The Establishment of the Islamic Schools Association of Canada (ISAC) as a Sanctuary for Muslim Students' Identity Formation and Education

• In Event: Drawing on Islamic Educational Theories and Practices to Dismantle Racial Injustice

Abstract

Islamic schools in Canada have witnessed a significant surge in demand, with even sub-par institutions experiencing waiting lists for admission. Recently, some Islamic schools are facing unprecedented waitlists, primarily attributed to Muslim students and their families losing faith in public schools to meet the needs of Muslim students and address the challenges of Islamophobia. A ministry review of the Peel District School Board, where around 25% of the students identify as Muslims, the largest religious group, revealed that Islamophobia is prevalent both in the curriculum and among the teachers. Additionally, statistics released in 2021 show that Canada has experienced a higher number of targeted hate-attacks against Muslims compared to any other G-7 country. Despite being the fastest-growing religious group in Canada, Muslim youth aspiring to practice their faith in schools face numerous challenges from administrators, teachers, and even peers. Moreover, the perpetuation of misconceptions about Islam by teachers further amplifies Muslim youths' anxiety about expressing their faith and identity. Islamic schools in Canada play a critical role for Muslim families, not only providing Muslim students a sense of belonging and identity at school but also providing them with a religious education.

Within this context, the Islamic Schools Association of Canada (ISAC) emerges as a pivotal force, providing much-needed support to Islamic schools and nurturing the formation of Muslim identity and religious education that moves away from normative pedagogies. Prior to June 2022, there was no community or support for Islamic schools in Canada, except through individual efforts of each school independently forging relationships with other schools. The establishment of the Islamic Schools Association, supported by international organizations such as ISLA, CISNA, and GAIS, aims to advance the mission of Islamic schools in Canada.



This presentation explores the story of how the Islamic Schools' Association of Canada (ISAC) came to fruition, and highlights the crucial need of Islamic schools in Canada. This research study adopts a Cultural Identity Theory lens to investigate the role of the Islamic Schools Association of Canada (ISAC) in fostering a strong sense of cultural and religious identity among Muslim students in the Canadian Islamic schools. The theory posits that an individual’s identity is shaped by their cultural background and affiliations, significantly influencing their worldview and behaviors. The study employs a case study approach, utilizing surveys to gather insights from a diverse range of respondents, which serve as a valuable source of data collection. The survey received 65 responses from 30 Islamic schools nationwide, offering valuable insights from diverse perspectives. Key findings highlighted the success of the inaugural conference held in June 2023, featuring keynote speeches from an Islamic worldview covering various topics, such as mental health, social media and AI in Islamic schools, and God-centered education. The conference emphasized fostering collaboration, and promoting a unified vision for Islamic schools of theocentric education. This research demonstrates the significant role that ISAC can play in supporting the teaching and learning of Muslim students both in pedagogy and in cultivating a strong Islamic identity.

Authors

• Asma Ahmed, Niagara University

• Asad Ahmed Choudhary, Niagara University