2025
ANNUAL REPORT
ISLAMIC SCHOOLS LEAGUE OF AMERICA
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
From One Drop... to a Sea of Change
Letter from the Executive Director
Assalaamu'alaykum,
When I speak with Islamic school leaders, I am often struck by the weight they carry. The challenges we face can feel daunting, even overwhelming. And yet, progress in this work almost always begins the same way: One introduction. One resource. One bismillah.
At ISLA, this pattern has become unmistakable. Through our research and daily interactions, we see these challenges up close. We hear about the strain on institutional finances, teacher burnout and attrition, and ongoing student behavior and mental health challenges. The needs within the Islamic education ecosystem are vast and deeply interconnected.
This past year, when ISLA was asked to help address one such challenge, I remember hesitating. The responsibility felt heavy; our resources limited. I wasn't sure how we could take on something that felt so much bigger than us. Then one person said, "I'll help." And that single yes changed everything.
From there, support emerged. Experts identified, invited and engaged. Partnerships formed. Resources curated and created. What was once overwhelming started coming together. It reminded me of something I see time and again in this work: Allah places barakah in sincere intentions and small beginnings.
That is why the theme of this year's annual report is The Ripple Effect. Throughout 2025, we witnessed how steady, intentional efforts, both in serving Islamic school communities and in strengthening ISLA itself, could lead to impact far beyond what we initially imagined.
In the pages that follow, you will see how modest initiatives created ripples that reached educators, classrooms, schools, and communities across the country, and beyond. This report is not simply a record of what ISLA accomplished this past year. It is a reflection of what becomes possible when one person says yes, makes du'a, and supports this essential work.
I am truly grateful to Allah and to each of you to be entrusted with this sacred work and journey with you to strengthen Islamic education and our ummah—one meaningful drop at a time.
With duas,
Shaza Khan, PhD
Executive
Director, ISLA
What is ISLA?
ISLA is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening full-time Islamic schools and the communities they serve.
We address systemic challenges in Islamic education through research, resources, and relationships that support schools at every level.
By investing in educators and driving systemic change, we help create healthier learning environments where students, families, and communities can thrive.
When Islamic schools are equipped with data-informed best practices and Islam-centered resources and professional development, teachers are empowered and impact multiplies.
In this way, ISLA serves as a catalyst for strengthening the ummah by elevating Islamic education as a central driver of lasting change.
Supporting Leaders
Leaders shoulder immense responsibility without sector-wide infrastructure or professional development tailored to their context. ISLA addresses this problem.
Ecosystem Approach
ISLA works across the ecosystem of Islamic education, from leaders to teachers, thought partners to service providers, supporting the well-being of students to help them thrive.
Advocacy & Representation
ISLA represents Islamic schools nationwide, advocating for them to be seen, represented, and understood.
How It All Started
Dr. Freda and her husband
"Decades ago, each Islamic start-up and school had to start from scratch... until at an education meeting, a principal at an Islamic school, Karen Keyworth, stood up and said 'why does everyone have to start with nothing?'... And her idea turned into ISLA."
Meet the ISLA Team
Staff and Consultants
Executive Director
Dr. Shaza Khan
As Executive Director, Dr. Shaza brings vision, collaboration, and a research-driven approach to advancing Islamic education.
Marketing & Comms
Syeda Khunsa Batool
As Communications and Marketing coordinator, Khunsa brings creativity and meaningful storytelling to ISLA's communications.
Program Manager
Lisa Kahler
As a Program Manager Lisa brings a keen eye to detail, diversity and distinction for ISLA's programs and partnerships.
Finance
Abacus Hive
Data Analyst
Data Pain Relief
Website
Masjid Solutions
Meet the Board
Dr. Nadeem Memon
ChairChair of ISLA's Board and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of South Australia. Globally recognized scholar on Islamic education and author of numerous books and articles on Islamic pedagogy, tajdid in Islamic education, and faith-based schooling.
Dr. Patricia Salahuddin
Vice ChairHighly respected and service-oriented leader in education having served on the Clara Muhammad School Curriculum and CISNA, in addition to Vice Chair at ISLA. Former educator in public and private schools including higher education.
Todd McKinney
TreasurerExtensive experience in financial audit, internal controls, and nonprofit governance, with a strong commitment to Islamic education and community-based organizational leadership. Serves as Treasurer of ISLA.
AbdiAziz Ahmed
SecretaryExperienced Islamic school educator and leader with over a decade of service. Currently serves as Head of Middle School and IB Programme Coordinator at an Islamic school and Secretary of ISLA's Board.
Dr. Seema Imam
Board MemberProfessor of Elementary and Middle Level Teacher Education at National Louis University with extensive experience in public, private, and special education. Extensive expertise in education with several publications. Advisor to the ISLA Database Project.
Musarrat Jabeen
Board MemberDynamic, service-driven educator with 12+ years as a principal and instructional leader and 9 as a teacher. Brings licensed expertise in data-driven instruction and leadership, and serves as an ISLA board member, former Secretary and retreat committee member.
Rasha El Haggan
Board MemberSeasoned School Leader with curriculum design expertise in international, Islamic and secular private schools. Pursuing a Doctorate in Education from UPenn, looking at share-based decision-making. Program Chair for ISLA Retreat and Incoming Vice Chair of ISLA.
Qur'an Shakir
Board MemberVeteran educator with 30 years in Islamic and public education. Has served as headmaster, teacher, and curriculum leader for Islamic schools and beyond. Brings her passion for safe, thriving schools to her role as Director of ISLA's Sexual Abuse Prevention Toolkit.
ISLA's 2025 Impact
An overview of everything YOU helped us achieve this year!
Leaders shoulder immense responsibility without sector-wide infrastructure or professional development tailored to their context. ISLA addresses this problem.
ISLA works across the ecosystem of Islamic education, from leaders to teachers, thought partners to service providers, supporting the well-being of students to help them thrive.
GLOBAL IMPACT
The Ripple Effect of Positive Action in Education
2025 Year in Review
ISLA Leaders' PLC: The Art of Emotionally Intelligent Courageous Conversations.
Essential briefing on ICE raids and legal protections for Islamic schools - partnered with CAIR
$80,000 raised during Ramadan
Recruitment and Retention Webinar - WISER + ISLA + ISPU
Hosted 1st National Virtual Job Fair for Islamic Schools
Awarded 10 Scholarships for Educational Leaders
Offered Virtual PD for New School Leaders: 2-Day Principal Intensive
Hosted Annual Professional Development Week; 200+ Educators from 50 schools
ISLA participated in Bi-Annual Private School Meetings in Washington, DC
Presentations from board members at Global Association of Islamic Schools in Sri Lanka and First in-person Sexual Abuse Prevention Training with Taleem Collaborative in MD
Offered Masterclass on Change Management with world renowned Dr. Anthony Muhammad in partnership with ISAC
Convened 100 educators at ISLA Pre-Conference & Leadership Retreat in VA & MD
ISLA empowers Islamic school educators with timely and engaging professional development.
ISLA Leadership Retreat 2025
"Navigating the Paradoxes of Leadership: Embracing Uncertainty and Change"
This year's retreat brought together leaders from across North America to explore the real tensions school leaders face, and the tools, principles, and prophetic guidance that help us lead with ihsan.
This retreat was unlike any we have hosted before. In addition to the core three-day experience, participants joined a Pre-Retreat Workshop on December 4, and ISLA's Board and staff began the week with an internal Strategic Planning Session to chart the organizational path for the year ahead.
Together, these moments created a meaningful and holistic experience rooted in purpose, reflection, and community.
"We love and appreciate the ISLA team so much. I have never attended a leadership gathering that felt this heartfelt, genuine, and rooted in real community. Every session, every conversation, and even the moments in between were filled with sincerity, warmth, and meaningful connection. It is rare to find a space where leaders can be this honest, supported, and inspired at the same time."
"It was a privilege to stand alongside ISLA and contribute to an event that so effectively provides leaders with the inspiration, connection, and professional learning they need to serve their communities with excellence."
Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth
ISLA Strategic Planning
Recognizing the pivotal moment Islamic education is in, where demand is surpassing capacity in many cities and schools, ISLA recognizes that it must ensure its own mission and strategic priorities are aligned with the needs of the Islamic educational community, ummah, and humanity as a whole. ISLA invested time and resources in 2025 into engaging in a formal strategic planning process with the support of Forerunners. In addition to a stakeholder survey and interviews, a full one-day in-person retreat took place in Virginia, where the ISLA team was able to engage in crucial conversations to move the organization and industry forward in alignment with ummatic needs.
Improving Digital Engagement
Mobile-Optimized donation experience
Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency achieved
Job posting capability for Corporate Members
School Membership System improved, Sub account access added
Increased Marketing and Social Media Engagement
PaliGPT launched to enhance Teaching Palestine Toolkit
Programs & Resources
Transform 10 Leaders
Transform 10
Schools
granted to Aspiring Educational Leaders
In 2025, ISLA launched the Transform 10 Leaders, Transform 10 Schools campaign after hearing from aspiring and emerging Islamic school leaders that cost was a major barrier to accessing high-quality professional development. During Dhul Hijjah, the community raised $4,500, enabling ISLA to invest directly in leadership growth.
From 40 applicants, ISLA awarded 10 full scholarships and 10 partial scholarships, creating access to impactful learning opportunities, including the Leadership Masterclass with Dr. Anthony Muhammad and the Islamic School Leaders' Intensive. By removing financial barriers, this initiative strengthened leadership capacity and created a ripple effect benefiting schools, educators, and students nationwide.
"The ISLA Leadership Scholarship has had a significant impact on me both personally and professionally. It gave me the opportunity to strengthen my leadership as a principal, and, most importantly, it enabled our newly established school to train our vice principal as well, something that would have been financially difficult for us to afford."
"I want ISLA's donors to know that their support has directly elevated the leadership capacity of our team and strengthened the foundation of our school. Their investment is not only shaping my growth but also empowering our leadership team to better serve our students and community."
Sexual Abuse Prevention Toolkit
Amanah & Action: Islamic School Toolkit for Protecting our Children
It has been a profound joy to work on the Sexual Abuse Prevention Toolkit (SAPT) and to witness its journey from a heartfelt du'a into a trusted and widely requested resource. What began as a prayer to address fear, silence, and misunderstanding has grown into a toolkit that helps Islamic schools and Muslim educators understand the sacred amanah of protecting children.
Developed specifically for Islamic schools and Muslim educators, the toolkit is grounded in an Islamic worldview and offers faith-aligned guidance, policies, and educational resources to prevent child sexual abuse and foster safe, nurturing learning environments. Its purpose is to equip educators, administrators, and families with practical strategies that honor Islamic ethics and reinforce our shared responsibility to safeguard children.
By centering Islamic principles of protection, dignity, and care, the toolkit ensures that prevention, awareness, and healing resonate deeply with Muslim educators, students, and families. It reflects ISLA's commitment to ethical, spiritually grounded, and safe educational environments across our school communities.
Qur'an Shakir
SAPT Project Director
Resources:
Policies, Templates, Reporting Guides and more
Data-Informed:
Content and design backed by stakeholder feedback
All Stakeholders:
Educational leadership, staff, parents, and wider community.
Advisors & Content Developers
Dr. Mariam Sheibani
Ma'ruf Commons
Islamic Thought Expert
Dr. Omar Reda
Healing Trauma Institute
Psychiatrist, Trauma Expert
Angelica Lindsey-Ali
SA Prevention Expert
Dr. Ismail Ibn Ali
Al Fatih Academy
School Leadership Expert
Dr. Natina Roberts
Crisis & Integrative Health Expert
Creating Safe and Nurturing Spaces for Our Children
"I left this session feeling more informed and inspired to help protect children. It was powerful and educational — something every educator and parent should experience."
Tackling Tough Issues: Hiring & Retention in Islamic Schools
For years, ISLA has played an important role in addressing one of the most persistent challenges facing Islamic schools: hiring and retaining qualified educators and connecting educators with Islamic schools in their communities.
Through long-standing resources such as ISLA's Job Ads webpage and weekly job opening email campaigns, ISLA has consistently supported schools in reaching talent and helped educators discover opportunities across the country. Many Islamic school educators and school leaders alike have shared how beneficial the job openings are to helping connect talent with opportunities.
This effort has been strengthened by field-wide research conducted by ISLA, including a report co-published with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU, 2024), which provided school stakeholders with data-driven insights into Islamic schools' workforce challenges. In addition to a report, webinars were used to disseminate findings and provide suggestions to school communities for informed and strategic staffing decisions.
In 2025, ISLA advanced our efforts through the systems and leadership levels. ISLA hosted a workshop on Starting a New Islamic School, with a focus on early-stage planning and ensuring the school's financial sustainability, and launched our first-ever Virtual National Job Fair as an innovative solution to educator recruitment nationwide.
Staffing Trends Research
Data-driven insights into Islamic schools' workforce challenges
National Virtual Job Fair
Connecting schools, educators, and sponsors nationwide
Partner Opportunities
Amplifying hiring announcements across the network
Providing Data-Backed Recommendations
In an April 2025 webinar hosted by Weekend Islamic Schools Educational Resources (WISER), ISLA's Executive Director, Dr. Shaza Khan, and ISPU's Outreach and Partnership Manager, Sajeela Munir spoke about their crucial research on this topic, drawing from ISLA's Profile of Islamic Schools Survey.
Importantly, strategies were offered for board and administrators on how to practically address these issues both in the short and long term.
"The ISLA Leadership Scholarship has had a significant impact on me both personally and professionally. It gave me the opportunity to strengthen my leadership as a principal, and, most importantly, it enabled our newly established school to train our vice principal as well, something that would have been financially difficult for us to afford.
I want ISLA's donors to know that their support has directly elevated the leadership capacity of our team and strengthened the foundation of our school. Their investment is not only shaping my growth but also empowering our leadership team to better serve our students and community."
"ISLA is a cornerstone in Islamic Education. The workshops, retreats, and online professional trainings are invaluable. As an educator of 28 years, through ISLA's programs, I have grown as a Muslim educator."
2025 Cashflow
Total Revenue $358,000
- Professional Development & Retreat$125,000 (35%)
- Donations$116,000 (32%)
- Grants$52,000 (14.5%)
- Membership$52,000 (14.5%)
- Partnership$13,000 (4%)
Total Expenditure $278,700
- Professional Development & Retreat$131,180 (47%)
- Advancement$50,577 (18%)
- Admin$37,757 (13%)
- Resources$32,225 (12%)
- Research$26,968 (10%)
From One Drop... ...to Many Ripples
At ISLA, we believe meaningful change in Islamic education begins with a single, intentional investment and spreads outward. The way we steward our resources reflects this belief. Every dollar is directed toward strengthening leaders, generating knowledge, and building systems that support schools long after a single program ends.
Stewarding Resources in 2025
Programs, Resources
& Research
Most of ISLA's spending is invested directly in leadership formation and knowledge-building. This includes professional development and leadership retreats, practical resources that schools can apply immediately, and research that informs better decision-making across Islamic education.
Strong operations and thoughtful governance supporting accountability and transparency.
Donor engagement, communications, and long-term planning that keep the ripple moving.
Revenue Streams in 2025
ISLA's funding model reflects both strong demand for our programs and meaningful philanthropic partnerships. This year, we were blessed to receive new major gifts from family foundations, allowing us to propel our mission forward and invest in the infrastructure and systems needed to ensure ISLA and Islamic schools have a sustainable and impactful future.
Schools invest in ISLA because our programs meet real needs. Donors and partners make it possible to expand access, deepen impact, and extend the ripple beyond what program fees alone can support.
What This Means
Together, these numbers tell a story of intention and trust. ISLA is focused on long-term impact, not short-term outputs. By investing in leaders, research, and relationships, we support the renewal, or tajdid, of Islamic education so that schools are not only sustained, but strengthened for generations to come.
We are a mission-driven, financially responsible organization investing in people, infrastructure, and sustainability. Every dollar, whether earned or donated, helps build stronger schools, more grounded leaders, and healthier learning environments for Muslim students nationwide.
ISLA represents Islamic schools nationwide, advocating for them to be seen, represented, and understood.
Our Community
140+ Member Schools Across North America
"ISLA is a cornerstone in Islamic Education. The workshops, retreats, and online professional trainings are invaluable. As an educator of 28 years, through ISLA's programs, I have grown as a Muslim educator."
45+ Corporate Members & Partners
A Sea of Change
In Islam, we are reminded that every action is judged by its intention. At ISLA, we believe that every Islamic school in the United States was born from sincere intentions—to nurture both the minds and hearts of our children.
Yet pure intentions alone cannot overcome the persistent challenges our schools face.
That is where ISLA steps in.
Research-Driven Insights
Data that informs decisions
Professional Development
Elevating educator excellence
Leadership Training
Empowering school leaders
Community Building
Connecting schools nationwide
Strategic Resources
Tools for sustainable growth
ISLA helps transform intention into impact.
One effort. One leader. One conversation. One drop at a time—rippling outward until those ripples strengthen schools, empower educators, and shape healthier learning environments across the nation.
ISLA will continue strengthening its capacity while expanding the programs, research, and tools that our schools rely on.
The work ahead requires partnership, and your continued support ensures that these drops continue to fall—creating waves of positive change, and ultimately, a sea of transformation.
You are part of this ripple effect.
Your duas, donations, and engagement fuel change that benefits our children today and for generations to come, inshallah.