Islamic Schools

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In the past ten years, there has been an enormous growth of full-time Islamic schools across Canada, in both small and large communities. In Toronto alone, where the Muslim population is approximately 200 000, there are over ten full-time schools. And, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where Muslims number less than 5000, a full-time Islamic school is sustained to educate a handful of Muslim students. Some Islamic schools in Canada only offer elementary education (Kindergarten to Grade Six), while the more advanced and older schools offer a high school diploma. Depending on provincial policies, Islamic schools, like most other private schools, may or may not receive partial government funding.

Why are Muslim parents pressuring their communities to establish religiously-based independent schools for their children? Do they believe there is something grossly wrong with the public school system?

Some Muslim parents will argue that, although many public schools teach universal values such as respect for all, honesty, and hard work, they discourage children from learning about their faith and practicing it openly at school. Moreover, the general atmosphere in public schools may cause Muslim children to feel embarrassed to practice Islam – to follow Islamic guidelines for behavior, diet, and dress. Peer pressure to “fit in” may involve dating and attending school dances, for example, which are very much discouraged in Islam. Even some public school teachers may unintentionally dissuade their Muslim students from wearing the hijab or head cover, for example, or encourage them to get a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Proponents of full-time, Islamic schools will say that they offer Muslim children an opportunity to learn more about their faith and the language of the Qur’an, and to practice their faith openly with other Muslims. Teaching Islam at home and sending children to the weekend Islamic school, (which has been an aspect of many Muslim communities in Canada for decades), can only offer so much. But, having a school where the regular provincial curriculum is taught along with the Arabic language and Islamic studies, will provide a better educational option for Muslim children, who spend most of their time at school.