DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn resident Andrea Rahal was named the new Miss Muslimah 2019 last week, after it was announced that the previous winner, Wisconsin’s Rahma Mohamed, was disqualified.

According to Helena Bowe, founder and CEO of Miss Muslimah USA, Mohamed “went against the rules and regulations of the organization” following her pageant win earlier this summer.

Following her win, Mohamed signed a contract with the organization as stipulated. She did not follow the organization’s code of conduct and was stripped of her crown, however, Bowe said.

Taking over for Mohamed will be Rahal, whom Bowe has faith in for upholding the standards of the position.

“The whole organization felt like she’s going to do an amazing job representing the title,” Bowe said. “She’s an amazing person. Even when she did not win the title on the day of the pageant, she still embraced the winner with love, and all her pageant sisters.”

Bowe said Rahal is very passionate about the Miss Muslimah USA organization, which held this year’s pageant at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.

Rahal, a 29-year-old mother of two who works as a medical assistant, was so passionate about the pageant that she found time to sign up 30 sponsors for it, Bowe said.

“She showed her passion from day one, she’s been involved and compassionate,” Bowe said.

For Rahal, who wants to start a charity organization some day, serving people from all countries, winning the title is one of her proudest accomplishments.

“It’s a dream come true, she said, even though she didn’t win the title on July 18,” Bowe said. “She said this is my time; she’s going to do a great job representing Muslim women all over the world.”

Rahal will receive a trip for her victory and will be honored at a celebration dinner on September 21 at 7 p.m., tentatively scheduled for the Lava Lounge Too location in Dearborn Heights. She will attend about 12-15 events this year, including numerous charity dinner events and conferences.