What It Really Takes to Build an Islamic School | Episode 2

What It Really Takes to Build an Islamic School | Episode 2

Author: Dr. Tayyab Yunus June 11, 2025 Duration: 23:46

Assalamu Alaikum! In this episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show with Tayyab Yunus, we welcome the inspiring Sister Magda Elkadi Saleh – a three-time founder of successful Islamic schools in Tampa, Florida. With over 32 years of experience, Sister Magda shares deep insights into what it really takes to build, sustain, and scale Islamic educational institutions.

We discuss:

  • Why she started three Islamic schools
  • The challenges and blessings of starting from scratch
  • Community trust, donors, and sustainable tuition models
  • How to tailor schools to serve diverse Muslim family needs
  • The mindset and mission needed to stay the course

If you've ever considered starting a school or nonprofit that serves the Muslim community, this episode is your roadmap.

🎧 Tune in and don't forget to 🔔 subscribe and share with anyone dreaming of building something meaningful for the ummah.

📌 Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
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YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect with Sister Magda Elkadi Saleh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magda-saleh-6a9b4429/

00:00 – Intro & Guest Introduction

01:20 – Why She Started Her First School

03:45 – From Homeschool to Full School Launch

06:20 – Scaling Up & Realizing Demand

08:10 – Three Schools, Three Models

10:50 – Mission-Market Fit & Why More Schools Matter

12:30 – Big Challenges in Starting a School

15:00 – Business Model & Tuition Strategy

17:45 – Staffing Struggles & Building a Team

20:00 – Tough Decisions & Community Buy-In

21:30 – Final Advice: Long-Term Commitment

23:00 – Closing Thanks & Future Invite



#IslamicEducation #MuslimSchools #SisterMagda #StartAnIslamicSchool #MuslimCommunity #EducationalLeadership #IslamicSchoolFounder #MuslimYouth #UmmahStrong #TheMuslimNonprofitShow #TayyabYunnus


The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus is a space for meaningful conversation about the unique challenges and opportunities within American Muslim charitable organizations. Host Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with founders, directors, and seasoned leaders who are actively building and sustaining these vital community institutions. The dialogue in this podcast moves beyond abstract theory, focusing instead on the operational realities of fundraising, governance, volunteer management, and program development that leaders face every day. You'll hear candid stories about what has worked, what hasn't, and the lessons learned in the process, all framed within an Islamic perspective on service and stewardship. These are not just interviews; they are deep dives into the strategies and spiritual considerations that drive effective nonprofit work. For anyone involved in or curious about this specific sector, from board members to volunteers and donors, the podcast provides a rare look behind the curtain. It’s a resource for practical wisdom and reflective discussion, aiming to strengthen the infrastructure of Muslim philanthropy one conversation at a time. Listen for genuine exchanges that blend professional expertise with personal conviction, offering tangible takeaways you can apply to your own efforts to create lasting, positive impact.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus
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