The Roles of ICEE in Establishing Excellence in Islamic Education
By
Ust Megat Mohamed Amin
Chairman
International Centre for Educational Excellence (ICEE)

Abstract

Parents and schools would normally need to answer three basic questions – What are the goals of sending our children to school? How do we plan to achieve these goals? Why do we have a preference for this plan and system of education in order to achieve these goals?

 

ICEE held series of discussions looking into these questions and found some answers on the definition of islamic education, the goals of sending our children to school, the plans to achieve these goals and the reasons for this preference.

Based on these answers, ICEE sets about defining its roles in establishing excellence in Islamic education.
 
1.    Introduction
The definition of Islamic Education.
A problem in many schools is the artificial separation of ‘academic’ and ‘religious’ subjects. This implies that Al-Qur’an and Sunnah is separate from other aspects of our worldly life and promotes the idea that a Muslim is someone who obeys Allah swt only in the mosque but does what he likes outside the mosque . ICEE is of the view that islamic education can be understood by answering the following questions:-

What are the goals of sending our children to school?
It is to seek the pleasure of Allah swt who is the Rabb and Ilaah; that Allah all-Mighty is the absolute Creator, the absolute Owner and the absolute Ruler. Allah swt is the focus of all subservience, the focus of all love, the only Protector and the Sustainer; and Who swt sent to us His Guidance through His Prophets (saw). We therefore send our children to school so that they will learn about this fundamental Islamic ideology and practice them as a way of life towards seeking the pleasure of Allah swt. By doing so, they will truly be successful in this life and in the Hereafter.

 

Allah swt says in Surah Az-Zumar 38

"and Verily, if You ask them: "Who created the heavens and the earth?" surely, they will say: "Allâh (has created them)." say: "Tell Me then, the things that You invoke besides Allâh, if Allâh intended some harm for Me, could they remove his harm, or if He (Allâh) intended some Mercy for Me, could they withhold his Mercy?" Say: "Sufficient for Me is Allâh; In Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust."
Allah swt says in Surah Yunus 3

"Surely, Your Lord is Allâh who created the heavens and the earth in six days and Then Istawâ (rose over) the Throne (really In a manner that suits his Majesty), disposing the affair of All things. no intercessor (can plead with Him) except after his Leave. That is Allâh, Your Lord; so Worship Him (Alone). Then, will you not remember?
How do we plan to achieve these goals?
These goals can be effectively and efficiently achieved through integrated and holistic strategies, approaches, methodologies and techniques covering all aspects of education system (standard operating procedures, teaching and learning processes, human resource development programmes and good infrastructural facilities) which must be planned, implemented, supervised and reviewed continuously.

Why do we prefer this plan and system of education which will help us achieve these goals?
ICEE chose this way because Allah SWT have given the opportunity to all other ideologies to implement their philosophies and methodologies . But, as observed in recent years, they had not been able to develop a viable educational system. ICEE aims to ensure that the islamic education system will be scientific and practical apart from being a viable alternative to other educational systems towards becoming the best solution for human resource development.
In the world today, Muslims can be found far and wide geographically. They are of different nations and tribes.

 

Allah swt says in Surah Al-Hujurat: 13


 

"O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the Most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2). Verily, Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Aware"

 

In recent years, one of the most effective ways to benefit from these strengths is to network. Networking amongst muslims for purposes of dakwah and charity had always been encouraged in Islam. Those who are tasked with running dakwah and charitable organisations such as Islamic educational institutions do share common goals and vision. Several approaches and methodologies had been applied in the running of an Islamic system of education based on Islamic principles.

 

2.    The Need For Networking In Managing Islamic Educational Institutions
There was a compelling need to instill the true concept of aqidah at-tauhid in the young minds so that they practice Islam as a way of life. Over the years, several attempts had been made to establish an Islamic system of education. Some examples are as follows:- Malaysia (MUSLEH); USA (The Tarbiyah Project-ILM); Indonesia (JSIT), Thailand (As-Samadi Schools), Singapore (Madrasah al-Junaid), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Madaris Ar-Ruwad Al-Ahliah and Madaris Al-Bassam), Sudan (Madaris Al-Majlis Al-Afriqi and Madaris Al-Qabbas), Kuwait (Madrasah Ar-Rukyah as-Tsunaeyah Al-Lughah), Jordan (Madaris Al-Yubil), Al-Amarat (Madaris Al-Islamiah Lit Tarbiyah wat Taalim), Lubnan (Madaris Al-Iman Al-Islamiyah), Qatar (Madarasah Abu Bakr As-Siddiq) and Jordan (Madrasah Darul Arqam Al-Islamiah).

Efforts done by these institutions are in fact a continuance to the Islamic education system established by madrasah of Ar-Rasul saw. Changes made in approaches, methodologies and techniques are in accordance with the times. These Islamic educational institutions have common goals and strong belief in the Islamic philosophy of education; which states that “Education is a process based on the concept of the Unity of God with the objective of developing virtuous individuals equipped with sound knowledge, strong faith in Allah swt and high moral values, capable of managing and administering his personal life, the society, the nation and the world at large; in accordance with the principles laid out in al-Quran and as-Sunnah through a system which is balanced, integrated, holistic and continuous.”

 

The practitioners of these Islamic schools encountered various problems in their efforts running such schools. Establishing an Islamic school in an environment which is not as friendly to the aspirations of the Islamic values and principles as envisaged in the Islamic teachings, will obviously face various kinds of problems and threats. In addition, Islamic schools need to portray themselves as progressive, dynamic and innovative in order to ensure that they can get strong support from the community. In such a challenging environment, Islamic schools therefore need to support each other through sharing of ideas, knowledge, experiences and expertise through effective networking. This effective networking will also help in resolving critical issues such as finance and administration, as well as improving teaching techniques and learning approaches.

 

Generally, Islamic private schools still need to keep abreast with mainstream psychological and pedagogical perspectives based on truly Islamic principles. In addition, the contents conveyed to students need to be updated so as to relate to the current realities and trends. The concept of aqidah at-Tauhid must be the basis of knowledge and the process of education. The principles of tarbiyah must be the basis of learning and social interactions.
Islamic history witnessed some form of networking in administrative and educational matters. Omar al-Farouq, the second caliph, took the opportunity during yearly hajj season when he gathered governors from Islamic countries and scholars for intellectual discourses in administrative matters and Islamic understanding amongst muslims. This tradition was continued by caliphs and muslim rulers after him. It reached its climax during the Ummayad dynasty (660-750) having the centre of civilization and knowledge in Damascus. When Islamic scholars converged, fruitful exchanges of ideas, knowledge, experience and wisdom in practically all aspects of life took place. All these went on until the downfall of the last empire in Islam, the Ottomans (1299-1923). Following that period, the World Conference on Islamic Education held in Makkah al-Mukarramah 1977 could be said to be a form of revival in networking amongst Islamic scholars and education practitioners.

 

3.    ICEE Strategic Plan 2007 – 2010

 

Vision

 

“ICEE envisages itself to be a well established centre which cooperates and coordinates with school administrations and educational institutions in implementing Islamic Education by year 2020”.

 

ICEE is dedicated to advance the motto that Islamic education is for all. Past Islamic civilizations in general and recent experiences in Islamic education in particular, have proven these excellent track records. Its main concern is about excellence in the implementation of Islamic education. Towards this end, it’ll cooperate and coordinate efforts with school administrations and educational institutions venturing into possibilities providing win-win situations for all. It’ll also continuously improve its own ability and capability achieving an acceptable level of reliability and respectability. It is hope that ICEE will always be there as a helping hand for education practitioners, fulfilling their needs in their areas of concerns – curriculum, financial, student leadership, project management, quality assurance, teachers development, parental  and community involvement.

Mission

 

ICEE will work:

 

ICEE will facilitate efforts that will make everyone enjoy coming to school – whether it is to learn, teach, instill values, develop character, work, make contributions, hold activities and implement programmes. Individuals and organizations share the ideals of the school, feel encouraged and see the benefits in making contributions.

ICEE will also set up platforms which will promote the meeting of minds and hearts, exchanges of ideas, experiences and expertise in Islamic education. All these could be done by way of physical interactions or through interactive virtual modes.
ICEE would also undertake efforts interconnecting groups, sharing between people, establishing connections and communication with and within the Islamic education community.

 

4 Year Plan

 

In order to develop the islamic educational system as mentioned above, ICEE had developed a strategic plan for the period 2007 – 2010.

 

a)    In the key result area of finance, ICEE aims to establish strong financial position by conducting attractive programmes such as quality international conferences and workshops which would generate income and downstream acitivies. Fund raising activities will also be carried out targeting USD1 million collected by year 2009. A quarter of the collection will be allocated for investment.

b)    In the key result area of networking, ICEE aims to promote its vision, mission and objectives to members via its programmes and activities of sharing. It will register more members ensuring proper members’ profile and database; having students and teachers exchange programmes between ICEE member schools; signing Memorandum of Agreement (MOAs) between ICEE and Islamic universities; discuss and negotiate with Ministry of Education (MOEs) concerning accreditations and administrative issues of member schools. All ICEE members are expected to nominate one committed representative to ICEE meetings; participate in sharing best practices in meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, competitions and ICEE e-group ( \n Alamat e-mail ini dilindungi dari spam, anda harus mengaktifkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya Alamat e-mail ini dilindungi dari spam, anda harus mengaktifkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya ). Visiting Scholars programmes will be organized to give lectures and workshops to students and teachers of member schools. ICEE hopes to publish a directory of its members sponsored by interested parties. ICEE will also look into entry requirements of selected institutions of higher learning around the world so that students from ICEE member schools will gain easy entry into these places. Grants are projected to be awarded to outstanding students from ICEE member schools.

c)    In the key result area of communication, ICEE aims to provide valid and reliable information apart from trusted, effective and viable communication system. ICEE will create a portal and e-group as well as publish bulletins, newsletter, journal, blogs and annual reports. These publications will also offer ICEE’s views on current Islamic education issues. There will also be planned visits especially between ICEE member schools.

d)    In the key result area of organisation, ICEE aims to develop strong organization with good working facilities, set up training centre for educational and leadership programmes and develop its image through distinct and attractive activities.

e)    In the key result area of public opinion leadership, ICEE aims to advance the motto Islamic education for all; enhance the performance and quality of Islamic educational institutions which will result in high all-round quality students; establish scholarly leadership through various avenues for selected individuals to share their knowledge and experience; provide scholarships and grants to outstanding students and research work and build strong relationship with mass media on major issues related to Islamic education. ICEE aspires to have Islamic schools to be amongst the top schools in public examinations results, having more than 60% of university students and top students of higher educational institutions graduates from Islamic schools, having Islamic schools winning prestigious awards at the national and international level, having key positions in society occupied by graduates of Islamic schools.

f)    In the key result area of human resource development, ICEE aims to establish joint ventures with islamic organisations and institutions concerning teacher training programmes.

4.    Achievements.

 

Alhamdulillah, ICEE’s major achievements so far are as mentioned below. It facilitated and organised the following programmes:-

 

5.    Future Programmes (2008 – 2009)

 

ICEE plans to carry out the following programmes and activities:-