Assalāmu ʿAlaykum dear Muslim Explorers community,

My heart is truly full as I welcome the blessed month of Ramadan with my favorite people—the Muslim Explorers Saturday Program family.

SubḥānAllāh, every year I remind myself and my children of something important:

Ramadan should never feel like a chore.

Yes… fasting can feel hard.
Yes… going to Taraweeh every night can feel tiring.
Yes… choosing Qur’an over distractions is not always easy.

But Ramadan is not meant to be easy—it is meant to be transformational.

I often tell my kids to think of Ramadan like a spiritual bootcamp or a gym membership for the heart.
At first, your body aches… your routine feels different… and you wonder if it’s worth it.
But once you begin to feel the results, something beautiful happens:

✨ Your heart feels full.
✨ Your soul feels lighter—like a bird ready to fly.
✨ You feel proud for leaving even one sin behind.

And if we are able to add worship on top of that… then those are truly the glad tidings of Ramadan.

May Allah ﷻ make us among those who truly love this month, live it fully, and use every moment wisely.
May He teach us, humble us, and allow Ramadan to change us for the better. Āmīn.

🌍 Ramadan Around the World — A Beautiful Beginning

Last week at IME, Ramadan Around the World was remarkable.

It was more than an event—it was a living classroom of cultures, traditions, and unity.

Personally, I learned new things about Morocco—from the beauty of its grand mosque, to the warmth of harira, to the delicate sweetness of traditional desserts, and the elegance of Islamic geometric patterns.

Moments like these remind me why IME exists:
to connect knowledge, culture, faith, and community in meaningful ways.

To my incredible team, devoted parents, generous donors, and every volunteer who showed up with love—
you are truly one of my greatest blessings.
Alḥamdulillāh for each of you.
 

🌙 IME Ramadan Focus & Spiritual Culture

During Ramadan, we are intentionally nurturing a deeper spiritual atmosphere across IME:

1. Weekly Islamic Values in Assembly
We will introduce one value each week and help students practice it through reflection charts and accountability.

2. Ramadan Dress Encouragement
Girls are encouraged to wear hijab and modest clothing, and boys to wear dishdasha or kufi, helping children feel the beauty of Ramadan identity.

3. Fasting Crowns
Students who fast will receive a special fasting crown at the end of the day—celebrating effort, not perfection.

4. Expanded Duʿāʾ After Ṣalāh
We will increase collective duʿāʾ in Arabic and English, helping children understand and feel their connection to Allah ﷻ.

5. Weekly Ṣadaqah Moment
A Ṣadaqah box will be presented after Ṣalāh each week to nurture generosity and service.

🤲 Charity & Ṣadaqah Project

Students have begun their classroom Ṣadaqah initiative.

• Ṣadaqah boxes are placed in every classroom

• Collections happen weekly after Ṣalāh

• Led by Mrs. Amal Jaʿfari

• Suggested donation: $5–$10

• Donations support masjid renovation projects

Our goal is simple and powerful:
to help children love generosity and feel connected to serving their community, especially in Shaʿbān and Ramadan.
 

🕙 Ramadan School Schedule

To support peaceful family evenings and preparation for ifṭār and Taraweeh:

Ramadan Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This allows families to:

• Return home earlier

• Rest before ifṭār

• Be fully present for ʿibādah and Taraweeh

During Ramadan at IME

You can expect:

• Strong focus on Qur’an and Ramadan meanings

• Weekly Islamic value themes

• A calm, spiritual learning environment in every classroom
   

As we step into these precious days together, I ask Allah ﷻ to place barakah in our time, sincerity in our worship, and light in our hearts.

Thank you for being part of this journey.
Thank you for trusting IME with your children.
And thank you for being a community that makes Ramadan feel alive.

Ramadan Mubarak from my family to yours.
With love and duʿāʾ,
Iman Hasan
Founder & Principal, Muslim Explorers 🌙

📅 Upcoming Dates

• 🌍 Ramadan Around the World Festival — Feb 14

• 🌙 Ramadan Begins — Feb 18

• 🌙 Eid Break (No School) — Mar 21

• 🏆 Qur’an Memorization Competition — Apr 18

• 🧺 Spring Picnic / Field Trip — Apr 25

• 🛠 Make-Up Day — May 16

• 🎉 Last Day of School — May 17

📌 Withdrawal Policy Reminder

Families who plan to withdraw must:

• Provide 2-weeks written notice

• Email: Iman.Hasan@ihsanonline.org

Families remain responsible for:

• Books/material fees

• Unpaid tuition balances