We all want the best of the best when it comes to the tarbiyah and education of our children. Are formal school and madrasah settings the only way we can achieve this?
When we think of education, our minds often conjure images of structured lessons, carefully designed curricula, and the ever-looming shadow of exams. That’s why it feels scary, dull, and deprived of joy. But it shouldn’t be that way, because true learning is so much more than this! It’s an experience that should ignite hearts, build character, and foster connection. It should make children feel alive and excited! It should be so real, so lively, and so loving that its impact bursts out into communities. Sadly, the essence of fun, faith, and friendship often feels detached from the formal spaces of learning.
This is why the Half Term Nourishment event we organised for our community on Friday, 1st November, felt like a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t just a day off school; it was a day alive with purpose, where young Muslims and their families stepped outside the classroom and into an environment brimming with creativity, collaboration, and reflection. We wanted to break the misconception that transformative tarbiyah, quality education, and success are tied to a specific institution or rigid structure. Instead, it’s about creating spaces where knowledge, values, and skills are lived—where learning is meaningful, faith-driven, and fun. Here, they explored what it means to be confident, resilient, and inspirational citizens in a world that needs their light now more than ever.
Islamic Citizenship in Every Action
Throughout the day, every activity echoed a central theme: Islamic Citizenship. Some children witnessed for the first time that being a responsible Muslim wasn’t confined to repetitive actions alone, it wasn’t just about memorising ahadeeth or Quranic verses. Instead, they were free to live and embody Islamic teachings of patience, kindness, leadership, environmental care, and collaboration in every sphere of life and in every activity.
Children learned to nurture their surroundings as a trust from Allah, to approach challenges with patience, and to treat each other with dignity. They explored what it means to be a productive and compassionate citizen, discovering that even small, intentional actions ripple into larger societal change.
A highlight of the event was the presence of role models from inspiring organisations like The Tarbiyah Twins, Muslim Kids TV, SBWA, Arrahmah School, and Arrihla Tours whose generous help and support allowed us to role model the power of collaboration. Watching adults unite in prayer, share meals, and engage in sunnah practices left a lasting impression on the young attendees. Faith wasn’t something abstract and restricted—it was alive, shared, and beautiful to witness. Educating children and transforming their tarbiyah doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, the answer to high-quality tarbiyah and empowered high-achieving students lies in the intentionality of our every day actions.