a history of religious extremism and incapacitated policies (like the Hudood Ordinance that similarized rape with adultery) regarding rape and women in general.

My aim for this degree is to research the roots of the classification and punishment of rape in Islamic legal jurisprudence. The hypothesis I set out with is that Quranic exegesis regarding harassment provides a unique classification of rape, comprehensive method for proving it, and a much harsher punishment for it than in the current forms of Islamic legal frameworks.

Growing up in a financially troubled household with a father who worked relentlessly to put food on the table, my grandfather funded my primary and secondary education. I learnt from a young age that I must always produce the best results with minimal resources. I completed my O-Level in 10 subjects and secured 2 A*s and 8 As. After finishing my A-Level by securing 3 As, I received a 100% merit scholarship at Habib University that significantly aided my educational journey after the demise of my grandfather.

Now, I stand at the precipice of a journey that is fueled not only by my research passion, but also aid from Harvard for tuition cost. I plan to pay for the remaining cost of attendance by securing on-campus employment after joining in Fall 2024. This fundraiser is for the payments that need to be made either before starting the semester or within the first month of starting my degree, including visa fee, SEVIS fee, airfare, mandatory health insurance fee, initial rent downpayment, housing application fee, and books cost. I am providing a cost-wise breakdown of each category below.

F1 visa fee: $150

SEVIS fee: $350

Airfare: $500

Books and supplies: $600

Insurance fee: $1592

Rental down payment: $3000

Housing application fee: $50

Miscellaneous (cab, airport transfer): $258

Your support will not only help me pursue my passion for better-informed religious laws pertaining to women, but also secure a better future for my family and the women who struggle at the hand of religious extremists in Pakistan. I will be forever grateful for any contribution you can make toward my goal!

Sincerely,

Hafsa Amir

If you are in Pakistan and not able to use the Go Fund Me link, please use one of the following:

Pakistan Bank Account Information:

Bank: Sadapay/Nayapay

Account number: 03208311309

Account name: Hafsa Amir

OR

Account Title: HAFSA AMIR

Account Number: 6010220311714140055

IBAN Number: PK40MPBL0102027140140055

Bank Name: HABIBMETRO