Two Blessed Visits to IISO: Sheikh Adnan’s Continued Support for Our Students and Community

International Islamia School Otsuka (IISO), located in the heart of Tokyo’s Toshima‑ku, had the honor of welcoming Sheikh Adnan on two special visits —April 14, 2025 and May 2026. His visits, one year apart, reflect his deep care for our students, his commitment to Islamic education in Japan, and his warm relationship with the IISO community.

Both visits were filled with inspiration, heartfelt advice, and meaningful interactions that strengthened our mission of nurturing students with Knowledge, Faith, and Etiquette.

A Meaningful Visit to Our Classrooms

He visited multiple classrooms across primary, junior high, and high school. He observed:

• Active learning and student participation

• Islamic manners and respectful classroom behavior

• Teachers’ dedication and strong instructional practices

He expressed admiration for the positive learning environment and the strong Islamic identity visible throughout the school.

Qur’an Recitation by Students

One of the most touching moments was listening to our students recite Qur’an with clarity, confidence, and beautiful tajwid. Sheikh Adnan praised their efforts and encouraged them to continue memorizing and reflecting on the Qur’an daily.

Empowering Teachers Through Islamic Guidance

In a dedicated staff session, Sheikh Adnan shared valuable insights drawn from his years of experience as an educator and community leader. He spoke about the challenges teachers face and emphasized the importance of:

• Strengthening one’s connection with Allah through sincere du’a

• Seeking clarity through Istikhara when making important decisions

• Placing full trust in Allah while continuing to strive with patience and dedication

His message reminded our staff that true success comes from combining effort with spiritual grounding.

Leadership Through Humility and Unity

Sheikh Adnan encouraged educators to work together with humility, flexibility, and sincerity—setting aside personal ego for the greater benefit of students and the school community. His words reinforced the Islamic principle of working collectively for the sake of goodness and positive impact.

Teaching With Purpose and Passion

Drawing from his background as a biology teacher, Sheikh Adnan shared inspiring stories about helping students develop a love for learning. He highlighted how every subject—whether science, language, or mathematics—can become meaningful when connected to real-life experiences and enriched with Islamic values.

He encouraged teachers to nurture curiosity, make learning relevant, and help students see the beauty of knowledge as part of their faith.

The Heart of Education: The Teacher–Student Relationship

One of the most memorable parts of his talk focused on compassion in teaching. Sheikh Adnan reminded staff that educators play a role similar to caring parents—guiding students with empathy, kindness, and understanding. He shared touching stories of former students who still reach out to him years later, grateful for the positive influence their teachers had on their lives.

His reflections were a powerful reminder that teaching is not only about academics but also about shaping character, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

A Visit That Will Be Remembered

Sheikh Adnan’s visit was uplifting and deeply motivating for the IISO team. His guidance strengthened our commitment to providing high-quality Islamic education in Tokyo and inspired us to continue nurturing the next generation with excellence, compassion, and faith.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sheikh Adnan for sharing his time, wisdom, and experience with our school community. May Allah reward him and allow his words to continue inspiring our educators and students.