Contrary to the growing perception of communities all around Ontario, Canada, and the USA, Ummati is not the name of an effort to establish schools. Ummati is the name of an effort to bring education back into the Masjid, on a simple pattern, excluding unnecessary spending and formalities, relying on mostly the volunteer services of the Muslims living around that Masjid.
Ummati was meant to keep the Masjid alive all day and invest the intellectual resources of the Muslim community around the Masjid back into the community on a pattern that more closely resembles the sunnah style of learning that took place in Masjid e Nabawi.
Ummati does not believe that there is a difference between Islamic Studies and Academic Studies. The tool of language and communication is a very big part of our Deen. We teach English thinking of it as a part of our Deen. Being able to recognize numbers and work with them in multiple ways is an integral part of being able to calculate Zakaat, understand the rules of inheritance, and conduct permissible business transactions. We teach Mathematics thinking of it as a part of our Deen. Basic recognition of the world around us and the ability to map and find our way around the world, recognizing the different land forms and regions as well as being able to ponder over the amazing creations of Allah is a part of our Deen. We teach Science and Social Studies thinking of it as a part of our Deen.
Just like Qur’an, Tajweed, Tas-heel, Seerat, etc. are thought of as Deen and are taught sitting on the floor inside the masjid on small “Qur’an” benches, we believe the subjects of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies are no different and should also be taught inside the Masjid sitting on the floor on “Qur’an” benches. It is incorrect to teach the children that there is any difference between these studies and have them learn some studies sitting on the floor showing them that those studies are inferior, and other studies sitting on chairs at elevated tables giving the impression that those other studies are superior.
The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said, “Seeking a halaal livelihood is Fardh after other Faraaidh.” This Fardh is a part of Deen for which arrangements must be made inside the local masaajid.
The purpose of education is to re-enforce beliefs meaning that whatever we believe, we teach and if we do not believe it, we do not teach it. Language, math, and a basic awareness of the world around us is a part of our Deen and we do not teach these subjects as academics but rather as tools to be used in becoming a good Muslim.