Spiritual Life
Developing a love for and understanding of God and Islam in each child is an essential goal of a New Horizon education. Our program is designed to nurture a confident, faithful American Muslim identity in each student
Exploring Islam
The Islamic Studies curriculum is designed to connect the faith to the world in which we live. Discussions are centered around religious principles and beliefs, current events, key figures in the present and the past who embody our moral values (e.g., Cesar Chavez, Muhammad Ali), drawing parallels with stories of the past with realities of today (e.g., oppression in ancient Egypt and oppression in the world today), and understanding of other faiths to foster respect and empathy for a more peaceful world.Using a variety of resources including the Learning and Living Islam series and other children’s Islamic literature, the program is meant to be relevant and practical in helping students apply their faith. For a more detailed description of the Islamic Studies program by grade level, please refer to the NHSP Curriculum Guide.
Understanding & Reciting the Quran
The goals of the Qur’anic Studies program include fostering an understanding of the wisdom and beauty of the Qur’an as a guide in our lives and the memorization and correct recitation of suras (chapters) and ayaat (verses). To this end, the program follows a well-designed scope and sequence of Qur’anic verses that are based on theme and age-appropriateness that allow students to explore the meaning of the Qur’an.Additionally, teachers use the Nuraniya method for grades 1-8 to enhance the students’ tajweed (recitation) skills. Besides accuracy and proper sounding of the letters and words, improved reading fluency is a major benefit of the Nuraniya method. The Qur’anic Studies teachers are trained and certified in the Nuraniya method. The school, along with the Aldeen Foundation, hosts a Middle School Qur’an Competition each year to encourage students to enhance their memorization and recitation skills. Lower schoolers express their enthusiasm for the Qur’an through a less competitive but inspirational Lower School Qur’an Challenge.
Learning Arabic
Our Arabic Language program prepares our students to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in modern standard Arabic.This course enables our students to access the meaning of the Qur’an in its original language while at the same time presents an opportunity to gain proficiency in a language that in the world today is considered a “critical” language. Arabic language skills can be used in a variety of careers and are considered a premium in diplomacy and other governmental work. Teachers incorporate real-world learning in the Arabic class to make it relevant and enriching with units on cooking, shopping, restaurant dining, and transportation.
Applying our Values
Learning about the faith is joined with applying the faith into daily life. Real-life application of Islam occurs through various activities that center on Islamic values, practices, and holidays. Some examples include the Ramadan sadaqa and Eid toy drives, homeless shelter drive, Hajj simulation, and the L.A. River clean-up. Each month there is a focus on a particular value from our Values of the Month, and the goal is to encourage students to actually apply the value in their lives using inspiration from the Qur’an and Hadith.
Prayer
The daily noon prayer gives our students the opportunity to assemble together in a communal prayer space to enjoy quiet spiritual time for reflection, gaining closeness to God, and growing in faith. Students in elementary and middle school practice their leadership skills by calling the prayer (adhan and iqama), leading the prayer, and making a du’a out loud after the prayer. Early Childhood students learn the steps of prayer and practice praying in their classrooms each day.On Fridays, students in first through eighth grades come together for the Friday congregational prayer (Jum’a) in Adaya Auditorium. Students enjoy listening to a community member, an alumnus, or a fellow student discuss a current topic or value of the week. Additional leadership growth is available through our Khateeb Training program for eighth graders.
Spirituality in the Garden
The New Horizon Peace Garden is a special place on our school campus that teaches, inspires, and elevates. Designed to be an outdoor classroom with a multitude of learning opportunities, key features make it especially attractive to the spiritual domain of the school’s work.Peaceful nature spaces create the perfect environment for serene contemplation of God’s creation. Teachers often take students there to recite Qur’an and talk about the beauty God created in our world. Wooden signs with Qur’anic verses prompt students to explore the garden looking for “Plants in the Qur’an,” ways to harvest and channel water, and types of fruit and trees providing many bounties. Student and community art is visible throughout the garden and a source of inspiration for all who visit. Adding beauty to our world is an important way for students to show commitment to the betterment of family, community, and humanity.
