I’ve raved about Ad-Duha Institute’s Islamic studies curriculum whenever I get a chance, and we used their program for about four years in total (of the five years we’ve homeschooled. I’ve had to adjust things a bit as Care Bear has gotten older). I was thrilled to hear back from their founder, Cilia, when she agreed to an interview, alhamdulilah! In sha Allah I have a full review of their Level A and B curriculum this week, but I thought it would be great to start with learning more about Ad-Duha from the founder.
Without further ado… my interview with Cilia of Ad-Duha Institute.
1. What sparked the drive to create Ad-Duha?
The drive to create Ad-Duha started in the early 90’s when I was working as a teacher at the local full-time Islamic school. The school did not have a comprehensive Islamic Studies and Arabic curriculum and I felt that the children would benefit immensely from one. So, I began thinking of what the ideal curriculum should look like. I wanted it to be professional and engaging, something that teachers, parents, and children alike could be excited about. Over the next decade the Ad-Duha curriculum took shape
2. Did you have some role models while you were creating Ad-Duha?
No, I did not have a particular role model in mind.
3. How long did it take for the idea to come to fruition with a tangible product?
As mentioned above, the idea for Ad-Duha is really something I considered developing since the early 90’s while I was working as a teacher. It wasn’t till 2000 that the curriculum started to take shape. By April of 2003 Ad-Duha was incorporated and the first students started taking courses, Al-hamdullillah. The entire process took about ten years.
4. What goals do you have for Ad-Duha in the future?
Insha-Allah I would really like to see Ad-Duha grow, reach more communities, and develop more products that address the needs of the Ummah.
5. What is your favorite product?
My favorite product is the Mini Tafseer Series because the focus is on explaining the beauty and wonder of the Qur’aan in a way that is entertaining and engaging. I get to add a lot of background information for parents in the notes, that I myself find is a great way of reminding me of Allah’s blessings, bounties, and wisdom, while at the same time I get to have fun with the format, keeping it light and full of interesting tidbits for the children.
6. What accomplishment with Ad-Duha are you most proud of?
Everything that Ad-Duha has accomplished is a blessing from Allah. What gives me the most joy though are the comments from parents telling me how much of a difference the books have made in their children’s lives. Especially from families that live in places that do not have a large Muslim population. It just amazes me to know that there are Muslims in every corner of the world teaching their children about the light of Islaam and the Qur’aan, and that these books are helping to make a difference.
7. Are there any exciting things we should watch for?
In the short term we will be completing the revision of the Mini Tafseer Series and releasing the final books in the series. As far as long term, I have had many requests for a series on the lives of the prophets, so I intend to begin work on that in the future, bi-ithnillah.
8. How do I keep up to date with new items and sales at Ad-Duha?
We have a mailing list that we send updates to, so anyone interested in joining can send an e-mail to support@ad-duha.org and we will add them, insha-Allah.
Being able to have this exchange with Cilia just solidified my desire to keep purchasing Ad-Duha products in the future. I have not been compensated in any way for my time and attention this week regarding the Ad-Duha products… I’m simply a big fan! In sha Allah this week I’ll be posting a full review of their Level A and B curriculum packages. I just gifted the Mini Mumin series to Little Miss this year, so that will be coming up also, in sha Allah!
alhamdulillah , its a best course