In a time when the demand for values-based education rooted in Islamic principles continues to grow, the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA) hosted a dynamic and spiritually grounded webinar on “Starting a New Islamic School.” The event brought together three powerful voices in Islamic education: Dr. Leila Shatara, Brother Wadud Hassan, and Sister Rasha El-Haggan, each with deep expertise in school leadership, curriculum design, and values-driven governance. Moderated by Dr. Shaza Khan, Executive Director of ISLA, the webinar served as both inspiration and a practical guide for those called to serve the next generation through Islamic education.
Establishing a Firm Foundation: Vision, Governance & Systemization
Dr. Leila Shatara, a veteran school leader and curriculum developer, opened the discussion with the foundational question every school must answer: What is your vision? She emphasized that Islamic schools must be mission-driven, with clearly articulated values aligned with the Qur’an and Sunnah. Governance, she noted, is not just a structural necessity but a spiritual one, ensuring that the school’s leaders are stewards of trust (amana) and accountability.
Dr. Leila offered practical advice on structuring boards effectively: ensuring diversity, clarity of roles between the board and school leadership, and transparency in operations. She pointed attendees to resources like BoardSource and CISNA for governance support, and reminded aspiring founders that the how is just as important as the why. A school’s sustainability hinges on systems—foundational documents, committees, and routines that keep the mission alive.
Culture is Curriculum: Prophetic Leadership in Action
Br. Wadud Hassan, founder of The Muraqaba School, shared a deeply spiritual perspective on leadership and school culture. “All subjects are sacred,” he said, reminding the audience that in an Islamic school, everything taught must reflect the values we hope to instill—truth, compassion, discipline, and excellence. He spoke passionately about the need to revive a Prophetic model of tarbiyah (nurturing), where discipline is rooted in love, presence, and character, not control or punishment.
Wadud stressed that schools must foster silence, presence, and mindfulness alongside academic rigor. He called on founders to reimagine the very purpose of education—not simply producing high-achievers, but cultivating God-conscious, emotionally resilient leaders of tomorrow. His programs, including the HEART-centered Mindfulness Masterclass and the Prophetic Tarbiyah Teacher Certification, offer frameworks to align hearts, minds, and action within schools.
He also emphasized the role of spiritual mentorship and suggested restorative practices, such as community service and character coaching-over traditional suspension or punitive discipline systems. “Discipline should transform the soul, not shame it,” he said.
The Role of Strategy and Spiritual Leadership:
Rasha El-Haggan, CEO of Tarbiyah Academy and board member of ISLA, offered a holistic look at leadership that blends strategic planning with spiritual grounding. She highlighted the importance of defining a guiding vision early on—one that shapes every decision, from location and curriculum to tuition and branding. “Start with what it costs to offer a quality program,” she advised, “then set tuition accordingly. Don’t limit your vision to what you think families will pay.”
She encouraged new school leaders to prioritize mentorship, coaching, and emotional intelligence, drawing inspiration from the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Rasha’s work emphasizes the need for sincere intention (niyyah), market research, and effective communication, especially when building trust within the community.
“Families follow people, not just plans,” she reminded the audience, noting that credibility, dua, and care go a long way in attracting and retaining students. Her message: strategic thinking and sincerity are not mutually exclusive—they are essential companions.
Tools, Resources & a Community of Support:
The panelists shared a wide range of practical tools and organizations to help new school founders succeed:
- Oaktree Institute – for leadership development and board training
- 5D Thinking – for integrative Islamic curriculum design
- Swords & Butterflies – for faith-centered phonics and literacy resources
- Muslim Philanthropy Initiative – for research and fundraising support
Dr. Leila also encouraged schools to begin the CISNA accreditation process early—even in their first year—to ensure strong systems and accountability.
Final Reflections:
This powerful session reminded us that starting an Islamic school is more than a logistical endeavor—it’s an act of faith and vision. It requires the strategic foresight of a CEO, the heart of a teacher, and the soul of a servant leader. With deep commitment, prophetic leadership, and the right support network, founders can build schools that nurture the whole child—academically, spiritually, and morally.
The Islamic Schools League of America stands ready to support aspiring founders through professional development, networking, and mentorship. As Rasha beautifully stated, “The work is heavy, but the reward is immense.”
Recording of the webinar:
To learn about upcoming trainings, visit www.theisla.org.
