For the past twenty years I have been blessed with the opportunity to study and teach Islamic history. And I have grown in awe of the amazing achievements of Muslims. From Spain to India for over a-thousand-years the Muslim civilisation led and inspired the world. Contributions by Muslim inventors, scientists, historians, philosophers, architects and so forth have impacted every aspect of our lives. The question is how did Muslims achieve so much and where did it all take place?

Undoubtably the message of Islam gave birth to the revolutionary character of the Muslim civilisation. And it was in the Prophet’s masjid that the circle of learning first began. And for many years Muslims gathered in the masajid (pl.) to listen to the lectures of scholars and study the Qur’an and share the hadith. Later Muslims built the medrese (also spelt madrasah), a school or college, adjacent to the masjid where the learning thrived. While the religious knowledge remained the foundation of the learning, other important subjects were also taught these included Arabic grammar, literature, mathematics, logic and the sciences. Across the Muslim world, thousands of medreses are still standing and testify to the glorious Islamic civilisation and its revolutionary impact upon our world. 

The purpose of Medrese, as an organisation, is to firstly engage in research that will help us appreciate and learn from our rich history.  The second focus of Medrese is to create projects that will empower our community particularly our youth to become proactive learners.  These projects will address various skills such as public speaking to literacy as well as nurture our well-being.

The very first verse of the Qur’an revealed to our beloved Prophet commands us to be educated:

“Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists).” (Qur’an 96:1)

Islam clearly teaches us that education must be in tune with the values of recognising God as our Creator. Throughout Islamic history, Muslims sought education as a means to serve God and benefit humanity. The success of early Muslims was anchored on these very values, which enabled them to become pioneers of knowledge. The medrese was always adjacent to the masjid.

The aim of Medrese is to realise the Islamic ideals as the basis for our education in order to nurture a truthful, just, and compassionate community. It will inspire Muslims to think and reflect and have the courage to create.