Fifteen years have passed since the beginning of the Al-Hikmeh Institute. The most recent addition was the leasing of a Masjid located on Carlisle Pike, known as the Islamic Center of Pennsylvania (ICP). While this is a grand achievement for the Muslim community, as well as the entire community as a whole, Allah's well first and then the dedication and heart put into the foundation of the Al-Hikmeh Institute is what has lead to this achievement. 1992 was the birth of the Al-Hikmeh Institute. There were no classrooms, no separate housings, nothing - the origin of the Al-Hikmeh Institute can be found at 2 Riverview Drive in Enola, Pennsylvania. Here, approximately two to three families attended classes, held in the living room of the current ICP Imam's house. Once five families registered their children to learn the Arabic language and the Islamic religion, the living room became too crowded and the "school" moved to the basement. This is where the Al-Hikmeh Institute prospered for many years. As contributions from various community members, the dream of having a Masjid and Islamic/Arabic School became a reality at the West shore Area. Currently, the number of students attending the Al-Hikmeh Institute ranges from 70-90 students per semester! However, this is far too much responsibility for one person alone, so the Imam entrusted a group of trustworthy men to make up the council for the Islamic Center of Pennsylvania. In addition, recognition for the teachers that help spread the knowledge to the students of where they came from, and what they believe in is in order since the school could not exist without them. Furthermore, a great thanks to the community is in order for having their children attend the Al-Hikmeh Institute and join in the congregation of prayers at ICP, because without them, there would be no school to begin with. What is to come of the Al-Hikmeh Institute in the coming years is still in the knowledge of Allah; however, one can only hope that it will be even more prosperous than it already is.
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