Farewell Ms Nawal
27th Jun 2025
An appreciation to Our Esteemed Teacher, Ms. Nawal, on Her Retirement After 35 Years of Dedicated Service.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Dear Parents, Staff, and Beloved Members of the Muslim National School Community,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
It is with deep respect, and a heart full of gratitude that I share this personal appreciation to honour an extraordinary teacher, a pillar of our community, and a living embodiment of Islamic scholarship, Ms. Nawal. After thirty-five years of totally dedicated service as a teacher of Islamic Studies, Quranic recitation, and Arabic, she prepares to embark on a new chapter, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the spiritual and intellectual lives of thousands of children.
As someone who has had the privilege of working alongside Ms. Nawal, I have come to understand that her contribution transcends conventional teaching. She has been a custodian of faith, a nurturer of souls, and a living bridge between our children and the divine wisdom of the Quran. My years of working with Ms Nawal have given me an appreciation for the sacred responsibility she has carried with such grace.
The Unsung Lady Behind Our Islamic Legacy
Long before the Muslim National School became the thriving National School that it is today, it was Ms. Nawal's faith and determination that planted its seeds. As a mother concerned about the spiritual and academic well-being of her children, she recognised a critical need. That was a school in which Islamic values and intellectual excellence could flourish in harmony.
Her concerns were not just personal ,they reflected an anxiety among many Muslim parents at the time, who sought an educational environment where their children could grow in iman (faith) while excelling in worldly knowledge. With unwavering conviction, she encouraged Sheikh Yahya, and through their shared dedication, along with the support of dedicated others in the community ,the first Muslim school at the South Circular Road Mosque was established.
What began as a mother’s prayer has now blossomed into our school today which has 424 students and in which the light of the Quran and Sunnah illuminates every classroom, every lesson, and every interaction. It is a testament to Allah’s divine plan that her own children were among the first graduates of this school Today, her grandchildren walks these same classrooms continuing the legacy she helped create.
A Scholar Who Chose the Path of Akhirah Over Dunya
"Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees." (Quran 58:11)
Ms. Nawal is not just a great teacher ,she is a scholar of the highest distinction, holding a PhD from University College Dublin (UCD). In a world that often prioritises material success, she made a choice that reflects the true essence of Islamic values. She turned away from worldly prestige to dedicate her life to teaching the words of Allah and the wisdom of His Messenger (ﷺ).
This decision was not just a career choice, it was an act of ibadah (worship). In Islam, the one who teaches the Quran occupies a station of immense honour. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it." (Bukhari)
Ms. Nawal embodied this teaching in every aspect of her work. Her students did not just recite the Quran ,they learned to recite it with the beauty of tajweed, the understanding of tafsir, and the love that comes from true connection with the Divine Word.
A Teacher Who Merged Discipline with Divine Mercy
"And speak to people good [words]." (Quran 2:83)
Those who have observed Ms. Nawal’s classes know that she was a teacher of uncompromising standards. She had little tolerance for distraction, because she understood that every moment in her classroom was a sacred trust (amaanah) - an opportunity to shape a child’s relationship with Allah.
Yet, beneath her firmness was a heart overflowing with rahmah (mercy). She recognised that true Islamic education is not just about correcting mistakes, but about nurturing souls. She would spend extra hours preparing teaching resources for struggling students and in this way ensure that no child was left behind in their journey of faith.
Her compassion extended far beyond the classroom. She would quietly collect leftover food from school to distribute among the needy, embodying the hadith:
"The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." (Tirmidhi)
She never sought recognition for these acts, teaching us all the meaning of ikhlas (sincerity),doing good solely for the sake of Allah.
The Lasting Impact of Her Deen Classes
Ms. Nawal’s Islamic Studies classes were not just lessons; they were transformative experiences. She built in her students:
1. Unshakable Aqeedah (Creed) and in this way ensuring they understood Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) with clarity.
2. Love for the Sunnah - Teaching them the manners, morals, and teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).
3. Quranic Connections. These were not just recitation, but reflection (tadabbur) on the meanings.
4. Strong Akhlaq (Character). She strove to Instill honesty, patience, and kindness as Islamic obligations.
She often reminded her students of the hadith:
"Allah does not look at your appearances or wealth, but at your hearts and deeds." (Muslim)
A Humble Servant of Allah: Retiring Without Fanfare
True to her nature, Ms. Nawal sought no grand farewell. She is content in the knowledge that Allah, the All-Seeing, is the Best of Witnesses to her life’s work. As the Quran says:
"And whatever good you do—Allah knows it." (Quran 2:197)
Yet, how could we let such a legacy pass without expressing our deepest gratitude?
A Du’a for Our Beloved Teacher
I have learned from Islam the power of sincere prayer. Thus, with the utmost respect, I ask Allah to:
- Grant her a long, healthy life filled with the love of her children and grandchildren.
- Elevate her status in Jannah for every Ayah she taught, every child she guided.
- Make her legacy sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) as her students pass on the knowledge they learned from her.
- Protect her in her retirement, wrapping her in Allah’s mercy and peace.
Ameen, ya Rabb al-'Alameen.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Ms. Nawal -You have been the beating heart of this school, the guardian of its Islamic soul, and the living proof that true teaching is an act of worship.
Though you retire, your influence will remain I believe:
- In the melodious Quran recitations of your students,
- In the strong Islamic identities you helped forge,
- And in the very walls of this school, which stand as a monument to your vision.
"Verily, the righteous will be in bliss."(Quran 82:13)
With the deepest respect and admiration,
John McDonnell
Principal
Muslim National School
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Dear Parents, Staff, and Beloved Members of the Muslim National School Community,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
It is with deep respect, and a heart full of gratitude that I share this personal appreciation to honour an extraordinary teacher, a pillar of our community, and a living embodiment of Islamic scholarship, Ms. Nawal. After thirty-five years of totally dedicated service as a teacher of Islamic Studies, Quranic recitation, and Arabic, she prepares to embark on a new chapter, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the spiritual and intellectual lives of thousands of children.
As someone who has had the privilege of working alongside Ms. Nawal, I have come to understand that her contribution transcends conventional teaching. She has been a custodian of faith, a nurturer of souls, and a living bridge between our children and the divine wisdom of the Quran. My years of working with Ms Nawal have given me an appreciation for the sacred responsibility she has carried with such grace.
The Unsung Lady Behind Our Islamic Legacy
Long before the Muslim National School became the thriving National School that it is today, it was Ms. Nawal's faith and determination that planted its seeds. As a mother concerned about the spiritual and academic well-being of her children, she recognised a critical need. That was a school in which Islamic values and intellectual excellence could flourish in harmony.
Her concerns were not just personal ,they reflected an anxiety among many Muslim parents at the time, who sought an educational environment where their children could grow in iman (faith) while excelling in worldly knowledge. With unwavering conviction, she encouraged Sheikh Yahya, and through their shared dedication, along with the support of dedicated others in the community ,the first Muslim school at the South Circular Road Mosque was established.
What began as a mother’s prayer has now blossomed into our school today which has 424 students and in which the light of the Quran and Sunnah illuminates every classroom, every lesson, and every interaction. It is a testament to Allah’s divine plan that her own children were among the first graduates of this school Today, her grandchildren walks these same classrooms continuing the legacy she helped create.
A Scholar Who Chose the Path of Akhirah Over Dunya
"Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees." (Quran 58:11)
Ms. Nawal is not just a great teacher ,she is a scholar of the highest distinction, holding a PhD from University College Dublin (UCD). In a world that often prioritises material success, she made a choice that reflects the true essence of Islamic values. She turned away from worldly prestige to dedicate her life to teaching the words of Allah and the wisdom of His Messenger (ﷺ).
This decision was not just a career choice, it was an act of ibadah (worship). In Islam, the one who teaches the Quran occupies a station of immense honour. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it." (Bukhari)
Ms. Nawal embodied this teaching in every aspect of her work. Her students did not just recite the Quran ,they learned to recite it with the beauty of tajweed, the understanding of tafsir, and the love that comes from true connection with the Divine Word.
A Teacher Who Merged Discipline with Divine Mercy
"And speak to people good [words]." (Quran 2:83)
Those who have observed Ms. Nawal’s classes know that she was a teacher of uncompromising standards. She had little tolerance for distraction, because she understood that every moment in her classroom was a sacred trust (amaanah) - an opportunity to shape a child’s relationship with Allah.
Yet, beneath her firmness was a heart overflowing with rahmah (mercy). She recognised that true Islamic education is not just about correcting mistakes, but about nurturing souls. She would spend extra hours preparing teaching resources for struggling students and in this way ensure that no child was left behind in their journey of faith.
Her compassion extended far beyond the classroom. She would quietly collect leftover food from school to distribute among the needy, embodying the hadith:
"The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." (Tirmidhi)
She never sought recognition for these acts, teaching us all the meaning of ikhlas (sincerity),doing good solely for the sake of Allah.
The Lasting Impact of Her Deen Classes
Ms. Nawal’s Islamic Studies classes were not just lessons; they were transformative experiences. She built in her students:
1. Unshakable Aqeedah (Creed) and in this way ensuring they understood Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) with clarity.
2. Love for the Sunnah - Teaching them the manners, morals, and teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).
3. Quranic Connections. These were not just recitation, but reflection (tadabbur) on the meanings.
4. Strong Akhlaq (Character). She strove to Instill honesty, patience, and kindness as Islamic obligations.
She often reminded her students of the hadith:
"Allah does not look at your appearances or wealth, but at your hearts and deeds." (Muslim)
A Humble Servant of Allah: Retiring Without Fanfare
True to her nature, Ms. Nawal sought no grand farewell. She is content in the knowledge that Allah, the All-Seeing, is the Best of Witnesses to her life’s work. As the Quran says:
"And whatever good you do—Allah knows it." (Quran 2:197)
Yet, how could we let such a legacy pass without expressing our deepest gratitude?
A Du’a for Our Beloved Teacher
I have learned from Islam the power of sincere prayer. Thus, with the utmost respect, I ask Allah to:
- Grant her a long, healthy life filled with the love of her children and grandchildren.
- Elevate her status in Jannah for every Ayah she taught, every child she guided.
- Make her legacy sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity) as her students pass on the knowledge they learned from her.
- Protect her in her retirement, wrapping her in Allah’s mercy and peace.
Ameen, ya Rabb al-'Alameen.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Ms. Nawal -You have been the beating heart of this school, the guardian of its Islamic soul, and the living proof that true teaching is an act of worship.
Though you retire, your influence will remain I believe:
- In the melodious Quran recitations of your students,
- In the strong Islamic identities you helped forge,
- And in the very walls of this school, which stand as a monument to your vision.
"Verily, the righteous will be in bliss."(Quran 82:13)
With the deepest respect and admiration,
John McDonnell
Principal
Muslim National School
