The discussion below is about an Islamic school with the RIGHT WORLDVIEW & VISION (not just a muslim managed school) vs Public education.

Feel free to substitute the word 'School' with 'Homeschool co op'.

May Allah help us fulfill our responsiblities with Ihsan.

Why would we choose to send our children to an Islamic School?

First of all, one must ask the question:“What is the purpose of a school?”

We believe that a school’s ultimate purpose should be to equip children to understand the truth about life, the world, and their place in it.

We also believe that in order to understand these truths, the deeper questions regarding the meaning and purpose of life cannot be ignored. The curriculum of public education cannot guide students through these deeper questions of life, and it cannot use the Word of Allah and his Nabi (Qur’an & Sunnah) as it’s standard of truth. Islamic Schools, on the other hand, seek to equip students to recognize Allah in all subject areas of learning, and to respond in obedience to His call to be transforming influences in society.

Secondly, not only does a school shape a child’s mind, but one also cannot ignore the impact that a school has on the heart of a child. All schools have a vision for the kind of person they want their students to become. In other words, schools do not only teach information, but they also seek to educate the emotions, and influence the living actions of a child’s life. The power a school has to impress a worldview on a youngster is great.

So, the ultimate question then becomes: “What kind of school mission/goal do I want at work in my child’s life?”

Here is an example of two mission statements from two public schools:

“The district is committed to training and enabling students to be academically sound, responsible, productive, and contributing members of the community.”

“The district will educate each student to develop the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to lead a self-reliant, socially responsible life.”

In contrast, here is the goal of an Islamic School:

The primary goal of school is to produce committed, practicing Muslims,

• who love Allah and his Prophet ,
• who willingly strive to worship Allah with Ih'san,
• and who actively try to fulfill their role as Khalifa on earth.

When faced with the question of which kind of mission/goal we wanted at work in our children’s lives, the choice for Islamic education became very clear.

The goal of Islamic education is to guide children towards an understanding that Allah is at the center of every pursuit of knowledge. Not only that, but Islamic schools also strive to challenge students towards allowing Sunnah to mold their hearts & character in submission to Allah, and in doing that, they equip them to be the Khalifa of Allah in the world. There is no greater purpose for a school than to guide students towards embracing the world in this way. Finally, what follows are some “challenging” comments and questions we frequently hear concerning Islamic education (and a short response to each):

Can’t one teach Islamic principles at home, outside of school?

The obvious answer here is “Yes.” The Islamic school does not exist to replace good Islamic parenting. Rather, Islamic education functions as an extension of what the parent is seeking to accomplish in the lives of their children. It is important for us that our children not only see Allah and his Nabi being acknowledged and honored at home, but also in their school. We do not believe Allah should be so intentionally “compartmentalized” (acknowledging His place in the home but rejecting His importance in school). This is not an impression we wish to give our children.

But many Muslims have gone to public schools and turned out just fine!

Again, no one can deny this. Yet every parent must ask themselves, “What kind of educational atmosphere do I wish to provide for my child?” We have all become who we are by Allah’s mercy, but this does not stop us from doing all we can to train our children to recognize the Quran & Sunnah’s central place in their lives.

The difference between the Public and Islamic school is not in the professionalism of it’s staff or perfection of it’s student body, but in the focus and goals of it’s education. In a Islamic school setting, parents are assured that every teacher will not only challenge them with rigourous academics, but also frame the whole of their curriculum through the lens of Quran & Sunnah, and openly model the Nabi through their actions and words.

Shouldn’t Muslims be “out in the real world” making a difference in non-Islamic circles? Aren’t Islamic schools segregating themselves?

If an Islamic school becomes an institution that shelters it’s students into a reclusive life, then it should seriously re-evaluate it’s mission. However, the mission of Islamic education seeks to do just the opposite – to mold Muslims who are equipped to be transforming influences in the world. Just as we don’t reject attending masjid on the grounds that it is an “exclusive” place where believers separate themselves from society, we must also use this same reason as it pertains to Islamic education. This reasoning is flawed because masajid equip the Ummah for effective service in the world. Likewise, Islamic schools seek to equip children with a world view that places Allah & his Nabi at the center of all life, in every subject matter, in every classroom.

Secondly, what is the “real” world for Muslims? Is it a world informed by secularism, or one dominated by the love, reconciliation, and forgiveness of Allah?

Islamic school kids behave just as badly as those in public schools!

We would never argue against this point. The value of Islamic school lies in its educational focus (and that every teacher is trying to obey Allah & his Nabi), not in the perfection of it’s student body. In fact, we might say it’s because of the mistakes of our children that the choice for a Islam-centric education should be made.

On the same lines Islamic schools do not claim to be perfect or without their share of sinners any more than masajid's do. The difference with the Islamic school is the way in which it deals with the sin, how it models restitution and accountability, and how it encourages repentance and restoration.

We cannot afford private Islamic school. It seems like this is only an option for wealthy Muslims.

UMMATI is not a community of wealthy families by any stretch of the imagination. We have an economically diverse population. MANY of our families make major sacrifices in their lifestyle choices in order to afford Islamic education. Also our sliding scale tuition model means access and affordability for all.

A few other points that we would like to bring your attention to

The Vision behind Islamic Schools

In our society parents are expected to consider so many important factors when choosing a school for their children.

Location and transport are obvious ones. Are there opportunities for sport, or extracurricular activities, art? Can a school be too big or too small? What are the class sizes, teacher qualifications, facilities and use of technology? Is there a caring atmosphere? What are the costs including uniforms, field trips? Will my child do well enough academically for university and career choices? Will they make good friends?

These are all important considerations. Yet the founders of many Islamic schools felt these were not the most important factors. Islam is very clear on this…

“Acquire knowledge, for he who acquires it in the way of Allah performs an act of piety; he who speaks of it, praises the Lord; he who seeks it, adores Allah; he who dispenses instruction in it, bestows alms; and he who imparts it to others, performs an act of devotion to Allah”. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Letting their children be conformed to this society’s patterns of life through school was not something these parents wanted. They understood the powerful role schools have. Schools help children decide what is and is not important.

At home these parents taught their children their beliefs, values, and how they saw the world around them. Yet this was on occasions being undermined in the classrooms.

What do Islamic Schools see as the purpose of education?

School is an accepted, in fact expected, part of our modern society. We assume it is a good thing. Access to education is now seen as a right not a privilege. Before choosing a school, Muslim parents should take a step back and ask a more important question – “what is the purpose of education?”

For many parents the often unstated goal of a school education is to prepare their child for a career. Going to university is often seen as the doorway to this. The purpose of education can then become simply the creating of future employees and employers. Believing this some parents may adopt a consumer mentality in choosing a school. They shop around for the best value based on the school’s academic reputation on providing access to university. Islam has a radically different purpose for life than is taught in most schools.

And I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me… (51:56)

In light of this the purpose of education could be to help children understand their talents and abilities were given by Allah so as to serve Allah and others in society.

An education which denies Allah, or seeks to diminish His importance misses this “purpose”. Instead it often focuses on the personal success of the individual. The definition of success is often vague. For some success is defined by what we have attained to or acquired. One of the definitions of success is found is

and remain conscious of Allah (Taqwa), so that you might attain success! (3:200)

What is it we really want for our children as a result of their years of education? Is it to be happy, have friends, a job and to travel? The most common desire for Muslim parents is that their children will make good choices in life. To choose satisfying work, good friends, to share, to treat others like they wish to be treated. Ultimately it is to choose to follow Nabi and obey Allah and serve others with their gifts and abilities. A child’s education is more than imparting knowledge. It is to impart wisdom-hikmah to make wise choices in life.

and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good (2:269)

A Islamic school is by no means perfect, but is seeking to impart a islamic wisdom for life. The foundation upon which an education system is based is therefore important. As parents we need to be confident our children will receive in school a wisdom which is worth having.

Who is responsible for your children?

Islamic schooling is often seen as a contentious issue among Muslims. Yet most would agree the Islam teaches that parents are responsible for raising and educating their children.

Whether Muslim parents choose home schooling, secular, private or Islamic schools this responsibility remains.

O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (66:6)

The Barna Group* reported that 85% of parents do believe they have the primary responsibility for teaching their children about religious beliefs and spiritual matters. Yet few spend any time interacting with their children on spiritual matters. Most expect their place of worship to do it. In many ways parents are like spiritual shepherds to their own children

Abdullah ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah said,“Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. No doubt, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

So the question becomes : IS SCHOOL HELPING, OR HINDERING, YOU AS A PARENT TO STRENGTHEN AND ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN’S FAITH?

Like a shepherd, parents care for, lead and protect their children. How we choose to raise our children, and who we engage to help us, provides an example for our children to follow.

When parents enlist the help of others to assist them, be they teachers, sport coaches, Sunday School teachers or even martial arts instructors they don’t lose their responsibility. It is ultimately up to parents to decide who will be their child’s teacher.

It is unreasonable to expect teachers in secular, or even many private schools, to teach our children quranic truth. Even Muslim teachers may be discouraged or prevented from doing so in these classrooms. Religious belief is treated as being separate to the rest of life.

Islamic schools are not a way to escape from other education systems, nor take over the task of home or masjid. Islamic schools are an expression of Muslim parents attempting to fulfil their responsibility to raise and train their children in a godly manner. They do this by co-operating with, or teaming up with, other like minded parents.

Islamic schools help parents to train the next generation to understand the real world as Allah designed it. Their hope is that children will discover their place and purpose of Allah’s creation, learn how to serve others and be better prepared for life. In Islamic schools parents can do together what they feel they cannot do alone. They remain active and willing participants rather than merely consumers of an educational service.

The Prophet gave a good similitude regarding association, as he said: "The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one is like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's bellows; from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your body or your clothes or you get a bad nasty smell thereof.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

The Importance of practicing Muslim Teachers

Who is influencing your child? A child’s early years lay a spiritual foundation for life. In our modern society many things will influence your child. A Group study found parents were still the major influencers of children. This position was however now being shared with media and laws.

School came in at the second level. The 1,200 hours spent each year in school over roughly 12 years are seen as very influential.

Muslim’s may be surprised that masjid was further down the list. The 100 hours or so a year in masjid can be very significant, yet other influences are seen as greater. Your child’s teachers will have a significant influence.

In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said:“A person is on the religion of his companions. Therefore let every one of you carefully consider the company he keeps.” (Tirmidhi)

So the question becomes : WHO, OR WHAT, ARE THE MAJOR INFLUENCES IN YOUR CHILD'S LIFE? ARE THEY HELPING, OR HINDERING, YOUR ROLE AS A PARENT?

Teachers are significant role models. Your child will imitate, or become like, their teachers. As parents it is important we help ensure our children have suitable role models. In selecting a school parents are choosing who they will partner with for the education of their child. Education is more than gaining knowledge about the world around us. It is learning how to respond to and live out that knowledge.

Different teachers do have very different understandings of what is important in life. Non-Muslim teachers can be dedicated and passionate yet they cannot lead our children into Quranic truth about our world and their place in it. Can a blind man lead a blind man?

In Islamic schools parents, teachers and masjid members can work together to positively influence children. Other parents in the Islamic school community will generally share a similar view of the world. They will become additional role models to your children. This sense of community and common values can make the role of parenting much easier.

Choosing a school which employs practicing Muslims as teachers gives parents a greater say in who will be a role model for their children. Muslim teachers are not perfect. Nor do they have all the answers. Yet they are part of a wider Muslim community working together with, and on behalf of, parents.

Removing children out of secular schools would make them less effective witnesses in the wider community

One of the most common concerns raised by Muslim parents is that removing children out of secular schools would make them less effective witnesses in the wider community. They ask how can children be Khalifa in the world if they are in a Islamic school?

We are to preserve, flavour, enhance and have an impact on our society. As Muslims our role is to reform the world around us. We are called to be in the world but not of it. Being Khalifa is a lifelong calling.

So the question becomes : IS SCHOOL HELPING PREPARE YOUR CHILD TO BE THE KHALIFA OF Allah ON THE EARTH?

A significant role of school is helping prepare children for all of life. The 12 or so years spent at school is relatively short when compared with an average life span. The thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and outlook on life formed during school years can last a lifetime. The vision of Islamic schools is not separation from non-Muslims. Rather it is about preparation to live life in such a way as to be the Khalifa wherever and whatever children choose to do.

As parents a more significant question we must ask ourselves is whether it is healthy to use our children as a means of creating Dawah opportunities for us. Deliberately immersing a child into an educational culture which denies the existence of Allah and Nabi central role in history should not be treated lightly.

We will all have to give Allah an account of what we did in our lives. For parents this will naturally include how we raised our children. Nabi had this warning regarding our treatment of children.

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, said,“No child is born but that he is upon natural instinct. His parents make him a Jew, or a Christian, or Magian. As an animal delivers a child with limbs intact, do you detect any flaw?” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Parents need to understand that putting their children under the daily influence of teachers who have a fundamentally different way of seeing life can influence them for life. Fortunately, families who choose a Islamic school are still part of the wider society. They can still make friends and influence others whether through sport, child activities, neighbors or a variety of other ways.

In Islam children are seen as a blessing. We have one opportunity to raise our children. These years will pass quickly. Islamic Schools can help parents in their role.

Every education curriculum is based on a belief system

What we believe about education is important. A common belief is that education is neutral. How to read, write or calculate doesn’t immediately appear to require any beliefs, a sense of right or wrong or impact upon how we relate to others. Over time the emphasis of education changes. Certain subjects are considered more valuable than others. Deciding whether music is more important than art, drama, science or languages will determine how much time and resources are allocated to it.

Every education curriculum is based on a belief system. We seek to educate others about what we believe is most important for life. In the same way by not teaching some things we are implying these are not important. As society’s beliefs change so do the subjects being offered.

Education is the product of the beliefs of those who have written the current curriculum as well as those delivering it. The beliefs expressed in a secular school may initially appear tolerant and accepting of all ideas. In practice however they actively diminish or deny Allah’s role and plan in history, the present and the future.

So the question becomes : WHAT BELIEFS AND VALUES ARE MY CHILDREN LEARNING AT SCHOOL?

The teaching of values and ethics isn’t limited to Islamic schools. Values are learnt predominantly in families. All schools teach and demonstrate values and ethics. These values are our beliefs, our codes of conduct, our standards of right and wrong.

Secular schools claim to teach the values that are considered the basis of our laws and customs and how we treat others in our society. As parents the important question to ask is what are these values now based on. Are values decided by the majority? Are there any absolutes? Are values subjective and changing over time? Who determines what is important and what is not?

If an islamic worldview is not deliberately integrated into education then a humanistic foundation is usually laid. In humanism man, rather than Allah, is considered to be of primary importance. Where a school’s basis for values and ethics is inconsistent with those being taught at home conflict can arise. In contrast where teachers and parents share the same values, rather than undermining each another, they can provide a greater consistency for a child.

What a teacher believes is often considered irrelevant to what they do in the classroom. This stems from a belief that the teacher and the subject are separate and the knowledge they impart is neutral. However much of education is relational. A teacher’s beliefs will influence and shape how and what they choose to teach in a classroom – even within a set curriculum.

Abu Ad-Darda’ narrated that the Prophet said:“Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions, the purest in the sight of your Lord, which raises your rank to the highest, which is better for you than spending gold and silver, better than meeting your enemy so that you strike at their necks and they strike at yours?’ They replied: ‘Yes, indeed,’ and he said: ‘It is the remembrance of Allah.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Remembrance of Allah can include education. What a Muslim teacher does – in whatever subject – can be rememberance of Allah. Likewise, whatever subjects a child may study, or careers they choose they can be taught to remember Allah in it. This attaches a significant value, or meaning, to all of life’s activities. It is no longer neutral. If Allah is interested in all of life then an Islamic education requires a quranic point of view through the whole curriculum. Merely adding a few courses in religion, or a Quran study or salaah, does not make a school Islamic.

Do Islamic schools remove children from the real world?

Some parents feel Islamic schools place children in an artificial hothouse. They claim children are not well prepared to live in a society where most people are non-Muslim.

the One who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you water from the sky? Then We caused to grow with it gardens, full of glamour. It was not within your ability to grow their trees. Is there any god along with Allah? No, but they are a people who equate (others with Allah). (27:60)

We believe life is not an accident or coincidence. As Muslims we understand we are created by Allah. Any education system which ignores Allah and Nabi also denies the Quran’s claims of reality. In its place another view of reality is presented.

Muslim parents partnering with Muslim teachers can help children discover and understand the truth about the world around them. Rather than removing children from the real world Islamic schools help them see it clearly.

He Who created all things in the best way and He began the creation of man from clay (32:7)

That Allah is the Creator is a basic belief for Muslims. What we believe about Allah, Nabi and the origins of life do influence how we act on a daily basis. These beliefs will also have a dramatic impact on how a school conducts itself. The beliefs of school leaders determine what priorities are set, what is important and therefore what should be measured and reported on.

Secular education believes history and the world around us can be understood without reference to Quran or the Sunnah. By leaving these out curriculums don’t become neutral but essentially anti-God.

So the question becomes : WILL SCHOOL BE A HOTHOUSE ENVIRONMENT WHICH SUPPORTS OR CONTRASTS WHAT IS TAUGHT AT HOME?

Families are the first-place children learn about the world around them. Schools then help children understand more about the world. In the early years families and schools can be likened to providing a hothouse environment for children. Consider the purpose of a hothouse or glass house. It is to nurture plants while they are young. A hothouse provides an environment where the conditions, watering and nutrition can be better managed. The hothouse is designed to grow healthier plants faster. When removed from the hothouse these plants are better able to thrive in all environments.

In the home parents can help control what is taught, how much and by whom. The home and family life gives a child a framework of reality. Parents naturally want to protect, nurture, feed and strengthen their children. Over time parents expose their children to more age appropriate ideas and experiences. In the same way Islamic schools seek to work with parents as an extension of the family home. Rather than providing a different, or even inconsistent, environment Islamic schools aim to reinforce what is taught at home. It is up to parents to decide which hothouse environment they desire for their children outside of the home. Do we believe this is Allah’s world? If so a supportive hothouse environment where Allah and Nabi are seen as relevant to daily life can help prepare a child for the realities of life

Why pay for education?

Education for every child is a modern concept. We now think of it as a right. Yet the provision and funding of education is debated around the world. The models of funding have changed many times over the last 150 years. Historically, education for most was provided by parents. At times it has depended more on places of worship. More recently it has been considered a government responsibility.

However Allah has given to parents the primary responsibility for the nurture and care of their children. This responsibility has not changed over time. It has also not been delegated to government, the masjid or even teachers.

If we do believe parents have responsibilities for raising children then parents also need to have choices. They should have options of where and what their children will be taught. Islamic schools give parents a choice. Some Muslims question paying school fees when they are paying taxes to fund government schools. Islamic schools may even be accused of undermining the government education system and duplicating facilities.

The best gift from a Father to his child is education and upbringing (At-Tirmidhi)

So the question becomes : WHAT SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT DO I BELIEVE WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO MY CHILD IN THE LONG TERM?

It as a natural response to give to what we believe is important. What we are willing to allocate treasure, or finances, towards demonstrates where our hearts are. If providing an education which reflects a parent’s beliefs and supports their role is considered important then they will work out ways to make it a priority.

Parents do need to carefully consider the financial cost of education if they choose an Islamic school. It will come down to setting priorities.

Narrated Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari: The Prophet said, "When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as Sadaqa for him." (Bukhari)

As a parent you face the choice of ‘which school should I send my child to?’ In our society children will learn the basics of education whichever school they attend. However not all they learn may be beneficial or constructive.

We can be thankful we do have a choice. Like all choices we make, it is one for which we will be accountable to Allah. Our choices can have short-term, long-term and eternal consequences. Whatever you decide, we hope and pray that this article has been helpful in your choosing a school for your child.

When considering Islamic Schools for your child it is important to understand the diversity. The inclusion, or exclusion, of the word “Islam” in a school’s name, or its relationship to a masjid does not automatically mean it is more Islamic than another. As parents it is important you ask questions rather than making assumptions.

You will find differences of opinions, styles, policies and practices. Like masjid’s we may not all agree on the details but we generally agree on the big picture. Schools change over time. Vision and culture may change – both for good and bad. You may even have gone to a Islamic school as a child. You may have liked it. Maybe you didn’t. Regardless it is good to ask questions of whichever school you are considering.

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