Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response in Islamic Communities
Our Responsibility: From Awareness to Action
Children are an amānah (sacred trust) from Allah. They are entrusted to our care not only to be taught and nurtured, but to be protected—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and in every other way. Allah ﷻ says: "O you who believe, do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts while you know." (Qur'an 8:27) Protecting children is not optional. It is a moral, communal, and religious obligation.
Why This Work Matters
Child sexual abuse exists in every community, including our own. Silence, discomfort, and fear of damaging reputation have historically prevented communities from addressing this issue openly. But silence does not protect children, it protects harm.
This toolkit exists to help our communities move:
IMPORTANT SAFETY & SUPPORT NOTE
This material discusses child sexual abuse, boundaries, and safeguarding. Some readers may experience discomfort, sadness, fear, anger, or memories of personal experiences while reading. These responses are normal. Please engage with this material at your own pace and seek support if needed.
If a child may currently be in danger, contact emergency services, Child Protective Services (CPS), or the appropriate local authority immediately. This resource is educational and does not replace legal reporting obligations or professional guidance.
ISLA child abuse reporting hotlines guideOur Approach
This toolkit is grounded in three core principles:
Safety Before Comfort
Protecting children always takes priority over avoiding discomfort, conflict, or reputational harm.
Faith and Responsibility Go Together
Trust in Allah (tawakkul) does not replace action. It requires it.
Clarity Prevents Harm
Clear expectations, boundaries, and systems protect both children and communities.
Foundational Framework
This toolkit is informed by an Islamic worldview. Dr. Mariam Sheibani with Ma'ruf Commons presents 8 misunderstandings and corrected understandings, including how Islamic principles are applied to specific scenarios.
TRAUMA-INFORMED NOTE
Children who experience harm do not always respond in predictable ways. A child may:
- disclose gradually
- minimize experiences
- avoid eye contact
- change details over time
- or communicate distress through behavior rather than words
These responses are common trauma reactions and should not automatically be interpreted as dishonesty. Creating emotionally safe environments increases the likelihood that children will seek help when needed.
ISLA’s do’s & don’ts when a child discloses abuseChild Sexual Abuse Explained
Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity, whether physical, verbal, visual, or digital, forced upon or imposed on a child by:
- an adult
- a teen
- or another child who holds power, influence, or access.
It includes:
Contact Abuse
- touching
- fondling
- penetration
- forcing a child to touch others
Non-Contact Abuse
- exposing a child to sexual images or videos
- indecent exposure
- sexualized talk
- online grooming
- coercive messaging
- pressuring a child to create or share sexual content
Peer-on-Peer Abuse
Harmful behavior between children or teens that crosses boundaries and causes:
- emotional harm
- physical harm
- psychological harm
- or sexual exploitation
Child sexual abuse does not require physical force. Manipulation, secrecy, digital exposure, intimidation, grooming, coercion, or unequal power can all be used to harm a child.
TRAUMA-INFORMED NOTE
Children may not always recognize abuse immediately, especially when:
- trust
- gifts
- affection
- religious authority
- or emotional manipulation are involved.
Recordings of webinars and workshops
From Awareness to Action: Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop for Islamic School Parents, Leaders and Staff
ISLA and Al Fatih Academy teamed up to share important terminology, best practices, parenting tips all related to how we can safeguard our children from sexual abuse. Sr. Uzma Baig, Al Fatih Academy's counselor, Dr. Ismail Ibn Ali, their Head of School, and Sr. Qur'an Shakir, ISLA's Project Manager for the Sexual Abuse Prevention Toolkit were facilitators of the workshop.
Sacred Duty: Sexual Abuse Prevention Training for Islamic Schools
This workshop was co-facilitated by Qur'an Shakir, ISLA Board Member and Project Director for ISLA's Sexual Abuse Prevention Toolkit, and Dr. Ismail ibn Ali, Head of School and Program Manager for the Center of Innovative Religious Education (CIRE) at Al Fatih Academy in Virginia and co-sponsored by Islamic Schools Association of Canada (ISAC). The workshop included basic information and definitions related to sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, how to respond to disclosure, and policies and procedures that schools should have in place to ensure the safety of students. It also used framing scenarios to help participants think through the complexities of preventing or responding to child sexual abuse that may have occurred in a school, community setting or even a child's home.
Find What You Need
Choose the area that fits your role in protecting children.
Resource Library
Below, you'll find sample school policy templates, a school manual template, and incident report forms to support your efforts in safeguarding children. As this toolkit grows, ISLA will continue developing resources for Educational Leadership Teams, Classroom Teachers, School Staff, Parents, and the wider community.
Handbook Template — Key Terms and Legal Definitions
Updated reference of key terms and legal definitions for safeguarding policy and handbook language.
Handbook Template: K–12 Private Islamic School
Comprehensive handbook template with policies and procedures for K–12 Islamic schools.
Sample Volunteer and Training Guide
Screening, onboarding, and training expectations for volunteers serving in schools and community programs.
Helpful Reporting Resource Agencies
Hotlines, CPS contacts, and national agencies to reach when a child needs protection or you need guidance.
When to Call, What to Do, and How to Respond Safely.
Check back often for new tools, templates, and tips to help us all uphold our amanah to protect children and ensure their safety.