IAA Raises Funds for a Brighter Future by Yasmin El-Husari

On Saturday, December 9, the Islamic Academy of Alabama held its second biannual fundraiser at the HCIC. The turnout was low-- it had just snowed the day before, and the weather was icy, but by the end of the night, IAA had raised $107,000 of its $180,000 target. Alhamdulillah, after our gratefulness to Allah, we have the community to thank.

The fundraising program began with a beautiful dinner followed by nasheeds and skits performed by IAA students. Dunia Shuaib, a Dallas-based family counselor, author, and international speaker joined us for the night. She was highly impressed by the students’ performances, and encouraged the community to give with their akhirahs in mind.

Alhamdulillah, our community responded with nothing less than their best.  I would like to reiterate Sister Dunia’s message and ask the community to continue giving to our school. It provides a way for us to gain the reward of continuous charity, spreading beneficial knowledge, and gaining the duaa of the next generation.

I myself am an IAA graduate, and would be the first to advocate for the school’s impact on the community. After spending fourteen years at IAA, I graduated with honors from the School of Education at UAB before returning to IAA as the high school Social Studies teacher.
I have spent a lot of time in other schools as part of my training as an educator, so I know the value IAA adds to our community. In addition to offering competitive education in core subjects, IAA also gives students the gift of an Islamic foundation.

The Muslim community today is no stranger to the challenges American society presents to Islamic Aqeedah, and the problem will only continue to grow. IAA’s goal is to graduate youth with the tools they need to meet the challenge of a changing society. And in that sense, supporting IAA means supporting a successful next generation of American Muslims.

The IAA office is still collecting donations to meet its remaining $73,000 deficit for the 2017-2018 school year.