Supplementary Schools

Supplementary schools are also called Madrassahs. The word ´Madrassah´ is derived from the triconsonantal root د-ر-س (d-r-s) which literally means a place where learning and teaching occurs. Madrassahs mainly teach an islamic faith curriculum to help students how to read the Quran, how to perform the prayer and to obtain a basic understanding of Islamic teachings. Some Madrassahs offer others services such as  learning community languages and tuition  on mainstream subjects studied in schools in the form of homework clubs. Madrassahs can either be attached to a Mosque or operate as a separate institution.

Many Madrassahs offer an opportunity for a young Muslim to learn about  practical life skills on how to behave, interact and live with other diverse communities in the UK. This requires an identification of Islamic teachings which relate to core British values of citizenship.  Nasiha citizenship educational resources have been developed to address this need. The teaching resources have evolved from  strong community input and engagement and is also supported by some of the leading Islamic scholars from different traditions.  The citizenship teaching is based around the  examples and  conduct of the Prophet, peace be upon him. He is considered by the Quran as someone of ´immense nature and character´ and a ´beautiful example´ to follow.

Nasiha Active Citizenship resource encourages students  to speak with clear and courteous language, to respect others and their opinions and fulfil the rights and responsibilities as a son/daughter, parent, student, employer/employee and as citizen living in the UK amongst a diverse community. 

Madrassahs willing to teach the Nasiha ACP are encouraged to do so for the following reasons:

• The lessons are relevant and teaching points from ayat and hadith have been referenced, and where necessary explained.
• The teaching of such curriculum is important in the current climate to prevent the Muslim youth in taking the law into their own hands and act in a manner not accepted by the Sharia.
• To teach and encourage good model behaviour showing the importance of education, skills, employment and social interaction – the pursuit of all these ideals is a form of worship.
• Improving specific and relevant teaching for our Muslim youngsters – lessons designed on the Nasiha curriculum are either not being taught or being taught below a certain standard in madrassah today and the opportunity to build core life skills in the Muslim youth today is being lost.
• The Muslim youth need to understand that besides personal worship, their interaction and wide participation in society to benefit others as well as their own families can also constitute worship.
• We must begin to raise educational standards in madrassah.
• Muslims have an important role to play in society and in politics to facilitate equality,fairness and opportunity to all.
• By registering with the Nasiha community, Madrassahs will obtain support from professionalconsultants who are Imams of their Islamic orientation, IT equipment and assessment facilities.
• Madrassah which teach the Nasiha curriculum with a certain level of competence, with Child Protection policy in place, are issued with certificates and parents are informed about their standards.
• The Nasiha curriculum is an important teaching resource to help the younger generation to understand and identify from their faith the responsibilities placed upon them as citizens in the UK.