Handbook and Student Guide with border - Husayni … · · 2014-01-04Husayni Madrasah Handbook and Student Guide Page 1 Reason for a handbook The ... students and teachers will

Handbook and Student Guide

“Sharing knowledge

through caring”

Husayni Madrasah Contents

Contents

Page

Reason for a handbook 1

Aims and objectives 1

Why have a Madrasah? 2

The importance of collaboration 3

A very brief history of Husayni Madrasah 4

Admissions 5

Fees 5

Dress code 5

The yearly calendar 6

Timing 6

Absence 6

The subjects we offer 7

Work 9

The House System 10

Parent’s Day 10

The Summer Project 11

Sports Day 11

Prize Giving Day 12

Our website 12

Some comments from students and parents 13

Contact and location details 14

Husayni Madrasah Handbook and Student Guide

Page 1

Reason for a handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to allow all those who

attend Husayni Madrasah to have a basic understanding of

how the Madrasah works. By detailing some of the

expectations, policies and directions of the Madrasah, we

hope that the parents, students and teachers will have a

common understanding about the Madrasah allowing a

conducive environment for learning.

Aims and objectives

1. To offer the learning of religious and other

supplementary subjects to Muslim children

between the ages of 3 and 20

2. To facilitate those children capable of

developing their knowledge to GCSE standard

and further

3. To enhance the children’s social development

4. To provide facilities for the children’s physical

education and sport activities

5. To develop a resource of material required for

the above activities

6. To develop teaching aids specific to the above

activities

7. To publish books and produce other material

needed for the above activities


Page 2

Why have a Madrasah?

Looking around at the society in which we live today, we

can see a lack of moral and Islamic values everywhere.

Children need to be given a solid foundation to develop

faith that is strong enough to not only withstand the

current amoral environment, but also to be able to set an

example to others.

Undoubtedly, this requires parents to

train their children at home.

However, this is often not enough to

teach the children the finer aspects of

Islam.

With this in mind, the Madrasah

offers an environment for the children not only fit for

teaching and learning, but also for relaxing and

socialising. With a primary aim to ensure that the children

enjoy attending the classes every week, Husayni Madrasah

tries to make sure the children interact with each other and

with the teachers by facilitating play and sports during a

half an hour break.

So the Madrasah allows not only for a basic foundation of

Islamic knowledge and values, but also encourages

Islamic ideals through social interactions – endeavouring

to achieve a holistic atmosphere.


Page 3

The importance of collaboration

With collaboration comes proficiency.

The teachers work very hard to ensure

they teach the children as best they can. Their caring and

generous attitude along with the notes they provide set a

good foundation for the children’s learning. However,

with only a short amount of time every week, it is of vital

importance that the teachers have the support of the

parents in helping the children learn the material.

We welcome parents to attend the Assemblies at the

beginning of every Madrasah session. During the

Assembly, we encourage children to participate – either

by answering questions or by reciting and performing

themselves.

The Madrasah also holds a Parent’s Day every year so that

the parents are able to discuss the progress of their child

with the teacher. The children are encouraged to attend

this with the parents so that altogether they can discuss

how the child is doing at the Madrasah. Further to this, a

report is written for each child at the end of the year –

following the exams – detailing the child’s achievements

during the year.

If a parent has any concerns

or questions about the

Madrasah generally or about

their child specifically, they

are encouraged to contact the

administration and arrange for

an appointment.


Page 4

A very brief history of Husayni Madrasah

Husayni Madrasah is a Sunday school teaching Islamic

subjects based in North Harrow, which was established in

1977. Over the 30 years, Husayni Madrasah has developed

in various ways. Many of the teachers were students in the

very same Madrasah in the past. Teachers still teach

purely on a voluntary basis – as has always been the case

– with the only intention being for the pleasure of Allah.

Initially, the Madrasah begun in local homes as there was

no set premises for it. However, as it developed, it moved

to Ruislip and was called “Ruislip Madrasah”. It was

suggested that the word Husayni should be added and,

after moving to Harrow, “Ruislip” was dropped leaving

the name – as it is now – “Husayni Madrasah”.

From 1987 to 1997, Nower Hill High School was hired

weekly as a set premises for the classes. 14 classrooms

were hired and a total of 280 pupils were on the register.

With a hired hall being used, there was nowhere to keep

the material and a mobile cabinet was used which held

1000 books and numerous video tapes and audio cassettes.

The teachers and children began the publication of “Al-

Muntazir” which was published worldwide. In the mid

1980s, the idea of an annual Summer Project begun.

In 1985, the idea of a universal syllabus was considered,

but did not materialise. Husayni Madrasah wrote its own

syllabus and wrote material for the various subjects.

Until now, the Madrasah continues to develop

and produce material for the students.


Page 5

Admissions

Boys and girls from the age of 3 to 16 are permitted to

enrol in the Madrasah. We encourage children to enrol

from the age of 3 so that they cover all the material.

Enrolment requires simply filling out a form and paying

the fees for the term.

All children who register are given a badge, a ring binder

with dividers and plastic folders and a Qur’an.

Fees

The fees for the classes are £50 per year.

The fees cover all the material given to the

children.

This minimal amount is to begin to cover the

costs of the Madrasah – however, the cost of hiring

classrooms and producing material for the children

exceeds this on a yearly basis. We are always looking for

donations to help with the cost of the Madrasah.

If, however, anyone is unable to afford this cost, speak to

the administration, who should be able to help.

Dress code

All children are expected to dress sensibly. Girls are

required to wear a headscarf and long sleeves and trousers.

Boys are also asked to wear long trousers. No obscene or

intimidating material should be displayed or worn.

Children should wear their House badges every week.


Page 6

The yearly calendar

The year begins in January and ends with

exams and Prize Giving Day in December.

Each year contains 3 terms – following the

national school system.

Timing

Husayni Madrasah takes place on

Sundays during term time. The

assembly begins at 9:45am and parents

are invited to attend as there are often

presentations for the children during this

time. The children also regularly recite

in front of the entire Madrasah during

assembly. It is vital that the children are present

The classes begin at 10:00am and each last 35 minutes.

There are 4 lessons during the day and a break of 30

minutes beginning at 11:10am.

The Madrasah, therefore, runs from 9:45am to 12:50pm

every week during term-time. A full list of term dates can

be found on the Husayni Madrasah website.

Absence

The Madrasah expects children to attend all classes. If, for

any reason, a child is unable to attend a class, the parents

should notify the administration as early as possible by e-

mail ([email protected]).


Page 7

The subjects we offer

Qur’an

At Husayni Madrasah, we strive to ensure

that the children can begin recitation of the

Holy Qur'an from a young age. We

therefore try as best we can to allow 1-on-

1 teaching. From the very beginning the

children learn how to pronounce the alphabet and as they

progress, they learn the vowels and how to join words.

Depending on the speed of the child, they are able to recite

fluently within a few years. They also learn to memorise

Surahs from the Qur'an and, when they

have memorised a certain number of

Surahs, they receive a certificate to

show this. In the later years, they learn

Tajweed as well as the meaning behind

the Arabic writing of the Qur’an.

Arabic From a very young age, the children

learn how to say basic words such as

animals, household items and parts of

the body. The teachers use various

methods including the use of flash

cards, drawing, colouring in and other

games for the children. For the older

children there are Arabic books, which

we have produced ourselves, which go

through detailed grammar with

examples of sentences from the Holy

Qur’an.

A flashcard used to

teach playgroup


Page 8

Fiqh and Akhlaq

The children in the younger age group learn the basics

about Allah as well as about Allah's creation. They also

focus on the fundamentals of the religion. As they move

through the years, they move onto more complex issues

regarding Islamic Law and Ethics. It is also important that

the children learn about behaviour and the way they

should act towards others (Akhlaq).

Islamic History The younger children learn, through

story-telling, the history of the Prophets

and the Imams. In the later years, the

children learn about the companions of

the Imams and also about how Islam

moved through the world (from the 8th Century to the

14th Century) and influenced society as it is today.

Current Affairs This subject emphasises the importance of

knowing about worldwide issues which affect

all Muslims. This subject is offered by very

few, if any Madrasahs. Yet we feel that the

older children need to be able to look at

worldwide issues affecting Muslims and to be

able to analyse and talk to others about them.


Page 9

Work

During the year, the children are asked to pay attention

during their classes. The teachers have worked hard to

ensure that the lessons are prepared and the children

should make sure that they are ready for the lessons as

well.

All children should bring a pen (or pencil) and

paper to their lessons as they may be asked to

write notes during the lessons. It is also useful

to bring in colouring pencils, although we can

provide some for the children to share.

Homework may be given by the teachers. The children are

required to complete the homework each week.

Sometimes the children may require some help with their

work. Parents are encouraged to play an active role in

their children’s learning and this includes helping the

children as needed.

In particular, all students will receive homework for

Qur’an. This will include recitation everyday (to be signed

by the parent) as well as memorisation of a Surah or part

of a Surah.

At the end of the year, there is an exam period, where the

children are tested on what they have been taught during

that year. This not only gives the teachers an idea of how

the children are doing, but also allows the parents to see

their child’s progress. All children are expected to get over

50% in these exams. A report is also written by the

teachers detailing the children’s progress.


Page 10

The House System

The Houses are like teams. There are 4 houses, each with

a different colour:

� Salman e Farsi (blue)

� Miqdad al Aswad (yellow)

� Amaar bin Yaasir (green)

� Abu Dharr e Ghaffari (red)

House points are awarded for merit and conversely,

deducted for sub-standard performance; academically or

otherwise. The house point chart is displayed every week.

The house points help to foster a competitive

environment. The primary purpose is to provide pupils

with an incentive to strive for improved academic

achievement. The system also endeavours to improve

standards of general behaviour and discipline.

Parent’s Day

As already mentioned, every year there is a Parent’s Day.

This serves two purposes. Firstly, this day gives the

administration a chance to let the parents know the

progress and development of the Madrasah over the past

year. This also allows for feedback to be given to the

administration regarding the way in which the Madrasah is

run.

Secondly, Parent’s Day gives the parents a chance to meet

those who are teaching their children and discuss any

issues that they may have. The children are also

encouraged to attend as the teachers

should be giving detailed feedback to the

both the parents and the children so as

support the improvement of the children.


Page 11

The Summer Project

Every year, just after the summer holidays, the children

are all required to submit a Summer Project. The title of

the project varies from year to year. In the past, titles such

as “Life after Death” and “Muslim Countries

Worldwide” have been used.

The standard of the projects is usually quite high

and the projects go on display at mosques for

others to see. Some children hand in a booklet

whereas others create models, posters and games. The

children are encouraged to be as innovative as possible.

The projects are made to be anonymous and are judged by

independent judges. A winner for separate age groups is

noted. On Prize Giving Day, everyone who submitted a

project receives a prize. The winner of each age group

also receives a trophy, and so does the overall winner.

Sports Day

Every year, just before the Summer holidays, a Sports Day

is held at Headstone Manor (on Headstone Lane). This

day is compulsory for all to attend. Parents are welcome to

join in too!

During the day, the children play many games and

participate in races. The aim of the day is to allow children

the opportunity to enjoy themselves in a competitive

environment. The children not only learn the value of

teamwork, but also learn that sports are an

important part of a healthy life.

Lunch is provided on the day. Medals are

given to the children who win each race.


Page 12

Prize Giving Day

At the end of each year, there is a day in which all

students, parents and teachers join together in celebrating

the achievements of the students.

On the day, prizes are given out for

those who submitted a Summer

Project. Further to this, the person who

attained the highest number of House

Points (for academic achievement

during the year) also receives a prize.

Reports are also given on this day and parents are

welcome to speak to the teachers about their child’s

performance.

Our website

To help to ensure that everyone is kept updated about the

running of the Madrasah, as well as to help the children

with their learning, a dynamic website has been created.

The website not only shows upcoming

important dates, but also shows photos

of the children as well as information

about the subjects – including the

syllabus for each subject.

The website continues to be improved and resource

material is added so that the children, with help from their

parents, can access these and work from home as well.

http://www.husaynimadrasah.co.uk


Page 13

Some comments from students and parents

“My children really enjoy Madrasah and have learnt a lot and continue to do so.”

Mrs. Umme Kalsoom Ali (Parent)

“I like it very much at Madrasah because I

have fun there.” Farjad Hussain (8 years old)

“There is a good range of activities that my child finds interesting

and enjoyable.” Zeenat Hashim

(Parent)

“I think this is the best Madrasah and there are really nice teachers.”

Hassan Abbas Ali (10 years old)


Page 14

Contact and location details

E-mail address: [email protected]

Website: http://www.husaynimadrasah.co.uk

Correspondence Address:

Husayni Madrasah, c/o PO Box 110, Harrow,

Middlesex, HA2 6RH

Location Address: Nower Hill High School, George V Ave,

Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 5RP

Nearest Tube Station: North Harrow Station (Met. Line) Bus Routes: 183, H18, H19

Documents

Handbook and Student Guide with border - Husayni … · · 2014-01-04Husayni Madrasah Handbook and Student Guide Page 1 Reason for a handbook The ... students and teachers will