ISLAMIC CENTRE EDGWARE MADRASAH RULES AND REGULATIONS
About Islamic Centre Edgware
The Islamic Centre Edgware (ICE) was established over 50 years ago to serve the spiritual and welfare needs of the Muslim community in and around the Edgware area.
Although having operated at various locations, we were blessed by Allah who allowed us to open our purpose built Islamic Centre on Deansbrook Road in March 2016.
An important part of our work is to establish a madrasah to support local parents and the Muslim Community in teaching our next generation about the beautiful religion of Islam. The madrasah only teaches Islam within the ambit of Alhus Sunnah wal Jamā’ah, meaning it is the mainstream sunni beliefs including that of the finality of the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and beliefs as understood by the companions and earliest generations. Although we have an open-minded view and welcome all schools of though, our default teaching are based on the Hanafi fiqh
The madrasah teaches Qur’ān reading from beginners to advanced Tajweed; memorisation of supplications and Qur’ān; and Islamic Studies for everyday life.
Our vision is to establish a madrasah that is renowned for its excellence and broad teaching. We wish not only to educate the future generation, but to develop a deep love for Allah, his religion and his messenger (ﷺ). We wish to empower them with knowledge and confidence that their religion is based on solid foundations and has the answers to all problems, spiritually and in the temporal world.
The Role of Parents
Our syllabus is taught as supplementary information to the education that parents give to their children. It must be made absolutely clear that the responsibility to educate children, theoretically and practically, rests upon the parents. Although the madrasah can facilitate by educating young minds, unless this is nurtured and put into practice in the household, it will not be very effective. Parents should actively set a role model for their children in their relationships with their worship, appearance, manners and interaction with others.
Parents must take an active approach to their child’s madrasah education by enquiring from them what they are learning and by looking through Madrasah Record Books, as well as their textbooks and exercise books. They should ensure homework is being done, and give the child sufficient time to revise, even during holiday periods.
It is for this reason parents are encouraged to educate themselves by attending events at the Islamic Centre, and ensure their household conforms to the Islamic requirements.
Parents are expected to exhibit exemplary conduct to ensure they contribute to the education of the child and at the same time adhere to the rules and regulations of the madrasah.
Syllabus
After extensive research we have decided to adopt a specific syllabus and resources that we think would facilitate the development of the madrasah. Safar Academy has developed fairly thorough materials and we intend to use that as a foundational basis, supplementing and expanding upon their resources.
Our syllabus is composed of various areas.
- Qur’ān Reading
Our Qur’ān reading is based upon qirā’ah of Hafs an Āsim which is the predominant qirā’ah in the world. The common Qur’anic script available in most masājid today can be Uthmāni, Madani or Indo-Pak. The standard script that we will use is the Indo-Pak script which is available in most of the Indian Sub-Continent. However, for the advanced syllabus we will cover the rules relating to the other scripts, such as the hamzatul wasl and alif maqsoorah.
Children will be expected to memorise a minimum number of sūrahs each term, for which extra practice and encouragement would be required at home such as ensuring the child is reciting those sūrahs during salāh.
- Du’ās & Manners
The children will also be taught supplications used in everyday life and those that are used on special occasions and events. They will also be taught prophetic manners for everyday life.
- Islamic Studies
The Islamic Studies syllabus is broad and covers many topics.
The basic foundations of the Islamic belief are taught to the younger classes with more in depth discussions taught to more advanced students so they can understand the Islamic belief in relation to the modern scientific world that we live in.
All aspects of Islamic worship are covered including purification and prayer, fasting and Ramadān, zakāh and sadaqah, and hajj and umrah. The predominant fiqh taught is according to the Hanafi school of thought, although if requested, some teachers may be able to also explain the rulings from other schools of thought from Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah.
As for history, the children are taught about the lives of the previous prophets, the seerah of the prophet Muhammed (ﷺ) and the lives of the Companions. The more advanced student are taught about Islamic scholars, the scientific contribution of Islam to the modern world and significant events in Islamic history.
For older children or advanced classes, there may be special topics covering Islamic legislations, understanding hadeeth, basic Islamic jurisprudence. They may also learn about lifestyle topics such as the rulings relating to the social, economic and political aspects of life.
Admission Policy
Due to limited space, we are limited to a specific number of students. Thus we have a strict admissions policy aimed at ensuring fair criteria is used to determine the admissions.
An admission fee is applied when accepting children into the madrasah. They will also be directed to these regulations which details the requirements of the student and the parents/ guardians.
If the madrasah is full and spaces are unavailable, children are placed on a waiting list until we are able to offer a place. In the meantime, it is essential for parents to seek alternative means of educating their child so that they remain within the same knowledge frame as their peers.
Full details can be found in our Admissions Policy Document.
Student Requirements
Upon Admission, all students are issued with a Qa’idah or Tajweed book, and a du’ ā book. They are required to purchase further books and stationary as well as the uniform.
Students are required to purchase further books during their progression. The syllabus covers the following books: Complete Qai’dah, Tajweed Rules, Qur’ān, Du’ā Book One, Du’ā Book Two, and six Islamic Studies Books. These are all (apart from the Qur’ān) published by Safar Publications and are commercially available. A current price list is available from the madrasah office.
Students should have exercise books for each module, as advised by their teacher. Students should also have two sharp pencils and a rubber. We do not allow student to bring in pens or sharpeners.
Students are expected to aspire to the highest levels in appearance with clean, presentable uniforms and good personal hygiene such as well trimmed fingernails.
They are expected to behave as model students at all times in accordance to our behavioural policy.
Uniform and Appearance
The Madrasah Management Committee of Islamic Centre Edgware has adopted a dress code in line with the general Islamic requirements of dress in order to inculcate an Islamic identity and expects all its students to adhere to it.
Boys must be dressed in either a white thobe or shalwār qamees. Care should be taken to ensure it reaches below knee level, but above the ankles. Boys should also wear a white topi (head covering).
Girls must be dressed a black abaya/jilbāb or black shalwār qamees, ensuring the qamees reaches ankle level. They are also required to wear a full black hijāb (headscarf) ensuring their hair are covered fully at all times. Headscarves should be long enough to drape over the upper body and all clothing should not be see through.
Parents/guardians should ensure that the uniform is kept clean and presentable.
Jewellery must not be worn by boys at all, with the exception of a wrist watch. If a student is found to be wearing or in possession of any other jewellery, the management has the right to confiscate it. Parents/guardians will have to contact the madrasah office to reclaim the item. Girls may wear concealed jewellery, but make-up, including nail varnish, is not permitted.
All students should ensure they cut their nails regularly, and keep hair kempt.
Any student adopting a hairstyle which is contrary to the spirit of Islam will be asked to have it rectified before being allowed to enter the madrasah classes.
If a student falls short of the uniform or appearance requirements, a verbal warning will be issued. If there are repeated failures, the management will take further action.
Attendance Policy: Times & Classes
The madrasah runs on weekdays, from Monday to Thursday between 5pm to 7pm and on weekends, both on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 1pm.
These classes are arranged as beginners, intermediate and advanced, and are arranged according to ability. The entire class progresses together and undertakes examinations after every term of the academic year. It is possible for those who perform very well to advance to the higher levels, and those who perform poorly may need to be placed in a lower category.
Homework can be set by the teachers for all classes and this is necessary to aid the learning of the child.
All classes are designed with a set timetable for covering various subjects each day. Therefore, it is a requirement for students to punctually attend all days so as to not fall behind in any subject.
All holidays outside of official madrasah holidays need to be approved by the management. Parents/guardians are required to email the madrasah office at the earliest convenience.
All absences must be explained by a note from the parent/guardian to be authorised. If a student is unable to attend madrasah due to sickness, please inform the management as soon as possible.
Any student who leaves or does not attend the madrasah without notice or without a valid reason will be marked as an unauthorised absence. After three unauthorised absences the madrasah Management Committee may decide to expel the student and their decision will be final.
A student may be suspended from madrasah pending a meeting with a parent/guardian if he/she is absent for two consecutive weeks or more. Absence by a student of four weeks or more without notification will automatically terminate the student’s place from the madrasah.
It is important that the student arrives on time for lessons to start promptly. Lateness affects student progress and also disrupts the class. It is the responsibility of the parents to bring and collect the student to and from the madrasah on time.
Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will be marked as being late on the register. If they come late frequently, parents will be required to come to the office and explain the reasons.
Students not collected on time will have to be picked up from the madrasah office. A register to this effect will be maintained and persistent failures will need to be explained by parents/guardians.
For online classes, student are expected to log in and be ready for the class no sooner that 5 mins before class and no later than 5 mins after class starts
Please note that for Ramadān and school summer holidays, class timings may be different from normal if at all theer are classes.
Progress and monitoring
Students are expected to pass termly exams to progress into the next term. Those students that do not pass, are investigated for poor performance to determine the reason for their lack of progress. Measures are then put into place to eradicate these causes and they are given special assistance and guidance to catch up.
Certificates or awards are presented upon completion of modules and landmarks achieved during the academic year in order to motivate the children.
Upon the completion of third term, every student must take end of year exams to chart their progression and retention of information throughout the year.
A parent’s consultation is held annually to report on the punctuality, behaviour, attainment, homework, and effort of the child and future targets they should aspire to.
Finally, there is an annual awards ceremony where the very best of our students are awarded and rewarded, and an opportunity for the parents to participate and enjoy the company of each other and the teachers.
Financial Contribution
A non-refundable registration payment of £40 for each new student will be charged which is payable immediately upon application.
The Madrasah is run as a non-profit scheme and parents are expected to contribute to its operational costs.
A cost of £480 per academic year is to be paid for each full-time (Monday – Thursday) student, and a cost of £300 for part-time students (Saturday – Sunday). These costs will be reviewed periodically and if there are any changes, parents will be notified in writing with at least one months notice.
All parents are responsible for paying the appropriate costs on time. They can be paid in full at the beginning of the academic year or in installments, but must be received by the first day of each month. The installments are monthly (full time £40, part-time £25).
Costs will still be payable during all holiday, suspension or absence periods.
Failure to pay on time may result in us sending reminders or warnings, which can lead to a requirement to pay full annual costs or ultimately in unenrollemnet as this causes unnecessary administrative work for our teams.
If any student is excluded from the madrasah or decides to leave during the academic year without giving one months notice, fees will still be applied. If a notice to leave is given and has been served, fees for any whole unused months will be returned.
If parents/guardians have difficulties paying fees on time, or there are financial issues preventing payment, it is strongly advised to contact the madrasah office without delay. The management will explore possible means of supporting the case.
Where a student is defaulting on fees without prior agreement, the management will arrange a meeting with a parent/guardian to discuss this and the possible strategies to continue classes.
Preparation for Class
All students are required to make wudū’ before coming to the madrasah, unless they have not yet been taught how to perform it.
Students must arrive at the madrasah fully equipped with all necessary books and stationary. Students that continuously fail to bring in the correct equipment will be reprimanded and may be penalised. All students are responsible for having and maintaining their own Qur’an, syllabus books, folder and exercise books in a presentable manner.
The use of electronic or recreational items is not allowed in the madrasah. Mobile phones are permitted but must be turned off or put on silent and must not be checked or used during madrasah hours. If any item is found to be on and in use, it will be taken into the office. Parents/guardians will have to contact the office to reclaim the item. Further and stronger action will result for repeating offenders.
Students must not possess items which are illegal or generally regarded to be harmful.
No food or drink is allowed in class unless prior permission has been obtained from the office by the parents/guardians.
Behaviour
The madrasah has a behaviour policy which applies to all students. This consists of awards and rewards for those who excel and exemplify the required Islamic manners, attitude and results; and sanctions against those who contravene the required manners, attitude and results.
Bad behaviour can include, but is not restricted to, persistent lateness, lack of effort in the class, bringing in prohibited items, being disruptive, using foul language, disrespecting the sanctity of a mosque, bullying or intimidating other students, physical violence, disobedience to the teachers or management, not adhering to madrasah policies or requirements.
Where a child falls below expected behaviour level in the class, the following course of action will be taken.
- Stage 1: A reprimand or informal verbal warning from the teacher or madrasah office.
- Stage 2: An informal verbal warning from the madrasah office. Parents/guardians will be informed.
- Stage 3: Student sent to madrasah office and given a formal warning. Parents/guardians will be required to attend a meeting and a record will be left on file.
- Stage 4: Permanent exclusion
For serious offences, any stage may be omitted resulting in permanent exclusion.
Any student/parent/guardian whose continued presence at the madrasah is deemed to be harmful to other students, the madrasah or any staff will be expelled from the madrasah and in any such cases, the decision of the Madrasah Management Committee will be final.
The Madrasah Management Committee reserves the right to terminate any student’s admission when it deems necessary. Anyone whose admission is terminated has no legal remedy against the madrasah.
Madrasah Property
Students should not bring unnecessary items into the madrasah, and must look after their belongings whilst on the premises. The madrasah shall not accept responsibility for any damage to and/or loss of any student’s belongings.
Students/parents/guardians shall be liable for the cost of any damage to the madrasah property.
Communication
From time to time, parents will receive letters or communications by electronic media pertaining to their child and the madrasah.
If any personal details submitted upon the madrasah application form change subsequent to admission, it is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the madrasah office in writing. You must ensure the madrasah always have up to date contact numbers and addresses.
Our preferred method of communication would be through emails and occasionally text messages. Please ensure you are able to receive these.
Parents are expected to attend parent’s evenings and any other meetings that the management may request pertaining to their child.
In line with Islamic ethos, fathers are requested to attend boys’ meetings and mothers are requested to attend girls’ meetings.
If parents need to contact their children during madrasah hours, they are requested to contact the madrasah office rather than call the child on their mobile phones as children are not permitted to use mobile phones during class.
If parents would like to communicate with the teacher, this is to be done through the Madrasah email. If they feel that they would like to speak directly, a meeting should be arranged through the madrasah office.
Parents should not enter the classrooms unless authorised by the madrasah office.
Complaints Procedure
If there are any complaints they must follow a specific protocol. The madrasah has a three stage policy for dealing with issues.
In the first instance, the parent/guardian should arrange an appointment via the madrasah office to speak to the teacher before or after madrasah times. At this stage, the complaint is at an informal level and the teacher will attempt to resolve the issue. If the issue is not resolved by the teacher, then the complaint will be escalated to the second stage.
In the second stage, the parent/guardian would be required to make a formal complaint in writing to the Principal who will log the complaint, investigate and determine the necessary actions in order to reach a resolution. The outcome and decision will be put in writing and addressed to the complainant. If the complainant is satisfied with the outcome the issue is closed, but if however the complainant still feels that the issue has not been adequately resolved, then the complaint should be escalated to the third and final stage. If the complaint is about the Principal, then the second stage can be omitted with the resolution sought from the third stage.
In the third stage, the parent would be required to make a formal complaint in writing to the Madrasah Management Committee. The matter will be investigated and a response would be issued to the complainant about the resolution reached. The decision of the Madrasah Management Committee would be final without any legal remedy against it.
Further details can be found in the ICE Complaints Policy.
Health and Safety
The madrasah is responsible for the health and safety of your child for the duration of the madrasah opening hours only. Parents/guardians are requested not to leave children unattended if arriving early, and to ensure they arrive on time to collect them.
For safety reasons, parents/guardians must not enter madrasah classes during class times under any circumstances. All queries should be made to the madrasah office including meeting with a particular teacher or discussing progress.
It is not permitted to park cars in the car park when dropping off or picking up children.
Medical and Emergencies
Parents are required to ensure the madrasah is made aware of any medical issues, permanent or temporary, that may affect the student. This includes any allergies, including nut allergies. Due to this, parents/guardians are requested not to send sweets, savouries and other gifts, edible or otherwise, on special occasions or celebrations, unless this has been authorised by the teacher.
In case of any accident or illness to a student, we will inform parents, guardians or next of kin. However, if we are unable to make contact, or in serious cases, we will be obliged to provide all necessary medical assistance from the madrasah first aid staff or the local hospital unless you inform us in writing otherwise.
Full details can be found in our Medical and First Aid Policy.
Management and Staff
The madrasah is overseen by the Madrasah Management Committee and is composed of a member of the Mosque Management Committee and The Principal
Details within the syllabus are managed by the Principal, and the madrasah is overseen by him.
The teaching staff are composed of professional madrasah teachers and volunteers teaching assistants. All staff are DBS checked (Disclosure Barring Service) to ensure they are authorised to work with children. Staff are required to undergo various training modules including Safeguarding Training, teaching techniques and methods, and select staff are required to have undertaken the full First Aid course.
Staff are also regularly trained upon the syllabus that is taught and have regular meetings with the senior teaching staff to ensure the madrasah runs smoothly.