Education at Umm Salamah: Upholding the Aqeedah of Ahlus-Sunnah and the Understanding of the Salaf
At Umm Salamah, our educational approach is rooted in the foundational principles of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, the orthodox understanding of Islam as practiced by the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the generations that followed. We strive to provide authentic and holistic education based on the Quran and Sunnah, ensuring that all students learn from the teachings of the Salaf—the first three generations of Muslims, whose knowledge, piety, and understanding of the religion serve as our guiding light.
The Aqeedah of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah
The core of our belief is the Aqeedah of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, which is based on the unaltered teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This Aqeedah emphasizes:
• Tawheed (Monotheism): The belief in the oneness of Allah (SWT) in His lordship, worship, and names and attributes.
• The Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH): Belief in the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH) and his role as the messenger of Allah to humanity.
• The Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah): Love and respect for the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the best of generations and role models.
• Following the Quran and Sunnah: Adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the primary sources of guidance.
• Unity of the Muslim Ummah: Encouraging unity among Muslims, avoiding divisions, and staying true to the way of the Salaf.
Our educational programs focus on teaching these core beliefs, ensuring that all students, whether children or adults, understand and practice the correct Aqeedah, based on the authentic sources of Islam.
Understanding the Quran and Sunnah
At Umm Salamah, we emphasize the importance of understanding Islam through the Quran and Sunnah. These are the two foundational sources of our religion, and they guide every aspect of our lives:
• The Quran: The holy book of Allah (SWT), revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), contains the ultimate guidance for humanity. It is the eternal word of Allah, unaltered and preserved. Students at Umm Salamah will learn how to engage with the Quran through tafsir (exegesis) and recitation, understanding the context of the revelations and applying its timeless teachings in their lives.
• The Sunnah: The teachings, actions, and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a practical guide to living according to the Quran. The Sunnah helps explain and elaborate on the Quran, showing Muslims how to implement its guidance in everyday life.
Our educators make it a priority to teach the authentic Sunnah, helping students understand its application in every aspect of life, from personal conduct to family and social relations.
The Understanding of the Salaf
The Salaf, or the first three generations of Muslims (the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), their followers, and the followers of their followers), provide the most authentic understanding of Islam. Their deep knowledge, sincere worship, and commitment to following the Quran and Sunnah set the example for Muslims today.
At Umm Salamah, we ensure that the education provided aligns with the understanding and practices of the Salaf. This includes:
• Adhering to the correct methodology in understanding the Quran and Sunnah as passed down through the generations of the Salaf.
• Learning from the examples of the Sahabah (companions), who understood and practiced Islam in the way the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught them.
• Emphasizing the importance of consensus (Ijma’) among the Salaf, who were united in their understanding of key Islamic principles and practices.
• Avoiding innovations (Bid’ah) in religion, which were not practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or his companions.
The understanding of the Salaf remains a key pillar in our educational approach, ensuring that our students are grounded in the authentic teachings of Islam, free from distortions or modern innovations.
Conclusion
At Umm Salamah, we are committed to nurturing a generation that understands and practices Islam as it was revealed—through the Quran, the Sunnah, and the understanding of the Salaf. Our education programs are designed to instill a strong foundation of Aqeedah (belief), Fiqh (jurisprudence), and Tazkiyah (spiritual development), helping students develop both a deep understanding of Islam and the ability to apply its teachings in their daily lives.
By ensuring that our educational philosophy is rooted in the authentic sources and the wisdom of the Salaf, we are building a future for the Muslim ummah that is strong, unified, and deeply connected to the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH).