Secondary: Sunnah 2 Smile Week

Sunnah to Smile Week at ICOM is always a beautiful reminder of the many blessings Allah (SWT) has given us, and an opportunity to pause, reflect and show gratitude through acts of kindness, compassion and service to others. It is also a time to remember those who may be less fortunate than us, facing hardship, loneliness or difficulty, and to consider how we can use our own blessings to support and uplift others.

As Allah (SWT) reminds us:

“If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.”Qur’an 14:7

Throughout the week, Secondary students participated in a range of activities designed to strengthen their understanding of the Sunnah, develop practical wellbeing strategies and give them clear direction on how to respond when someone around them may need support.

Students were encouraged to remember that when someone is down, we start with SALAM:

Smile - greet them properly, every time

Ask - ask, and ask a second time

Listen - be fully present, no fixing, no judging

Act - sit with them, and walk them to someone who can help

Make duʿā - make duʿā for them, and keep checking in

The week began with a heartfelt video featuring Secondary students and staff sharing what they are grateful for. This was followed by a series of incursions that explored the connection between Islam, psychology and wellbeing, encouraging students to consider how their faith can guide the way they care for themselves and others.

We concluded the week by coming together as a College for a special assembly, beginning with a beautiful Qur’an recitation and words from our College Principal. Students also enjoyed a Prefect performance before hearing from our special guest speaker, Australian boxing champion Billy Dib, who shared his personal experiences and words of wisdom with our students.

The celebrations concluded with a whole-school lunch, where students and staff came together over pizza, conversation and connection.

1000 Smiles, One Ummah may be our theme for the year, but its message is one we hope our students carry with them always - that even the smallest act of kindness can uplift another person, strengthen our community and bring us closer together as one Ummah.