Islamic Education
Islamic Studies
Islamic Education is embodied in our daily learning. It is also offered as part of our curriculum from grades Pre-K to 8. Throughout the year, teachers frequently organize programs, events, morning reflections, and Islamic teachings that are embedded in their daily lesson plans and connected to schoolwide learning outcomes. Our students are actively involved in the planning and execution of special events we celebrate from the Islamic calendar, such as Muslim Gallery, Eid celebrations, and Hajj simulations. Allah (SWT) has given us the opportunity to teach your children about the beauty of this religion and way of life, and it is a task we take on whole-heartedly.
Tarbiya
Tarbiya is a character-building program at MUA where students learn to live Islam as a way of life. Equipping students with Islamic knowledge and emphazing the continuous practice of good deeds, we aim to nurture a desire within students to perform religious acts with love and devotion. By teaching the virtues of engaging in religious activities, we see students more likely to perform willingly rather than being forced. Our main goal is to foster a love for Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (SAW) within the hearts of our students.
Learning from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Every month we highlight a new character trait, such as Respect, Honesty and Compassion, to educate our students on how to embody these characteristics through examples of the Sunnah and Quranic teachings. Students are awarded at a month-end assembly for manifesting these qualities and understanding their practice in our daily life. Tarbiya is a collaborative effort between home and school. We appreciate on-going support from our parents as our goal is one – the success of our children.
Quran Studies
We place high value and importance on the ability of our students to recite Quranic verses beautifully and fluently, with the correct Tajweed and Makhaarij. Our daily programs and Quran subjects implement strategies that incorporate Quran as part of our student’s daily lives. One way is by beginning every morning with all students gathered together to recite supplications and verses of the Qur'an – in Arabic and English, such that they understand the words of Allah (SWT).
We want our students to feel the need and desire for the Quran to be apart of their hearts as Believers, such that they cannot do without it.
“Without a doubt, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Surah Ar-Ra'd: 28).
Our students begin their journey of connecting with the Quran from as early as Junior Kindergarten. They progress from the learning-to-read stage (Iqra) to the more advanced reading and understanding stage, where they learn to recite and truly find meaning and direction in the words of Allah (SWT). This process is generally completed by the end of Grade 6.
Secondary school students participate each day during Salah time, understanding the theory of tajweed and reciting Surahs as a group. In previous years, we have had our students learn to recite by heart: Surah Yasin, Surah Ar-Rahman, Surah Waqia, Surah Mulk and many more.
More advanced students are recommended to inquire about our special Hifz program, available to students from Grades 3 and up.
Daily Prayers
Students in primary grades learn the basics of Salah and Wudhu during their Islamic Studies classes. This includes memorization of basic Surahs in Juz 30 and understanding the importance of prayer in the life of a Muslim. Elementary and secondary grade students are provided a time to perform their Wudhu and attend prayers in congregation. When all students have completed their prayers, time is spent reciting Surahs as a group or discussing key topics in an Islamic context.
For students who are new to the school and may have not had the chance to learn how to pray, we provide small group instruction. There is no embarrassment when it comes to learning, especially about our faith, and we truly value the opportunity to teach the fundamental practices of our faith to students of all ages without prejudice.
Our goal is to create an environment where students feel love for Allah (SWT) so as worshipping Him becomes a pleasure and seen as a natural extension of their connection with Allah (SWT).
This is again further supported in their classrooms as they learn the meaning of words they recite during prayer. We hope that with proper care and attention towards prayers, our students will be able to access the help of Allah (SWT) and be able to please Him through this beautiful act of worship.