Sowing the Seeds
Of our children’s Future
It began as a simple dream to provide our children with a holistic and spiritually grounded Islamic education that is in line with their sound nature (Fitra). This dream was inspired by a visit to Imam Fode Drame’s Qawsain Knowledge House, an independent school certified by the B.C. Ministry of Education and located in the city of Vancouver. A year later, as the Ottawa based chapter of Qawsain Knowledge House, that seed has been nurtured and the dream is on its way to becoming realized by the Grace of God, where we hope to offer our prospective students a complete Islamic-based education immersed in the Ontario curriculum.
Our Vision & Framework
Qawsain – Arabic for double bows – the term used in the Quran to represent the distance between the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the angel Jibril when he reached his highest inspiration during his heavenly ascension. Thus, our name is our Vision: for our children to become fully equipped to reach their highest inspiration both in this world and in the Hereafter.
Qawsain School is not just another Islamic school. Its vision and methodology prioritizes character development and the inculcation of righteousness (al-taqwim) in light of the Quran and Sunna before the seeking of intellectual knowledge (‘Ilm). Indeed, it is through the refinement of noble character that the receptacle of the human soul is able to be most receptive to knowledge and wisdom, thus reaching its full potential. That process begins by getting in touch with one’s authentic self and becoming a better listener.
The school’s vision is thus centred on cultivating the 7 foundational noble characteristics (ummahat al-akhlaq) that are beloved to Allah in the Quran, and these are namely:
- Repentance (Tawba)
- Candour (Tahara)
- Reverence (Taqwa)
- Excellence (Isan)
- Patience (Sabr)
- Trust (Tawakkul)
- Equity (Qist)
These character traits are not simply ideals; rather they serve as the bedrock animating the spiritual culture of our school and its vision.
Thus, in addition to striving for academic excellence in all fields, Qawsain’s pedagogical focus is centred on noble character and preserving our children’s sound nature and disposition (Fitra) by offering them a holistic Islamic environment and an intentional curriculum that meets their developmental needs, where they can grow in their connection to God and His creation.