The goal of Islamic education is to turn the natural inclinations of learners in the right direction and enable them to always think, plan and act according to the will of their Creator. Hence, Allah inspired the prophet (SAW) and guided the companions to establish the Muslim nation whose civilizations (through education) liberated minds from servitude to the created to the creator. It produced the best of human generation.
But with the invasions of Muslim countries, the occupation powers, through the introduction of secular education, waged war against the cultural elements of the colonized people in a cunning and deceitful fashion. This system of education in its philosophy, approaches and assumptions are segregated from religious sources. The system (supported by the mass media) is fostering a ‘ modern ‘ way of life in Muslim society which is in conflict with the fundamentals of Islam. On the other hand is the traditional Muslim institutes popularly known as madrasah. Here, the language of teaching is Arabic with philosophy and approaches which centre on worship of Allah alone. Moreover, most of the products of the Madaris spread across Muslim dominated cities tend to be unfit for the world of work in Nigeria as an English speaking country. Also, the curricula of the Madaris are often devoid of sciences, Computer skills, Mathematics among others.
Consequently, a cultural dichotomy has therefore emerged throughout the Muslim world: the traditional graduates of Muslim institutes with no prospect of employment and oblivious of dynamics, complexities and challenges of contemporary society on one hand, and graduates of secular institutions who have little or no regard for either traditional or Muslim religious values on the other hand.
In a bid to turn back the tide of moral turpitude and address the need for total education, individuals, groups and organizations have established Muslim schools hoping to offer ordinary and Islamic education. Generally, Muslim schools have over the years, offer Muslim children opportunities to learn without relegating or changing their faith and provided jobs for numerous Muslim youths ( irrespective of their qualifications) who might have been victimized in secular or non-Muslim institutions. However, most of the Muslim schools today are without defined vision and mission, mainly established for business reasons, set up for economic survival of the owners, dominated by teachers who are poorly motivated and less educated, operate in non-academic environments, preponderant in examination malpractices, rarely appeal to Muslim elites, and incapacitated by inadequate funding . Of utmost importance is the culture of the cheaper, the better which has continued to plague the development of Muslim institutions.
The above challenges, among others, culminated in the establishment of Minbar-Minds Children’s School with tall order to change the face of Muslim schools. We are not in doubt that that this task is daunting.
With the help of Allah, then, our approach, concept and dedication, cooperation of existing Muslim schools, networking with those who are passionate about progress of Muslims in all spheres of life, your support, the Muslim community and others, we believe we can deliver our set vision and mission.
In doing this, we seek the pleasure of Allah and hope to contribute our quota towards the training of Muslim children whose moral sensibilities would be towards upholding Islamic civilization.
“……And there is no victory except from Allah, the Exalted, and the Wise”
Truly yours,
Muyili AbdulAzeez Adebayo
Proprietor