Mission Statement

Sabeel and Sirat are daily after school programs for students in elementary and middle school. They are programs designed to nurture the characters and identities of young Muslim children for all public-school going children and to instill within them a Quran and Islam centric worldview.

The program aims to foster a strong Islamic identity in the student.

The word Sabeel and Sirat are similar words indicating to a path (the path of Allah). These words are used in reference to paths to guidance (sabeel ila al-hidayah, sirat ul mustakeem). Students will be provided with a clear educational and spiritual path towards attaining the traits of a guided and faithful believer in Allah.

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Why Sabeel and Sirat?

Why do you fast? Why do you have to pray? Why are you even Muslim? Is faith required to be a good person? These simple questions may have simple answers. But, for many children the answer may warrant deeper thought. Deeper thought which causes one to look into themselves for the first time and ask 'Hey, why am I Muslim?'

For some, a standard answer is sufficient. Others may answer, 'Because my parents are Muslim'. Herein lies one of the most detrimental results for our children, believing without thinking and understanding.

Our children are not being taught how to think about faith. The first time they are confronted with existential questions, or questions about the nature of good and evil, without a sound understanding of the Islamic Framework and a Quranic worldview, they are dumbfounded. The Quran encourages mankind to be of those who reflect and ponder. Such as,

أََفَلاَیَتَد َّبُروَنٱْلقُْرَءاَنأَْم َعَلٰىقُلُو ٍبأَْقَفالَُھآ

'Do they not then reflect on the Quran? Or are there locks upon their hearts?'

As a young Muslim living in the west, various challenges and questions are posed to the minds of young children. The constant pressure from one's peers to the glamorization, normalization and glorification of sin in various media has led to a stealthy decline in this generation's moral outlook. The struggle and battle to negotiate a position for themselves in wider society while staying true to their religious ideals, added to the abovementioned pressures has led many Muslim Children away from Islam. The lack of a strong Muslim identity has translated into an insecurity and lack of confidence in Islam.

It is for this reason, we have felt the need to establish the Sabeel and Sirat programs for all children.

The reality is that the majority of Muslim children do not attend full time Islamic Schools, while their interaction with Islamic Knowledge in a sufficient manner is minimal. Other existing programs do not sufficiently address or do justice the growing demand for such a program.

The Islamic Society of Baltimore attracts children from all walks of life, who encounter similar challenges. Therefore, the need for a robust program of this nature is needed today, more so than ever before.

Sabeel / Sirat is split into two subjects:

• Qur’an - In this subject, we focus on teaching children how to correctly recite the Qur’an in the Arabic language with the aim of completing it under an instructor. Students are also taught memorization of selected chapters and daily du’as (supplications).
• Islamic Studies - This subject covers the core and foundational Islamic subjects such as Aqidah (creed), Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Seerah (study of the life of the Prophet Muhammad), Akhlaq and Aadaab (Islamic etiquette and manners).

Objectives:

• To foster a love for Allah and His Messenger (Sallahu alayhi wasalaam)
• To develop the faculty of reflection and thought.
• To learn how to think like a Muslim and a Quran Centric Worldview
• To develop an Islamic Ethos, conduct and behavior.
• To develop a healthy and safe Islamic environment where children are comfortable to ask questions.
• To ensure all students understand what Islam requires of them and what it means to be a Muslim in the American context.

Attendance:

• Attendance is required Monday - Thursday.
• Sabeel's calendar will be in line with the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) academic calendar.
• Daily attendance is a requirement. Parents are responsible to drop off and collect their children on time.
• A late pickup fee of $20 will be applied if a student is not picked up by 6:40.

Venue: ISB

Course duration: 1 year

Course begins: September 06, 2022

Timing: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Instructors: Shaykha Hadiyah Hussain, Shaykh Muhammad Ahmed, Hafidh Basam Kaleem, Hafidha Fariha Zahid

Prerequisites: N/A

Virtual component: N/A

Materials provided: N/A

Course Fee: $750 per year / $75 per month

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