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

The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus

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: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus 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