Why Islamic Schools ?

The idea behind Muslim education is simple: our children look for an identity with those around them so they should be schooled together with other Muslim children in an environment that is friendly to Islam. A child's development flourishes when there is agreement between what is learnt and absorbed at home and what is experienced in the world outside.

This goal should be the first and foremost priority of every Muslim parent. What do you think is more important: being rich in this life, but earning punishment for the soul in the next, or somehow getting by in this life, with the hope of Paradise in the next? The question does not defy logic, but unfortunately many of us still make the wrong choice.

Many immigrant parents fail to understand that they grew up surrounded by Muslims so it's much easier to feel like a Muslim, even if you don't practice Islam very much. Our children are growing up with almost no Muslims around them and are therefore identifying themselves as non-Muslims!

Alhamdulillah, there is a small thread of hope. A dedicated group of parents and community supporters are beginning to see the fruits of an Islamic education. Their children may grow up to be doctors or engineers, but most importantly, they want them to be devout, practicing Muslims.

Eventually, we have to decide what is really important to us. One hope there will be a Muslim community in Irving thirty years from now when many of us would be old or have passed away. Of course, as history has shown us, the only children who remain Muslim are those who had a very strong Muslim background. So while Muslim schools are not perfect, it's the only way that many children will be saved from Hell-fire. It would be nice to see Muslims get serious about their schools and the future of the Ummah. In some places they are. What about you?

So, how good is ISI ?

It is almost impossible to find an Islamic school in the U.S. that compares even closely to the average public school in size and scope. But before one begins to make the comparison, one must ask what each has to offer, and what is the real need of Muslims is today. People often hastily pose questions like - "are the teachers really good, or are they just bored housewives?" ..."how clean are the bathrooms?”... "Is it just another madrasa?” or worse? "Do they even teach anything in there?"

Everyone understands the role of a school, but not many are sure on the purpose of an Islamic school. In its sixth year of operation, ISI is proof that there is a definite need for it in our society. As a counter claim one may ask "can the public school offer what an Islamic school can?” - Smaller teacher-student ratios, more discipline, a spiritual orientation and an environment conducive to learning, with Arabic and Islamic Studies.