By Maeeshat News Network | Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo’s vibrant coastline set the stage for the 4th Annual Conference of the Global Association of Islamic Schools (GAIS), which opened with a resplendent Welcome Gala Dinner at the luxurious Hilton Colombo. Themed Tajdīd: Inspiration to Impact, the four-day summit, running from October 5 to 8, 2025, unites over 350 educators, school leaders, and visionaries from more than 29 countries to reimagine Islamic education in a rapidly evolving world.

The gala dinner, a blend of Sri Lankan hospitality and global Islamic unity, featured aromatic halal cuisine, local school students’ performance, and heartfelt networking, setting an inspiring tone for the days ahead. Zaffar Ahmed, President of GAIS, delivered a stirring address, outlining the association’s mission to empower 1.4 million students and 116,000 teachers through innovative programs. Ahmed also announced the formation of a new GAIS Advisory Board, tasked with guiding strategic initiatives to elevate Islamic schooling globally.

Fahad Haroon, GAIS Vice President, emphasized the conference’s role as a catalyst for collaboration. “This is a platform to forge meaningful partnerships,” Haroon said. “Networking here will spark transformative ideas that ripple into classrooms worldwide, fostering purpose-driven education rooted in faith and foresight.”

The conference boasts a dynamic roster of speakers, including Prof. Mohamad Abdalla AM, Director of the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education at the University of South Australia. His forthcoming address will explore integrating Islamic principles with contemporary educational challenges, drawing on his expertise in faith-based policy advocacy. Dr. Abdullah Şahin, Reader in Islamic Education at the University of Warwick, UK, also captivated attendees with preview remarks on “faith-based critical thinking” to nurture resilient Muslim identities and counter extremism through reflective learning.

Local voices, such as Azim Abdul Majeed, CEO of Sri Lanka’s Iman Academy, celebrated the opportunity to host. “This is a historic moment for Sri Lanka’s Muslim community to showcase our educational innovations and learn from global peers,” Majeed noted, referencing the nation’s rich Islamic heritage and resilience post-2019 challenges.

Set against the Hilton Colombo’s panoramic ocean views, the conference leverages Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual legacy as a fitting backdrop. The Muslim community, forming 10% of the population, has long championed education as a pillar of progress.

Social media buzzed with excitement, with delegates like Radio Islam’s team sharing: “First time in Sri Lanka for #GAIS2025. Inspired by the coastline and ready for transformative discussions. Updates to follow, insha Allah.” Local institutions, including Next Generation School, highlighted bilingual curricula innovations, amplifying Sri Lanka’s contributions to global Islamic education.

Starting October 6, the conference dives into interactive workshops and panels on curriculum innovation, ethical technology integration, and leadership in multicultural settings. Designed to translate inspiration into action, these sessions aim to equip educators with practical strategies for their schools.

GAIS’s growth reflects a global demand for holistic Islamic education. Building on last year’s success, which scaled resources exponentially, the 2025 conference aims to forge new partnerships and amplify impact. “We are not just educating—we are empowering communities to lead with faith and vision,” Dr Syed Misbahuddin, newly elected advisory board member affirmed.