Advancing Islamic Education: ISLA at the 2023 GAIS Leadership Retreat 

 Reflections and Strategic Engagement

Dr. Samar al-Majaideh | November 2023

Introduction: 

The recent Global Association of Islamic Schools (GAIS) conference, held from October 1-4, 2023 in Durban, South Africa, was an important event for the global Islamic educational community. Bringing together a diverse group of 121 educators, leaders, and innovators from 18 countries, this conference provided a fertile ground for the exchange of ideas and experiences, offering invaluable insights into the current state and future possibilities of Islamic education.

ISLA’s Strategic Engagement with GAIS: A Multifaceted Approach

The GAIS conference provided ISLA with a wealth of inspiration and innovative educational insights. As we integrate this knowledge into our strategies, programs, and collaborations, we are poised to strengthen our leadership in Islamic education. However, to further enhance our impact, we must focus on creating more dynamic networking opportunities, ensuring the relevance of session topics, and promoting diverse representation and interactive sessions. This journey is not just about absorbing knowledge but about actively applying it to shape a more vibrant and inclusive future for Islamic education. As we look to deepen our relationship with GAIS, ISLA’s strategy focuses on: 

• Active Collaboration: As ISLA and GAIS have done in 2022 and 2023, we hope to continue to organize joint webinars and programs on topics that help us foreground Islamic teachings and cultivate stronger connections amongst both educators and students for a stronger and more united Muslim ummah.
  
• Exchange of Expertise and Best Practices: We hope to learn from experts in Islamic education in other countries and provide a global platform for American educators to share what they know with the global Islamic school community. In addition, we hope to share about Islamic schools’ challenges and opportunities in the US and to learn best practices from Islamic school leaders and educators in other countries. Doing so will enhance the collective knowledge base within the GAIS network by drawing from one another’s strategies to address challenges and harness opportunities that are common across our geographic contexts.
• Involvement in Committees and Initiatives: GAIS has numerous committees that help develop resources that are beneficial to U.S. Islamic schools. ISLA hopes to share more about those committees with educators in our network that reflect ISLA’s vision and mission to provide the ISLA community an opportunity to engage in initiatives that tap into their needs, expertise and areas of interest.
• Contribution of Foundational Research in Islamic Education: ISLA’s commitment to sharing our foundational research on the GAIS platform aims to significantly enhance the collective understanding and knowledge base of Islamic education best practices and trends in the U.S. that may be transferrable to the Islamic educational community abroad.

Initiatives and Innovation in Islamic Education: Insights from the GAIS Retreat

• “The Changemakers Curriculum” developed by Waqqas Ali and Zahra Patel of Ilm2Aml emphasizes an action-based research approach. This innovative methodology provides a unique opportunity for ISLA to help Islamic school educators to engage in research focused on understanding the specific needs within Islamic schools, for Islamic school educators by Islamic school educators.
• Learning from Storytelling Experts: Dr. Fawzia Gilani-Williams’ engaging workshop explored the impact of storytelling on modifying students’ negative behavior. She emphasized the profound influence of storytelling and encouraged educators to create their narratives infused with Islamic elements. Her insights underscored the power of narratives in shaping students’ perspectives and behavior.  Dr. Fawzia’s take-away message was that stories can be a transformative tool for engaging students and imparting moral values.
• Science and Islam: Science reveals the signs of God, yet secular scientists and science curricula overlooks this profound reality. While science can unveil the laws governing the universe and the purpose behind living and non-living behaviors, some scientists deny God’s existence and argue that life lacks inherent purpose. As a result, individuals deeply involved in science may excel academically but may lack faith and moral guidance. Exploring models like 5D Thinking, presented by Uzma Ahmed,  can provide a balanced approach to education that combines scientific inquiry with spiritual understanding.

Take-Aways and Lessons from GAIS

1.  Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness 

The conference emphasized several key lessons for organizational improvement:

• Challenging Conventional Beliefs: Encouraging a culture of questioning and re-evaluating existing educational practices to stay in line with contemporary needs and Islamic principles.
• Fostering a Positive Organizational Culture: Building an environment that promotes mutual respect, empathy, and understanding, essential for the holistic development of both students and educators.
• Empathetic and Effective Communication: Emphasizing the need for empathetic listening and clear communication within the organization to foster a harmonious and collaborative working environment.
• Succession planning: Developing succession plans is vital for maintaining the health and stability of an organization. It ensures a seamless transition by preparing future leaders to take over when current leaders step down. This foresight is crucial in safeguarding the continuity of an organization’s vision and operational effectiveness, particularly in the ever-evolving field of education where consistent and innovative leadership is key to ongoing success.

2. Key Educational Models and Innovations

The GAIS conference showcased several progressive educational models that can inspire Islamic School’s future strategies:

• Adapting Holberton School’s Learning Methodology: This project-based and peer learning model can be a blueprint for Islamic Schools, perhaps through introducing similar student-led initiatives that promote critical thinking and collaborative learning.
• Embracing Fajr Academy’s Quranic Learning Approach: Implementing family-centric Quranic study programs, inspired by Fajr Academy’s model, can deepen community involvement and enhance Quranic literacy.
• Embracing Dr. Receb Senturk’s Vision for Islamic Education: Incorporating Dr. Senturk’s concept of a harmonious Islamic education system, which merges academic rigor with ethical and spiritual development, aligns with our goal of fostering comprehensive Muslim personalities. This approach, termed “rooted renewal,” promises to cultivate individuals who are academically accomplished and spiritually grounded.

The Future Path of GAIS: Envisioning New Horizons

The vision for GAIS is to become a more encompassing and globally connected entity in Islamic education. At the heart of this vision lies the development of robust online learning resources. GAIS is poised to lead in digital learning, crafting platforms and programs that render Islamic education accessible worldwide, transcending geographical barriers. This move into the digital realm signifies not only an adaptation to modern educational needs but also a dedication to inclusivity and flexible learning approaches.

Another key element of GAIS’s strategy is establishing forums for parent engagement. Acknowledging the crucial role of parents in their children’s education, these forums are designed to strengthen the home-school connection. Here, parents can immerse themselves in Islamic education, actively participate in their children’s learning journey and work closely with educators.

A significant focus is also placed on the professional development of educators within the GAIS network. Providing teachers with continuous training, workshops, and the latest in pedagogical methods and technologies, GAIS shows its commitment to maintaining high teaching standards and enhancing the educational experience.

Central to GAIS’s strategic planning is conducting in-depth research on the global Islamic school landscape. This research, encompassing current trends, challenges, and opportunities in Islamic education worldwide, equips GAIS to make informed decisions, tailor initiatives to diverse needs, and remain at the forefront of the evolving field of Islamic education.

With these initiatives, GAIS is set not just to extend its reach but also to significantly elevate the quality and impact of Islamic education. This new direction highlights GAIS’s unwavering commitment to adapting to changing educational landscapes and staying true to fundamental values.

Conclusion:

The GAIS conference has served as a catalyst for Muslim educators and organizations serving Islamic schools, such as ISLA. It has provided us with practical insights and a value-driven approach to enhancing our role in the Islamic education sector. By applying these insights to our network and fostering meaningful collaborations, we are poised to amplify the effectiveness of our support and advocacy efforts. Our aim is to develop stronger networking opportunities, diversify our support services to meet real-world needs, and cultivate inclusive environments for all educational stakeholders. Our commitment to these value-driven objectives is fundamental in advancing Islamic education in a practical and impactful way.

Resources:

• GAIS leadership retreat-Digital Brochure:
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• The Moth by Mathew Dickes 
• Waqqas Ali’s & Zahra Patel’s Presentation – “The Changemakers Curriculum”: https://ilm2amal.org/overview/
• Erik Erikson: Identity Crisis – Explained with 1000 Words
• 5D Thinking by Uzma Ahmed
• Deon. Power of Communication: Recinate