Established in 1998, FAITH Publications—the publishing arm of Dar-us-Salaam—has long focused on transforming Islamic education by fostering a deep love and knowledge of Allah. Over the last seven years, its dedicated board of educators and Islamic counselors, under the expert guidance of Understanding by Design co-founder Jay McTighe, developed a bold new Islamic Studies curriculum from the ground up.
This initiative, set out to revolutionize the Islamic Studies scene, has produced a holistic high school Islamic Studies curriculum including textbooks and teaching methods that is designed with the emotional and mental wellness of Muslim youth in mind. The goal of this curriculum is not to just teach, but to instill confidence in students’ relationship with the Deen through a deep understanding and love for Allah, as well as providing them with tools and practical life skills they need to face the world with confidence in high school and beyond.
This year, as Al-Huda School commenced its 30th year, our graduates embodied the transformational change the FAITH Curriculum instilled within them as they took to the stage at the commencement ceremony. Emboldened by their confidence and love for Allah, they shared their dreams for the future, while reminding their peers of the importance of holding firm onto their roots of Deen that established them.
“The bond between us is inseparable. This bond, this knot, is tied together by the shared love that we have for Islam and the Kalima: La ilaha illallah,” said Yusuf Seidahmed, Al-Huda School Salutatorian 2025, as he addressed the crowd on his graduation day. “This brotherhood, rooted in trust in Allah’s mercy, helps us plan for the future and any challenges that we might face. And inshallah, we are ready, knowing that only true success comes from kindness and sincerity to Allah. It’s the very foundation of brotherhood and faith that makes today, this day, not just an achievement, but a celebration of gratitude. The celebration also of a family, a community, and of a team—the late nights, the laughs, the debates that we’ve had over the years, and especially the growth that have made this journey unforgettable.”
“What made our high school experience truly valuable and different from other high school experiences was the fact that we were taught to value adab as well as ‘ilm,” said his peer Ahmed Amsa, Al-Huda School Valedictorian 2025, during his graduation speech. “We were taught to embody the ayah in Surah Al-‘Imran [Ayah 110] where Allah says to enjoin good, forbid evil and believe in Allah. We were taught to obey the command of Allah when He said to hold firmly together to the rope of Allah and not divide amongst ourselves. [Surah Al-‘Imran, Ayah 103]. We were taught that true success is not getting a 4.0 GPA. It’s also about making sincere du’a and standing up for what’s right.
We made school more than just a place of learning. We made it a second home, chaos and all. As we move on to the next chapter of our lives, let’s not forget who we are. We are Muslims. We are ambassadors of Islam. We are people who say ‘Bismillah’ before beginning and ‘Alhamdulillah ‘after finishing. Remember Allah says, ‘Whoever relies on Allah, then that will be sufficient for him.’ (Surah Al-Talaq, Ayah 3). This shows us that whatever we do, if we walk with tawakkul, then we never walk alone.”
— Ahmed Amsa,
Al-Huda High School, class of 2025
Reflecting on the accomplishments of this graduating class, Al-Huda High School Teacher, Sister Dalia Elamawy shared:
“I had the privilege of witnessing the growth of this last graduating class on a deeply personal level—first, as the mother of one of the young men, and second, as a teacher (and second mother!) to an extraordinary group of young women. This was no ordinary class; they set the bar so high that we have to squint upward just to see it—Allahumma baarik.
“Engage in a meaningful conversation with any of these graduates, and you will find they possess a maturity far beyond their years. I am certain that the lessons they’ve absorbed in their Islamic Studies and Qur’an tafseer classes, the guidance received from their mentors and teachers, and the unwavering duaa’ of their parents and community have all served as carefully laid bricks—each one strengthening and shaping the foundation of this indomitable spirit. I truly look forward to seeing these youth come back to us full circle–as the leaders and caretakers of the future community of Dar-us-Salaam, bi-idhnillaah.”
The positive impact our FAITH Islamic Studies curriculum has had upon Muslim youth is not only witnessed within our community, but also among Islamic educators across the United States.
“I have been implementing Faith Publications’ curriculum in both my classroom and at the masjid, and I can confidently say it has been transformational,” says Dr. Rizwan Ali, Ed.D., of College Preparatory School of America in Lombard, Illinois. “What sets Faith Publications apart is its exceptional balance between authentic Islamic content and social-emotional learning. Unlike many curricula that focus solely on ritual practice, Faith Publications addresses the crucial “why” behind Islamic teachings. When students learn about salah or Islamic financial principles, they don’t just memorize the rules—they understand the spiritual significance and develop a genuine connection to Allah through these practices.”
Congratulations to the Al-Huda School graduating class of 2025! May Allah allow you to become beacons of Islam as you pursue your future endeavors beyond high school.
Interested in learning more about our FAITH Publications Islamic Studies Curriculum? Visit our website www.faithpublications.org or you can get in touch with us via email: info@faithpublications.org or by giving us a call: 240-477-2786.
