Goals: Student Profle

For an Islamic Education initiative to be successful, the goals have to be clearly specified upfront. Lack of goals, or the improper definition of goals can have a detrimental impact on the success of an Islamic Education system, just like it is with any other endeavor.

One of the most important goals, in our opinion, is what we envision to be the profile of graduates from such a system/institution. A profile can vary from institution to institution, and can be detailed, or brief. We propose the following profile, based on our understanding:

1. Spiritual Health: The first, most desirable and perhaps the most ambitious goal that we should aim for in our graduates is to possess the profile of a mu’min, as per the Qur’anic definition and thus explicitly possessing strong spirituality, demonstrated by a strong positive relationship with Allah, love for the Prophet () and a desire to emulate his character yet at the same time possessing awareness of their weaknesses and limitations, and how to mitigate them.
2. Knowledge of the Deen: Our graduate should possess sufficient knowledge, understanding and internalization of shari’ah, including, but not restricted to, the ability to apply it for daily ‘ibadah, al ahwal shakhsiyyah, and at the same time possess competency in Islamic customs such as doa’, recitation, delivering khutbah, leading prayers etc.
3. Character: Good character or akhlaq, is central to the profile of our graduate student, including personal character such as love, honesty, maturity, emotional stability, social skills, awareness of their cultural and religious identity and overall commitment to perform ‘amal salih individually, as well as for the betterment of the world, including the environment and society as a whole.
4. Thinking Ability: The first trait in what can be construed as academic ability is for the student to be able to think, and be knowledgeable in one or more areas, while possessing a broad range of general knowledge. Our graduates' intellectual curiosity will fuel their passion/goal to seek knowledge, and strong academic/research capability will assist them in achieving this goal.
5. Relationship with Art:  Our graduates should have a healthy relationship with art, including ability to appreciate and enjoy art works, comfortable in one or more fine and performing arts, and skillful in one or more art forms.  They should also be aware of the art forms explicitly forbidden, as well as those frowned upon, and should abstain from them instrinsically.
6. Recognition of their own talents:  Our graduates should necessarily be aware of their talents and dispositions, and also possess a diverse range of interests and vocational skills/soft skills including  business and entrepreneurial skills, communication skills, leadership skills, high quality and achievement standards, decision making and problem solving skills, the 21st Century Skillset, and self-management skills.
7. Fitness: Our graduates should be physically fit, with interest in pursuing and enjoying physical activities and sports, and the same time willing and able to develop competence and achievement in one or more such activities.