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Chicago, IL: Community activists on Saturday issued an urgent call to Muslims in Chicago and across the United States to support the development of Burhan Academy, an ambitious project poised to become the “largest future Islamic school in America.” The Academy is set to rise from the grounds of the now-closed Elgin Academy, aiming to provide a premier Islamic education that blends academic excellence with religious teachings.
The call to action was made during the Elgin Academy Fundraiser event in Chicago, jointly organized by the CMMA (Council for Muslim Minority Affairs) and Burhan Academy. Educational activists and intellectuals at the event underscored the importance of restoring high academic standards, particularly within Islamic education, to address the community’s needs in the region.
Chicago’s leading Oncologist and CMMA President, Dr. Tajammul Hussain, a driving force behind the Burhan Academy fundraiser, articulated the Academy’s mission. “Islamic principles and values are the core of Muslim identity,” he said. “Islamic teachings exemplify good character, great mannerisms, and selfless compassion—qualities that Burhan Academy aims to instill in its students, alongside a deep knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah, the ways of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
In a video message, noted neurosurgeon Dr. Jawad Shah, widely known for acquiring Chicago’s Mercy Hospital on a $1 lease and reviving its operations, urged the Muslim community to support Burhan Academy. He emphasized the vital need for a deeper understanding of Islam and its teachings in today’s world. “The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) addressed economics, philosophy, and science, revolutionizing how the world perceived itself,” Dr. Shah said.
He stressed that Burhan Academy is more than just an educational institution; it is a place where Islam can be deeply experienced and lived.
“Burhan Academy is not simply about didactic lectures; it’s a place where Islam comes alive,” Dr. Shah added, referring to institutions like Burhan Academy as the “crown jewels of the community.”
Other speakers at the event echoed the sentiment that Muslims have a crucial role to play in revitalizing educational concepts rooted in Islamic teachings. Community leaders, social activists, and philanthropists present at the fundraiser expressed their solidarity with the Burhan Academy initiative, recognizing it as a beacon of hope for the future of Islamic education in America.
For those unfamiliar, Burhan Academy is an upcoming K-12 Islamic school founded on the “Ummah First” principle. Situated on an 18-acre campus originally valued at $25 million, the Academy aims to deliver holistic education by integrating Islamic perspectives with a robust academic curriculum. After extensive negotiations, the Elgin Academy property has been made available for $3.7 million—a target the founders are striving to meet by the end of August. Donations are being accepted via Zelle at burhanacademyelgin@gmail.com.
The event served as a reminder of the importance of community support in achieving the Academy’s vision, and activists are hopeful that the Muslim community will step forward to help make this vision a reality.
