about us
An Islamic School in Rhode Island was a dream in the minds and hearts of many Muslims in RI. in July 2004, the dream became a reality.
ISRI History
Founders: Dr. Mohamed Abdelrhman and Sis. Jennifer Ead
Co-Founders: Dr. Nasser Zawia and Sis. Naema Nuriddin
An Islamic School in Rhode Island was a dream in the minds and hearts of many Muslims in RI. In late 2002, Br. Mohamed Abdelrhman contacted the late Br. Yassin Dhulkifle (educator) for advice and consultation on previous attempts by the Muslim community and made every effort to be in compliance with the Rhode Island Department of Education to acquire the necessary documents and application forms. Br. Mohamed received tremendous help to prepare these documents from Dr. Abdul-Badi Abousamra (founder of the Islamic Academy of New England and Al-Noor Academy, MA) and Ms. Ali the superintendent.
On August 13, 2003 the Islamic School of Rhode Island (ISRI) became a reality on paper with Employer Identification Number, Bank Account, Non-Profit organization, Tax Exempt status, and a Logo (by Br. Yassin before he passed away).
To transform ISRI into a physical reality, a small executive group included Sis. Jennifer Ead (mother, founder), Br. Mujeeb Ahmed (developer) and Br. Mohamed started looking for a school building. With the help from Allah, the dream became reality and the school opened their doors to the community of RI in the academic year 2004 -2005.
More board members joined in late 2003 including Sis Naema Nuriddin (Educator, cofounder), Dr. Nasser Zawia (professor, cofounder), and Imam Mohamed Wadeed. The first fundraiser took place in the fall, followed by a second one in the spring of 2004 as the school building was being identified in West Warwick. And, Sis Dalila Rouri (banker) joined the board as a treasurer.
ISRI was physically born in July, 2004. Many community members helped in cleaning, painting, furnishing, and equipping ISRI with all its needs. Books were purchased, staffs were hired, and 40 students enrolled for the first academic year of 2004-2005.
More members joined the board including Br. Bachar Sasa (contractor), Br. Muti Siddiqui (engineer), and then Dr. Amjad Kinjawi (dentist). Sixty students joined ISRI in its second academic year of 2005-2006.
Alhamdulillah, ISRI has finished its seventh academic year (2010-2011) and as it became more mature and established, the initial founders have fulfilled their trust with Allah (swt) “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah…” (Quran 33:23). They honorably and respectfully delivered ISRI’s responsibility equally and collectively to all the leaders of the Muslim community in Rhode Island; praying to Allah (swt) that they will continue the mission to nourish ISRI with love and support for generations to come….. Ameen.