In honored Celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl child

In The Name of Allāh, The Compassionate The Merciful.

In honored Celebration of International Day of the Girl child (2024 Theme: "Girls’ Vision for the Future"). 

 Queen Sheba Village Vision for Girls in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language ~ Facilitator and Online Instructor, Adeyinka Shukrah.

The Almighty Allah said:

“... Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Quran 39:9).

Also,The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allāh be upon Him ) said:

"The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim”. Reported by Ibn Majah.

This shows that knowledge in all its forms is valued in Islam.

From a very young age, my Parents enrolled me in an Arabic and Islamic Studies Center.

I vividly remember how, as a young girl, my Father—a Scholar himself—had instilled in me the love for Islamic Education. He was always reminding me of the importance of knowledge in Islam. 

This foundation in education, both religious and secular, had shaped my own vision for the future of young girls in my community.

Having  had a deep passion for learning, my journey as a Teacher/Instructor started since I was also an elementary student as I would explain whatever I learned to others around me.

I would attend Islamiyyah in the evening, after my return from (Western/Secular) school till I concluded the O'level Education before I proceeded to fully pursue my Arabic/Islamic Education further.

For me, education is a lifelong mission—one deeply rooted in my faith and my passion for empowering young girls.

 I have served as an Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Quran Teacher in a formal school setting, an Arabic and Islamic Studies Academy and currently a volunteer online Facilitator for Women and children with Queen Sheba Village Incorporated.

 Also, I tutor private students both at home (private lessons)and online, especially for those who have some constraints which makes regular schooling (Islamiyyah) difficult or prefer to study from the comfort of their Homes. 

For me, education is never confined to the walls of a classroom. While I love teaching at the Islamic Schools, guiding students through Islamic Studies and Quran, my real joy is always in the one-on-one lessons online/offline.

 This enables me cater to the individual needs of each girl, providing a safe space for them to ask questions and grow in their knowledge of both Faith (Deen) and worldly affairs (Dunya).

Despite the progress I sometimes see in my students, I am also familiar with the CHALLENGES girls do face. 

Some of the students come from families where education is not prioritized, especially for girls. 

The pressure to stay home to help with household chores often interrupt their education. 

 While my location is a bustling city with thriving economy and urban landscape, access to quality education, especially in Religious studies and Arabic language, is still limited for many girls as their families still struggle to afford it. 

I have also encountered many students whose parents believed that learning Arabic or studying the Quran is not as important as secular education. 

What I do in such cases is to gently remind them of the importance of religious education in shaping character and understanding their duties as Muslimahs by highlighting the critical importance of both Islamic and secular education for girls.

I let them know that “Islamic knowledge is not just for the Hereafter”, “It also guides us in this life, how we treat others, how we approach challenges, as well as how we serve our community.”

 A  well-rounded education in both faith and worldly subjects could elevate the status of girls, not just in their homes, but in society at large.

Furthermore, Islam doesn’t separate the acquisition of religious knowledge from secular learning.  

To me, the Future is NOW. Therefore my "Vision for the Girls" is CLEAR:

To be able to see parents recognizing the value thus supporting their daughters’ education, understanding that an educated girl could contribute greatly to both her family and the society going by an African proverb which says: "...if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation)" 

Also to be able to collaborate with local/international organizations to provide girls with study materials and organized Islamic study circles for women, ensuring that mothers, too, are part of this educational journey.

Above all, to apply holistic approach to education—teaching at school, at home, and within the community— transforming the lives of young girls far and wide.

In every lesson, whether the proper recitation of the Quran, explaining the deeper meanings of Hadeeth, or helping with Arabic grammar, my dedication and vision remains the same:  I want my students to be confident, knowledgeable, and empowered by their Islamic identity.

I want them to become leaders in their Homes, Mosques/religious circles, communities, and so on.

 I feel a deep satisfaction knowing that the knowledge I share would not only benefit girls in this life but also in the Hereafter.

On a final note, I want the girls to know they have a bright future, and through my teaching, I strive to help them see by inspiring them to pursue knowledge, reflecting the Islamic emphasis on education and empowerment for all towards success in both lives.

Happy International Day of the Girl child!

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