Rhode Island
My travel in the Muslim school in Rhode Island, the condition of the islamic education in US
Articles • ahmedla posted the article • 0 comments • 798 views • 2025-06-08 21:40
A Little Bit of Rhode Island, A Whole Lot of Faith
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).
view all
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).
view all
A Little Bit of Rhode Island, A Whole Lot of Faith
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).
My travel in the Muslim school in Rhode Island, the condition of the islamic education in US
Articles • ahmedla posted the article • 0 comments • 798 views • 2025-06-08 21:40
A Little Bit of Rhode Island, A Whole Lot of Faith
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).
view all
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).
view all
A Little Bit of Rhode Island, A Whole Lot of Faith
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).
Now, Rhode Island, in New England, is the smallest state in the U.S. – it's even tinier than Shanghai if you lop off its Pudong New Area. But here's the kicker: Rhode Island isn't even an island; it's a coastal state defined by its ocean vibes. Before I landed in the States, I didn't know a thing about this place. And honestly, that's no surprise – even Americans often mistake it for Long Island, New York, when I tell them where I'm from. Its biggest claims to fame are probably Newport, where The Great Gatsby was filmed, and that sweet old Judge Caprio from Caught in Providence, who's let countless folks off the hook for their traffic tickets.
So, when I found out there's an Islamic School in this little state with just over a million people, I was more than a little surprised. After all, compared to Massachusetts next door, Rhode Island's education system has always had its share of critics. Public schools are often underfunded, good teachers can be hard to come by, and top-notch schools are as rare as hens' teeth. What's more, in a state like Rhode Island, which is considered a liberal stronghold, the education scene is a hotbed of ideological clashes. Just last year, a local parent who questioned her daughter's kindergarten curriculum filed a public records request and ended up getting sued by the teachers' union. This case really shines a light on some conservative parents' worries about issues like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and radical gender education. In this kind of environment, it makes perfect sense that some more conservative Muslim families would choose to send their kids to an Islamic school.
My First Visit to the Muslim School
For a long time, I'd been itching to see how this school actually ran. As luck would have it, one of the Shaykhs who leads prayers at the mosque – he's a Quran teacher at this very school. He'd actually invited me a year ago to share my Quran recitation experiences with his students. He chuckled and said:
"Shanghai (that's his nickname for me, subhanallah!), I tell my students, 'You know what? I know a Chinese guy whose Quran recitation is fantastic. He doesn't even know Arabic, but he can learn to recite. What's your excuse, you Arabs, for not learning properly?'"
Hearing that, I felt a sense of contentment on one hand, but also a touch of irony. In this small, provincial corner of the world, "a Chinese person who can recite the Quran" had become a big deal, a rare sight. Nevertheless, I accepted Shaykh's invitation. Yet, in the days that followed, our conversations always seemed to get stuck on "What day are you free?" and "Definitely next week." It wasn't until late 2024 that the visit finally came to fruition.
The school's location is pretty out of the way, which was one reason I'd dragged my feet for so long. The school itself isn't huge, just two buildings: one for classrooms and a gym. As the only Muslim institution in the area, the gym doubles as a prayer space during Ramadan, and it's also open every Friday for teachers, students, and the local community to perform Jumu'ah (Friday congregational prayer). Even with limited facilities, the school offers a broad education, covering everything from kindergarten all the way to eighth grade (in the U.S., high school is grades nine through twelve). The school boasts computer labs, meeting rooms, and other multi-purpose classrooms – it's truly a case of being small but mighty, with everything you need.
School Operations and Curriculum: A Balancing Act
This school, by the way, has got its teaching license directly from the state government. The principal, proud as punch, told me:
"Our school is just like any other. Our students participate in state activities, and some of our graduates have even gotten into Brown University."
Even though it's called an Islamic School, the main learning during the day revolves around regular subjects like science, math, English, and history. The religion-related classes – things like Arabic and Quran studies – are saved for after school. This setup means students hit all their regular academic targets, but it also stretches the school day a bit longer. Public schools usually let out around 3:30 PM, but the Muslim school's classes don't wrap up until 5:30 PM, which is a real convenience for a lot of parents picking up their kids.
Shaykh gathered all the students from different grades together. I took a seat in the front, recited a couple of pages from the Quran, and chatted with the kids. After I shared my own learning journey, the students and teachers were chock-full of questions about China. Some asked, "Is it easy to find halal restaurants in China? Which cities should we go to for a Muslim experience?" or "Do you get picked on for your faith in China?" Still, a few of the older boys were dozing off the whole time. In that moment, I felt like I was back in my teaching shoes again.
Campus Life and Community Support: A Family Affair
After the event, I took a stroll around the campus with Shaykh. Peeking into the classrooms from the back door, each one was decorated brightly and colorfully, showing off that typical American school vibe. The desks and chairs were set up just like a traditional classroom, but with so few students in each class, the rooms felt pretty spacious. Even the kindergarteners were sitting in neat rows, good as gold. The teachers led the kids in learning Arabic letters through nursery rhymes, showing how deeply Arabic education is woven into their daily lives from a young age.
The Muslim school in Rhode Island has been going strong for twenty years through thick and thin. And none of it would be possible without the community's support. Every Ramadan, the school throws a fundraising gala because, let's be real, running on just $6,000 in annual tuition fees is a non-starter. But the school offers a trustworthy option for local Muslim families. Just last week, I happened to run into a graduate from this school at the mosque. He was part of the school's second graduating class, and now he's a father, successful in his career, and on his way to becoming a qualified doctor. His Quran memorization is top-notch, and he often leads the recitation during prayers. Shaykh remembered him clearly and brought up quite a few old stories.
Another Option: Sunday School
Besides the full-time school, the mosque's Sunday school is another popular choice for parents. The Sunday school divides students into classes based on their knowledge level, focusing on Arabic letters, recitation rules, Arabic grammar, and the Prophet's (PBUH) life story. The curriculum is set up much like a regular school, with quizzes and final exams throughout the semester. Students who graduate from the highest level of Sunday school generally have a solid grasp of Arabic grammar, are familiar with recitation rules, and can recite the last two Juz' (parts) of the Quran from memory.
Freedom to Thrive: Why This Land Still Beckons
The relaxed environment for free speech and the freedom to run schools are big reasons why this land still attracts immigrants. At least here, the requirements for running a religious school are pretty straightforward. You can grow a long beard without anyone giving you grief, and nobody bats an eye if you pray in public. Before I came here, I could hardly imagine Islam appearing so "uninhibitedly" in any corner of the West. Even at top universities, schools actually budget to hire Imams to serve Muslim students on campus and specifically set aside a room for Muslim student activities. Honestly, just over a decade ago, during those wild, anything-goes years, our universities were just as open. The seeds sown in those years easily took root in our hearts. Who knows when the season of rampant sowing will come again, insha'Allah (God willing).