Founded in the 1930s Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah MAI has a rich history. It began humbly beside Masjid Haji Yusoff. About 40 students attended this small madrasah. The Arab merchant Sheikh Omar bin Abdullah Bamadhaj funded its construction. He was a philanthropist. He also served as a trustee for several mosques.
MAI is special. It’s the third oldest full-time madrasah in Singapore. Only six full-time madrasahs remain today. Think of that. This emphasizes MAI’s enduring legacy. It’s a testament to the community’s commitment to Islamic education.
Tragedy struck in 1982. A fire destroyed the original building. Faulty wiring was the cause. Only 17 students returned. Classes resumed at Masjid Haji Yusoff. Students sat on the floor. The lack of facilities impacted enrollment.
In 1989 the Muhammadiyah Association took over. They relocated MAI to Jalan Selamat. Both primary and secondary education were offered. The primary level later moved to Lorong 13 Geylang.
A major shift happened in 2007. MAI joined the Joint Madrasah System JMS. They focused on secondary education with an academic track. A Board of Governors was formed. It included representatives from Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura MUIS and the Muhammadiyah Association. MAI then moved to Lorong 6 Toa Payoh.
Today MAI thrives in a brand new building. This impressive structure cost $17 million. It opened in 2020. State-of-the-art facilities support academic pursuits. Traditional Islamic studies are also a core part of the curriculum. The school balances modern education with Islamic values.
Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah MAI stands as a symbol of resilience and dedication. It has overcome challenges to become a leading institution. It continues to shape the lives of students. It produces successful Islamic-inspired men and women. This is a place where faith and learning intertwine. A place of profound historical significance.