I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

· "And say: `My Rubb! Increase me in knowledge.'' (20:114)

· "Are those who know equal to those who know not?''' (39:9)

· "Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who
have been granted knowledge.'' (58:11)

· "It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves
that fear Allah.'' (35:28)

[The Noble Quran]

Mu`awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah said, "When Allah wishes good for someone,
He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: Knowledge and understanding of Deen (religion) here
stands for the understanding of the Qur'an and Hadith, religious injunctions,
and knowledge of the lawful and the unlawful. This Hadith highlights the excellence of knowledge and the fact that it is a sign of Allah's
Help to the person who possesses it and acts upon it.

Introduction

Thornhill lees Central mosque (Darul Ilm) is a masjid and institute of education located in Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury. The building, a former pub and social club, was purchased in early 2001 and transformed into a much needed educational institute for the locality’s growing Muslim population.

The Education Centre is currently providing services based around our core values and objectives namely Education, Welfare and Tarbiyah (rehabilitation) primarily to the ethnic minorities in and around Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury.

Ethos

Darul Ilm is founded on the values of taqwa, (God consciousness, fear of Allah, righteousness) ihsan (to obtain perfection, or excellence, in worship) and equality in acquiring knowledge. Our purpose is to promote the lifestyle required to fully serve the Almighty Creator shown to us by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Aims and objectives

• To establish a madrasah providing a high standard of Islamic education to children from the ages of five upwards.

• To establish dedicated classes for hifz.

• To provide facilities for five daily salah, jumma and taraweeh.

• To organise periodic Islamic programmes in English, Arabic and Urdu.

• To establish separate part-time Alim and Alimah classes.

• To establish separate adult classes in tajweed and fiqh for men and women.

• To facilitate nikkah ceremonies.

• To accommodate janazah preparation and prayer facilities.

• To advance Islamic awareness for Muslims, non-Muslims, schools, churches and other organisations.

• To establish Saturday tuition classes covering secular education and vocational skills.

• To facilitate activities for the elderly and disabled.

• To establish a darul iftah (advisory council).

Key Achievements to Date

Darul Ilm currently looks after the religious education of over 350 students, 50 of which are taught in three specialised hifz classes. In addition we have a separate alimah class for girls teaching a traditional syllabus of Arabic, fiqh, ahadith and related subjects.
Tajweed and Fiqh classes for men, women and the elderley, along with weekend tarbiyah and welfare programmes for all age groups are progressing well. We have a core of around 200 adults making use of the facilities on a regular basis.

Looking Ahead

By establishing a set of quality standards for teaching in conjunction with local and national organisations, we hope to progress greatly the teaching of Islam in madressas.