Education with Purpose

Ask a young person what they want to do after school, and you’ll likely get a shrug or the classic “I don’t know.” It’s practically the anthem of today’s generation. But at Stewards.ONE, “I don’t know” just doesn’t cut it. We’ve officially retired that phrase. Why? Because we’re not here to produce graduates who drift through life, hoping that purpose will just land in their laps. We’re here to plant seeds of meaning and purpose. And a future without meaning and purpose? Well, good luck with that!

Why Settle for a Job When You Can Have a Purpose?

In a world often driven by routine and necessity, it’s easy to see a job as a way to make it big. But at Stewards.ONE, we look beyond the hussle – yes the hussle is real! But rather, we encourage our students to view their future careers as opportunities to create change, not just fill roles. If your work doesn’t inspire you to get out of bed each morning with a sense of meaning and purpose, then perhaps a meaning and purpose is missing? We believe that purpose transforms work into something far more profound.

“Build for us a god like theirs” (Qur’an 7:138), the Israelites demanded, even after witnessing miraculous signs that touched the very essence of their existence. Despite all they had experienced, they were drawn to the superficial, missing the deeper purpose.  In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get distracted by shallow pursuits and overlook the bigger issues, especially when the low small and mundane issues now resemble the real big issues that truly matter.

At Stewards.ONE, we teach our students to rise above distractions and focus on what truly matters – whether it’s inequality, environmental degradation, the value of human life, or social disconnection. We guide them toward a higher calling, one driven by impact, truth, and purpose. To value what’s real over what simply glitters on the surface.  And in contrast to the distractions of Bani Israel seeking a big god that glitters, we aspire to plunge into the depth of true Stewardship – as reflected in the words of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RA): When Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (RA) approached the Black Stone during Hajj, he remarked, “I know that you are just a stone that can neither benefit nor harm, and if I had not seen the Prophet (ﷺ) kiss you, I would not have kissed you” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1597). His words reveal a profound truth: while “sacred” rituals, symbols, careers, certifications have their place, they are not the essence of our journey. They gain meaning only when they align with a higher purpose.

True Stewards Value What’s Real

But Umar (RA) didn’t stop there – just kissing with a higher purpose. He also said, “The blood of a believer is worth more than the Kaaba and the Black Stone” (Sunan Ibn Majah 2619). As sacred as the Kaaba and Black Stone are, they pale in comparison to the value of human life. This is the wisdom of true Stewards—they recognise that life, dignity, and service to humanity far outweigh even the most revered symbols.  

At Stewards.ONE, this principle is central to our teaching. We show our students that the real value lies in serving others, in protecting life, and in improving the world around us. It’s not about rituals for ritual’s sake or clinging to superficial achievements. It’s about making a meaningful, lasting impact that elevates those rituals and symbols. those qualifications and careers.

But What If We Don’t Know Our Purpose Yet?

Fair question! Not everyone has their life’s calling figured out by 16—or 26, or even 46! And that’s perfectly fine. Finding purpose isn’t like ordering pizza—it’s a process. And that’s where Stewards.ONE goes deeper. We don’t just bombard students with information and hope something sticks. We help them see the world through trusted eyes. And not just any eyes—eyes that have seen beyond the ordinary. Eyes that can differentiate between vanity and the Real. As the Qur’an so beautifully says: “His sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong” (Surah An-Najm, 53:17). These are the eyes of those who embody qualities worth emulating—truthfulness, mercy, courage, integrity, loyalty, and excellence. And as the Qur’an reminds us, “Indeed, you are upon an exalted standard of character” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4). When you find someone like that (ﷺ), you can’t help but want to follow their vision, the mission, meaning and purpose—at least until you find your own (if it can ever compare!).

More Than Just Memorising Textbooks

Education at Stewards.ONE isn’t about ticking off boxes; it’s about learning how to change lives. Take biology, for example—sure, it’s important to know the science, but what if it could lead to developing life-saving treatments? Now we’re talking. And physics? It’s not just about understanding formulas; it’s about inspiring students to design buildings that can withstand natural disasters, saving lives rather than just protecting structures.

Think about the mental health crisis—who will step up and find effective ways to help those suffering in silence? Who will transform healthcare systems to not only treat symptoms but promote true well-being?

And what about something as simple as wudu? Who will design water systems that ensure access to clean water for purification, without wondering how many times it’s been recycled? Who will reimagine urban transportation to reduce congestion and improve the quality of life in our cities? The world doesn’t need more people climbing the career ladder—it needs people using their education to make a real impact, improving lives in meaningful ways.

At Stewards.ONE, we teach our students that life—human life—matters more than any object, status, or symbol. It’s not just about mastering rituals or acing exams; it’s about what you do with that knowledge and how you use it to benefit others. The ultimate maqasid (objective) is to improve lives, promote justice, and create a better world—because otherwise, did it even happen?

Let’s also remember the hadith: “Whoever eases the distress of his brother, Allah will ease his distress on the Day of Judgement” (Sahih Muslim 2699). This is the kind of impact we strive for at Stewards.ONE—making meaningful change, improving lives, and easing burdens, one step at a time.

Our students aren’t just learning for themselves—they are being equipped to heal, and to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Whether through technology, public health, or sustainable development, their education is a tool for creating real-world change.

The World Needs People Like You!

So, what’s next for your child? Our children don’t need to cram their heads with facts and formulas. It’s more about filling their hearts with purpose. It’s about guiding them toward a path that doesn’t just keep them busy but fuels them with meaning and vision.  Because let’s face it—the world doesn’t need more workers. The world needs awakened souls. It needs changemakers. It needs people with purpose.

Ready to take the next step? Partner with us, and let’s build that future powered by purpose—together insha Allah!