In the name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful

World Islamic Summit on Education (WISE) Charter

Introduction

As the number and variety of schools in the world increases, we are witnessing the emergence and evolution of a class of schools across the globe, sharing an Islamic identity.

Perhaps the roots of such schools can be traced back to the Quranic teachings which put a strong emphasis on teaching and guiding the people, which Allah (SWT) firstly associates with himself: “And Allah calls to the abode of peace, and guides whomever He wills on the Straight Path” (10:25).[1] Subsequently, this important task is linked to the mission of his prophets: “It is He Who has sent among the unlettered people a Noble Messenger from themselves, who recites His verses to them and purifies them, and bestows them the knowledge of the Book and wisdom; and indeed before this, they were in open error” (62:2).[2]

The life of the noble prophet of Islam (SAW) clearly demonstrates the immense value of educating and helping guide other humans. As one example, one can recall the words of the prophet (SAW) as he sent Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (AS) on his missions afar: “Oh Ali, if only one person is guided by Allah through you, it is better for you than all that the sun shines upon” (al-Kafi 4/28/5).[3]

It is imperative that there is an environment in which young minds can be nurtured to understand and value the Prophetic example and principles. The need for this is more pronounced in our global society with competing ideologies and ideas. It is in this context that Islamic schools play an important role. The establishment and operation of such schools builds the foundation with which students can navigate their future paths.

Although the title of “Islamic School” can incorporate a wide range of schools, this charter refers to full-time schools (serving grades 1 to 12 or part thereof) which respect the Ahl al-Bayt and true companions of the prophet.

Rationale

Islamic schools all across the world try to create suitable conditions for the cultivation of Islamic values and teachings in their pupils while respecting the regulations and standards of their home countries. An Islamic School manifests itself in realms such as an enhanced quality of education, a healthy environment, an effort to teach families through constructive engagement with the local community, and integration of Islamic content in the curriculum.

Both philosophical and managerial dimensions are required in the creation of a suitable environment in such schools. Thereby making the task of operating an Islamic school an intertwined, complex, lively, creative, and exciting undertaking. Each school, in the everlasting challenges of survival and growth, has found its own effective solutions based on its particular conditions and context, leading to a trove of priceless experiences.

The invaluable knowledge attained by each school is worthy of sharing. A summit dedicated to interaction among Islamic schools will lead to the acquaintance, mutual transfer of knowledge, growth, progress, and unity of participants. Creating and expanding such a network is a sapling which will nurture into a sturdy tree, inshallah.

Mission Statement

The mission of the World Islamic Summit on Education (WISE) is to provide a platform for the periodical and systematic meeting for Islamic Schools without any interference of politics, ethnicity or nationality.

Objectives

The objectives of this initiative include but are not limited to the following:

Sharing ideas and experiences
Developing joint projects and activities
Addressing challenges and issues
Sharing resources
Planning school trips
Teacher, staff, and student exchange
Professional workshops and programs
Establishing alumni networks

Scope of Topics

In this summit, many different issues could be discussed including but not limited to the following:

Promoting Islamic Identity: training future leaders, appropriate engagement with a multicultural world, building resilience, helping pupils grow into competent individuals, social and religious responsibility, etc.
Staff Training and Pedagogy: pre-service and in-service training, induction programs for new staff, effective pedagogy, standards of practice, sabbatical and exchange training opportunities, etc.
Curriculum and Learning Material: supplementary teaching material, textbook modification and improvement, new technologies and media, effective learning aids, preparing common/joint teaching materials, etc.
School Management: strategic planning, finance and budget, human resources, legal issues, regulatory compliance, positive interaction with local and national governments, facility and equipment, policy and codes of conduct/practice, etc.
Assessment and Evaluation: testing and assessment tools, approaches to pupil and staff evaluation, progress tracking, placement tests, accountability and quality assurance, joint assessments between schools, etc.
Family and Community: educating parents, partnership between schools and care givers, community cohesion work, improving perception of schools as a socially responsible entity, overcoming challenges caused by generational, political, and cultural differences, etc.
Scholarly Contribution: analysis and study of cultural, social, moral, historical, economical, and religious issues relevant to education (past, present, and future).

Participants

The main participants of the summit shall include the founders, leaders, board members, scholars, financial directors, and benefactors of Islamic schools who are particularly interested in engaging other schools on an international level.

All participants shall be invited by the secretariat. The costs of the summits shall be covered by the participants and/or subsidized by donations.

Secretariat

The secretariat has various responsibilities, including the following, which can be distributed among various volunteering participants of the summit:

Identifying “Islamic Schools”
Forming the required infrastructure for communication among participating schools
Helping prepare the requirements for each summit
Reviewing talk/presentation requests and designating the summit agenda
Disseminating information
Designating the location and date of each summit
Inviting summit participants and keynote speakers
Managing executive and financial issues

The Secretariat will make decisions based on majority vote within itself.

In light of the fact that the World Islamic Summit on Education (WISE) is a professional gathering dedicated solely to education, which does not discriminate based on gender, ethnicity, nationality, or politics, the summit secretariat shall strive to safeguard the rights of all participants and ensure peace of mind and professionality throughout.

This Charter was approved by the following signatories and founding members on June 23^rd 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Alavi School, Iran

Alim Academy Inc., USA

Al-Tekamul Schools, Iraq

Avicenna School, Austria

Al-Zahra College, Australia

Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy, Canada

Bellfield College, Australia

Khoei Foundation, UK

Muthahhari Schools, Indonesia

Saba Academy, USA

Sadr Foundation, Lebanon

[1] وَٱللَّهُ يَدْعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ دَارِ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ وَيَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍۢ مُّسْتَقِيمٍۢ

[2] هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

[3] يا علي لأن يهدي الله بك رجلاً واحداً خير لك مما طلعت عليه الشمس