What to Look for When Choosing Islamic Education for Your Child: A Parent’s Guide

Empowering Families to Nurture Faith, Character, and Purpose

Choosing Islamic education for your child is one of the most meaningful decisions a parent can make. In the UK, the landscape is diverse—ranging from part-time madrasahs and weekend schools to private tutors and, for a minority, full-time Islamic schools. Yet, regardless of format, this choice carries lifelong implications. It shapes not just what your child knows, but who they become, how they see the world, and how they embody faith in daily life.

Many parents approach Islamic education with basic goals in mind: learning to read Qur’an, memorising foundational teachings, and ensuring their child preserves a sense of Muslim identity. These are essential foundations, but Islamic education can offer far more. At its best, it cultivates deep conviction (yaqeen), a commitment to worship, an akhira-focused mindset, noble character, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose rooted in faith.

However, it is often observed that parents have very low expectations of the Islamic education provider, whether that is a private teacher, a mosque, or a madrassa setting. This stands in stark contrast to the high expectations they have for the providers of their child's secular education. The expectations for Islamic education are much lower in every sense—administratively, in terms of curriculum, pedagogy, the quality of teachers, and their training.

This duality is morally questionable, and we should expect to be accountable for it before Allah on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: "All of you are shepherds and each of you is accountable for his flock. A man is the shepherd of the people of his house, and he is accountable. A woman is the shepherd of the house of her husband, and she is accountable. Each of you is a shepherd and each is accountable for his flock." 

It is imperative, therefore, that we, as parents, elevate our expectations of Islamic education providers. Similarly, as providers, we must elevate our standards of provision for Islamic education to ensure it receives the same level of importance and quality as secular education.

If you’re at the crossroads of choosing a full-time school, part-time madrasah, or private tutor, it’s important to know what truly matters. Below, we explore six essential features that are necessary for Islamic education to be source of lifelong growth, meaning, and excellence. We must not only expect them, but we must demand them from our Islamic education providers.

1. Systematic: Structured, Purposeful, Outcomes-Oriented

A well-organised Islamic education is not random or piecemeal. It follows a clear curriculum that builds knowledge and understanding step-by-step, prioritising shariah objectives over cultural habits and customs. This means that what is taught should have a logical progression, starting from foundational beliefs and practices, and moving toward the development of character and deeper faith.

·       Is there a syllabus with defined learning outcomes?

·       Are topics taught in an age-appropriate, logical sequence?

·       Does the programme guide children from the basics of belief to practical worship and character building?

A systematic and outcomes-driven approach ensures children receive coherent instruction that nurtures both the intellect and the spiritual heart. Parents should look for schools or tutors who clearly communicate what children will learn at every level and stage, how progress will be measured, and how each stage of learning builds towards greater understanding and maturity.

2. Responsive: Relevant to Your Child’s World

Children today face unique challenges—social media, identity confusion, peer pressure, contradictory teaching at school, and a rising tide of mental health concerns. Islamic education must be responsive to these realities. It should not retreat into the past or ignore contemporary issues but rather engage with them through an Islamic lens.

·       Does the teacher or madrasah truly understand your child’s context?

·       Are contemporary issues openly discussed and analysed in light of Islamic teachings?

·       Is there space for questions, even doubts, and honest dialogue?

Responsive education enables children to connect Islam with their daily experiences, helping faith become a source of empowerment and relevance. Look for settings where teachers recognise the pressures children face, and where Islamic teachings are presented as a source of guidance, resilience, and meaning in modern life.

3. Transformative: Inspiring Spirituality, Worship, and Character

Education should inspire change, not just impart information. A transformative Islamic education goes beyond memorising facts and rituals—it stirs the soul, inspires worship, and encourages the development of noble traits (makarim al-akhlaq).

·       Does the curriculum include concepts like ihsan (excellence), halawatul iman (sweetness of faith), and shu’abul iman (branches of faith)?

·       Is worship taught as both a ritual and a spiritual experience (e.g., the rules of salah and khushu’ in salah)?

·       Are children guided to embody humility, honesty, patience, generosity, and other noble characteristics?

·       Is there a deliberate effort to cultivate aversion to sinfulness, injustice, and negative traits?

Transformative education nurtures spiritual consciousness and connects the child’s heart to Allah. Furthermore, it is my firm conviction that noble characteristics (e.g., honesty, humility, patience, generosity) should be taught as theoretical curriculum content so that children have a deep understanding of them, as well as their opposite destructive traits (e.g., dishonesty, arrogance, impatience, greed). Experiential character development should be built on top of that knowledge – knowledge and application. Parents should look for schools or tutors who inspire children to apply their Islamic learning at home, to pray not just out of duty, but out of love; honesty and compassion in daily life; and who help children internalise Islamic values so they become lifelong habits.

4. Unifying: Promoting Unity Over Sectarianism

A good Islamic education connects children to the universals of Islam—belief in Allah, love for the Prophet ﷺ, piety, good character, and shared values. It should not divide children into sectarian or ideological camps. Sadly, some programmes subtly or overtly teach children to identify with labels like Barelwi, Deobandi, Salafi, Sufi, and others.

·       Is Islam taught as a universal and unifying tradition, or is the focus on a specific group or ideology?

·       Are different perspectives (within the Sunni tradition) presented inclusively respectfully and rationally?

·       Does the teacher emphasise connection to Allah and the Prophet ﷺ, and Islamic values, rather than loyalty to a group or scholar?

Unifying education builds confident Muslims who respect diversity, seek common ground, and contribute positively to the ummah without getting distracted by sectarianism. It should present the richness of Islamic thought as a source of depth, beauty, and unity, not conflict, and encourage children to appreciate legitimate differences within the tradition.

5. Orientational: Shaping a Muslim Worldview

Islamic education should help children develop a distinct worldview—one that centres on Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, and the ultimate purpose of life. Islamic education should help children develop a distinct worldview—one that centres on Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, and the ultimate purpose of life. Furthermore, it should enable them to resist and critically engage with other pervasive worldviews, such as secularism and liberalism, based on their Islamic worldview.

·       Does the education help your child think like a Muslim?

·       Are they encouraged to reflect, ask questions, and seek meaning?

·       Is Islam presented as a comprehensive way of life?

·       Is there critical engagement with other ideas and worldviews?

Orientation is about more than information—it’s about thought. Seek out programmes where children are encouraged to reflect deeply, connect faith to purpose, and develop clarity and confidence through Islamic theology.

6. Islamic Sciences-Based: Connecting to Tradition and Pathways

A robust Islamic education introduces children to the Islamic sciences—the disciplines that have nourished Muslim thought for over 1300 years. Even in part-time settings, children can glimpse the foundations of aqeedah (creed and theology), fiqh (jurisprudence and legal reasoning), tafsir (Qur’anic interpretation and the Qur’anic sciences), hadith (both narrations and hadith studies), Spiritual development (tasawwuf and Ihsan) and Arabic language, and understand how these connect to a vibrant intellectual tradition and the intellectual giants (ulama) it produced.

·       Does the programme reference classical Islamic sciences or, better still, teach them as individual subjects?

·       Are children introduced to scholars, texts, and the development of Islamic thought?

·       Are pathways available for deeper study, leading to advanced learning for those with interest?

This feature opens the door for children to see Islamic learning as a lifelong journey, not just a weekend chore. For those who develop a passion, it can even lead to advanced studies, including university degrees and scholarly pursuits in the Islamic sciences. What could be a more noble career path for our brightest and best?

Final Thoughts: Your Role as a Parent

The journey of Islamic education does not end with choosing a school or tutor—it continues as your child grows, explores, and faces new challenges. As a parent, your active involvement is essential. Ask questions. Observe the environment. Listen to your child’s experiences and feelings. Your engagement helps ensure that Islamic education is not just about preserving identity, but about cultivating excellence, conviction, and compassion.

It is crucial for parents to demonstrate the importance of Islamic education to their through their actions by checking homework, supporting learning, creating a home environment of religious practice, and providing encouragement. Attendance is paramount and often where things fail badly. If a child's school attendance is better than their madrasa attendance, it sends a clear message that the parents do not take madrasa education seriously. This will inevitably be reflected in the child's engagement with Islamic education. Just as children rarely miss school and only do so for the most severe of reasons, an even greater emphasis must be placed on ensuring consistent attendance for Islamic education. This commitment in practice will reinforce to children the significance of their religious learning.

Remember, the greatest outcome is not just a child who can recite Qur’an or list Islamic rules, but one who lives Islam with clarity, kindness, and conviction. By choosing education that is systematic, responsive, transformative, unifying, orientational, and rooted in tradition, you give your child the tools to thrive—in Iman, in character, and in life.

Let us raise a generation who carry the light of Islam not just in their names and words, but in their hearts and actions. The future of our community—and indeed, the world—depends on how well we nurture this gift. 

Our Curriculum is an Islamic sciences based curriculum mimicing the structure of seminaries and connecting young people to legacy of the Islamic intellectual tradition and it's great scholars. 

The normal learning years at Makarim Academy are years 1-9, which additional Youth Mentoring Provision from year 10 until adulthood. Most of the Islamic sciences are spread across all of the years. See below:

Qur'an

The Qur'an programme is  arrange by ability  rather than school years. Children get re-organised in to Qur'an groups for their Qur'an lessons. The Qur'an curriculum is divided up  into the following stages:
Years 1-2: Reading the Qur'an and learning basic surahs. Many students will complete this in one year. 
Years  3

Seerah and Islamic History

• Know who our Prophet (ﷺ) is including examples of his sunnah and akhlaq.

• The stories of :

• Prophet Adam (AS),

• Prophet Essa(AS),

• Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Prophet Yunus (AS),

• Prophet Nuḥ (AS).

Duas and Adhkar

• Duas for entering and leaving the masjid,

• Eating,

• using the bathroom,

• The Ya Muqallibal Quloob dua,

• words for ruku and sujood — with correct pronunciation and confidence.

Spiritual Development 

• Building love and awe of Allah through learning about creation, nature, and Allah’s names, helping children recognise Allah as their Creator, Sustainer, and Guide.

• Nurturing the heart and character by developing inner qualities such as gratitude (shukr), trust in Allah (tawakkul), patience, sincerity, and remembrance (dhikr).

• Connecting belief to daily life by showing how remembering Allah brings peace, happiness, and strength, and how good actions beautify the heart.

• Introducing core Islamic practices in an age‑appropriate way, including the Five Pillars of Islam, basic concepts of salah and dhikr, and seeking forgiveness.

• Learning through stories and reflection on selected prophets (e.g. Adam, Ibrahim, ‘Isa ﷺ) to understand obedience, repentance, trust, and reliance on Allah.

• Experiential and creative learning through nature observation, crafts, reflection activities, and discussion, helping children feel emotionally connected to Allah in a calm and joyful environment.

Aqeedah (Islamic Beliefs)

• Building a clear understanding of Tawḥīd (the Oneness of Allah) through learning about Allah as the Creator, His Names and Attributes, and His signs in creation.

• Nurturing love of Allah and a confident Muslim identity, helping children feel secure, proud, and connected to their faith.

• Introducing the core beliefs of Islam (Īmān), including belief in angels, prophets, divine books, the Day of Judgement, and Allah’s wisdom and decree.

• Learning the Five Pillars of Islam and understanding how worship—such as prayer and fasting—strengthens character, self‑discipline, and faith.

• Exploring the lives of the Prophets, including Prophet ʿĪsā (Jesus, peace be upon him), while encouraging respect for others in a diverse society.

• Supporting spiritual and moral growth through reflection, gratitude, good character, and meaningful engagement with Ramadan and daily worship.

Qur'an
Arabic Language

Seerah and Islamic History

Introduction to what a Prophet is, focusing on Ādam (AS) as the first & Muhammad ﷺ as the final Prophet. 

Seerah - key events:

• Birth, lineage, and the story behind the Year of the Elephant

• Childhood, qualities, journey to Syria, and marriage to Khadijah

• First revelation in the Cave of Ḥirā’ and meeting Angel Jibrīl

• Beginning of Prophethood, perseverance in Makkah, the boycott & the Night Journey

Stories of the Prophets & themes

• Interfaith link and islamic view on Isā (AS)

• Mūsā (AS) - tawakkul

• Dāwūd (AS) & Suleimān (AS) - shukr

• Ibrahīm (AS) - Sacrifice, Hajj and how it traces back to his story

• Yusuf (AS) & Ayyub (AS) - Sabr

Ramadan & Seerah Links

• Revelation of Qur’an on Laylatul Qadr in the Cave of Hirā

• His love for the Ummah

Pupils Learned To:

• Retell key Seerah and prophetic stories with understanding.

• Understand Ramadan, Laylatul Qadr, & their Seerah connections.

• Understand the story behind the rituals of Ḥajj.

• Reflect on lessons from the Prophets, such as trust, bravery, & gratitude.

• Distinguish between Islamic and Christian beliefs about Prophet Isā (AS).

• Begin to place the prophet’s stories in a historical timeline.

Duas and Adkhaar

The Du’as covered:

• Waking up and sleeping Du’as

• Entering and exiting the bathroom

• Before and after eating

• Leaving and entering the house

• Du’a for travelling

• Du’a before learning

• Du’a for good character

• These were introduced gradually, week by week, in a logical and age-appropriate order, often linking the Du’a to a real-life situation the children could understand (e.g., linking the Du’a before eating to lunch time, or the travel Du’a to school journeys or holidays).

Each Du’a was introduced with its meaning and context, and memorisation was supported through:

• Repetition,

• Listening exercises,

• Singing or rhythm-based recall, and short practical role-play when relevant (e.g., miming leaving the house and saying the Du’a).

• The focus was on both memorisation and understanding, to help children apply the Du’as in real life and build spiritual habit

Spiritual Development

Key Knowledge:

• Learned about Allah’s Beautiful Names (e.g. Ar-Raḥmān, Al-Ghafūr) and how they apply to everyday life.

• Explored core spiritual values:

  • Shukr (Gratitude)

  • Ṣabr (Patience)

  • Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

  • Humility vs. Pride

  • Jealousy, Courage, Resilience, and Personal Sacrifice

• Practiced basic dhikr (SubḥānAllāh, Alḥamdulillāh, etc.) and learned the importance of duʿā.

Skills Developed:

• Applied spiritual lessons to real-life situations & their own behaviour.

• Reflected on emotions like jealousy, fear, or gratitude in class discussions.

• Recognised good vs. harmful influences (including peer and online).

• Began to build a personal connection with Allah through reflection, good actions, and sincere duʿā.

Outcomes:

Students developed a stronger sense of Islamic identity, improved emotional awareness, and gained practical tools to support their spiritual growth.

Aqeedah and Islamic Philosophy

Duas and Adkhaar

Duas Covered:

• During Salah: Istiftah, Isti‘adhah, Basmala, Ruku, Sujud, Tashahhud, Durood Ibrahim, Qunut (noted as difficult).

• After Salah:

  • Istighfar (3x)

  • Allahumma antas-salaam

  • Allahumma a’innee ‘alaa dhikrik

  • Ayat al-Kursi

  • Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah, etc.)

  • La ilaha illallah wahdahu…

  • Allahumma ajirnee...

Students should also know by now:

• Meanings & Transliteration: New learners know transliterations and meanings; advanced learners can write and understand some Arabic.

• Virtues: Students understand the rewards and benefits of each dua and can remember them with visual aids.

• Pronunciation: Students can recite key phrases correctly, focusing on difficult words with tajweed.

Spiritual Development (Living Islam)

What Students Should Know by Now:

• Group Decisions & Communication: Make choices together; speak and listen respectfully.

• Positive Change: Work to improve themselves and their community through good actions.

• Media Awareness: Understand what is helpful or harmful in media.

• Halal & Haram: Recognize that these apply to money, work, and actions—not just food.

• Work & Money: Value hard work, spend wisely, and trade fairly.

• Sadaqah (Charity): Understand the importance of giving and doing good.

• Future Goals: Think about their future and how Islamic values guide their choices.

Aqeedah

What students should know by Now:

Difference between Fiqh (law) and Aqeedah (belief)

• Fiqh governs practical law; Aqeedah defines core Islamic beliefs about Allah and faith.

6 Articles of Faith:

• Belief in Allah, angels, books, messengers, Day of Judgment, and divine decree.

Prophets and Messengers (Nabis and Rosuls)

• Explaning the differences between Nabis, all types of Prophets of Allah, and Rosuls, the Prophets given a holy book.

Holy Books and their messengers

• Divine revelations given to prophets to guide people Toward truth and righteousness.

The Qur'an

• Final and preserved revelation to Prophet Muhammad, source of guidance for all humanity.

Jannah

• Eternal paradise of reward, peace, and blessings for the righteous believers in afterlife.

Jahannam

• Place of punishment in the afterlife for disbelievers and evildoers.

Fiqh

Fiqh

What students should know by now: 

• Understand and explain their meaning and importance in a Muslim's life.

• Salah (Prayer):

• View Salah as a personal, daily connection with Allah.

• Learn the Prophet ﷺ’s love for Salah and Prophet Ibrahim’s عليه السلام duʿa.

• Know the six preconditions of Salah (e.g., cleanliness, facing Qiblah).

• Perform Wudu correctly and know its virtues and related Hadith.

• Identify when Ghusl is required, its obligatory and sunnah parts.

• Learn how and when to perform Tayammum.

• Understand ʿAwrah and proper clothing for boys and girls in Salah.

• Recognise the Adhan, its purpose, and appropriate responses.

• Know suitable prayer spaces and proper prayer etiquettes.

• Perform Salah accurately, including positions, phrases, and number of Rakʿahs.

• Identify the Faraid (obligatory acts) and what invalidates Salah.

Fasting (Sawm):

• Know who must fast in Ramadan and understand basic rulings.

• Reflect on the spiritual and social benefits of fasting.

• Understand the importance of Laylat al-Qadr and how to seek it.

• Learn the Sunnahs of Eid and its meaning as a joyful celebration.

Aqeedah

What students should know by now:

• Five Pillars of Islam: Know and clearly describe each pillar and its role in a Muslim’s life.

• Six Pillars of Imaan: Understand and explain their importance in shaping a Muslim’s beliefs.

• Purpose of Life: Recognise that Allah created us to worship Him.

• Concept of Worship: Explain what worship means and give everyday examples of how Muslims worship Allah.

• Meaning of Islam: Know the literal meaning and understand why Islam is the true and final religion.

• Reflection on Creation: Recognise the natural world as a sign of Allah’s power and wisdom.

• Dhul-Hijjah: Know why it is a sacred month and name recommended good deeds in the first ten days.

• Prophet Ibrahim (AS): Be familiar with his story, understand the significance of Qurbani, and know the basic rituals of Hajj.

• Jannah: Understand what Paradise is, why it is the reward for good deeds, and describe some of its qualities.

• Qadr (Divine Decree): Understand the concept, believe in it as part of Imaan, and show gratitude in all situations.

Duas and Adkhaar

Duas Covered:

• During Salah: Istiftah, Isti‘adhah, Basmala, Ruku, Sujud, Tashahhud, Durood Ibrahim, Qunut (noted as difficult).

• After Salah:

  • Istighfar (3x)

  • Allahumma antas-salaam

  • Allahumma a’innee ‘alaa dhikrik

  • Ayat al-Kursi

  • Tasbeeh (SubhanAllah, etc.)

  • La ilaha illallah wahdahu…

  • Allahumma ajirnee...

Students should also know by now:

• Meanings & Transliteration: New learners know transliterations and meanings; advanced learners can write and understand some Arabic.

• Virtues: Students understand the rewards and benefits of each dua and can remember them with visual aids.

• Pronunciation: Students can recite key phrases correctly, focusing on difficult words with tajweed.

Spiritual Development (Living Islam)

Using the Media

Using media responsibly in line with Islamic ethics and avoiding harmful content.

Things that are Haram

Actions and items forbidden in Islam to protect faith, health, and community morals.

Earning and Spending Halal

Ensuring income and expenses comply with Islamic guidelines for ethical living.

Borrowing and Lending in Islam

Rules encouraging fairness, avoiding interest, and fostering compassion in financial dealings.

Amanah (Trust)

Fulfilling responsibilities honestly and safeguarding what is entrusted to you.

Sadaquah (Charity)

Voluntary giving to support the needy, purify wealth, and strengthen community bonds.

Seerah and Islamic history

Topics covered:

• Tafseer of Surah Fil

• The Birth of the Prophet (SAW)

• Understand the lineage of the Prophet (SAW)

• Learn the miracles of the Prophet’s (SAW) birth

• Understanding the wisdom behind this part of the Seerah

• Early Manhood of the Prophet (SAW)

• The Prophet’s (SAW) first job

• The Fijar Wars

• Hilf al-Fudul

• Understand how Allah (SWT) prepared the Prophet (SAW) for Prophethood

• Khadija and Zaid Ibn Haritha (RA)

• Learn about Khadija and Zaid (RA)

• Understand the love and sacrifices they made

• Teach the students how to apply their qualities to their own lives

• Abu Lahab

• Learn about who he was and why he rejected Islam

• Learn about the abuse he and his wife gave to the Prophet (SAW)

• Tafseer of Surah Massad

• We should not embody Abu Lahab’s qualities

Spiritual Development (Living Islam)

Topics covered:

1. Character of the Prophet (PBUH)

• Understand the Prophet ﷺ is the best example.

• Describe his traits: mercy, honesty, patience.

• Apply these traits in daily life.

• Follow the Sunnah through actions like forgiveness, generosity, and patience.

2. Amanah and the Body

• Know the meaning of Amanah – life, health, and actions are a trust from Allah.

• Understand the body is a gift from Allah.

• Care for it through hygiene, health, and respectful behaviour.

• Follow Islamic health practices and maintain cleanlines.

3. Speech, Intentions, and Reflection

• Use the voice for good: speak kindly, tell the truth, give wise advice.

• Think before speaking or acting.

• Be aware of intentions and consequences.

• Reflect before reacting.

4. Manners, Justice, and Empathy

• Understand fairness and justice in Islam.

• Behave justly at home, school, and in society.

• Show Islamic manners: greet kindly, speak respectfully, give advice well.

• Show empathy and support others, especially those who feel different or new.

Using the Media

Using media responsibly in line with Islamic ethics and avoiding harmful content.

Things that are Haram

Actions and items forbidden in Islam to protect faith, health, and community morals.

Earning and Spending Halal

Ensuring income and expenses comply with Islamic guidelines for ethical living.

Borrowing and Lending in Islam

Rules encouraging fairness, avoiding interest, and fostering compassion in financial dealings.

Amanah (Trust)

Fulfilling responsibilities honestly and safeguarding what is entrusted to you.

Sadaquah (Charity)

Voluntary giving to support the needy, purify wealth, and strengthen community bonds.

Fiqh

Fiqh: Rules Allah wants us to follow in life.

• Categories:

• Ibadah (Worship)

• Muamalat (Daily Life)

• Akhlaq (Manners)

Rulings:

• Fardh – Must do (e.g., 5 daily prayers)

• Sunnah – Recommended (e.g., extra prayers)

• Makrooh – Disliked (e.g., wasting water)

• Haram – Forbidden (e.g., lying)

• 5 Pillars of Islam: Foundations of a Muslim’s life

• Shahadah, Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Hajj

Salah:

• A special meeting with Allah

• A gift from Miʿraj and a source of light (Nur)

• 7 conditions before Salah:

• Correct time

• Wudu

• Clean body

• Clean clothes

• Clean place

• Covering the ʿAwrah

• Facing the Qiblah

• Ramadan and Fasting:

• Month of worship, fasting, and generosity

• Fasting builds Taqwa and teaches self-control

• Know what breaks a fast and what does not

Laylat al-Qadr:

• A night better than 1000 months

• Encourages worship, duʿa, and reflection

• Zakah and Giving:

• Understand the value of charity and supporting others

Aqeedah and Islamic philosophy

Fiqh

Topics covered:

1. Understanding Fiqh

• Know what Fiqh is and who Imam Abu Hanifa was

• Learn key terminology related to purification and prayer

2. Purification (Taharah)

• Types of water and how it becomes impure

• Rules of cleanliness and removing impurity (Najasah)

• How to perform Wudhu and Masah on leather socks

3. Salah (Prayer)

• Perform Salah positions with focus and humility

• Know Fardh, Wajib, and Sunnah parts of Salah

• Understand Sajdah Sahw and how to rejoin Salah if late

• Importance of Surah Fatiha and Nafl prayers

4. Ramadan and Worship

• Spiritual meaning of Ramadhan and Laylatul Qadr

• Know what breaks a fast and Makrooh acts

• Sunnahs and method of Eid Salah

5. Charity and Sacred Months

• Understand Zakah vs. Sadaqah and their purpose

• Know the four sacred months, especially Dhul-Hijjah

• Learn about Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Qurbani, and Hajj

6. Practical Application

• Apply knowledge in daily worship

• Show understanding through discussion and real-life decisions

Spiritual development

• Students have explored key emotions:

  • Anxiety, negative thinking, anger, envy, grief and sadness

• They understand:

  • What these emotions feel like

  • Common triggers for each emotion

  • How unregulated emotions can become harmful

• They’ve learned that Islam:

  • Acknowledges these emotions

  • Offers clear guidance on managing them

• Practical tools from the Sunnah include:

  • The Prophet’s ﷺ response to anger

  • Tawakkul (trust in Allah) during anxious moments

  • Qana’ah (contentment) to address jealousy

• Students have started to:

  • Think critically about social media harms

  • Reflect on how comparison culture affects self-worth

Seerah and Islamic History

Topics covered:

• Tafseer of Surah Fil

• The Birth of the Prophet (SAW)

• Understand the lineage of the Prophet (SAW)

• Learn the miracles of the Prophet’s (SAW) birth

• Understanding the wisdom behind this part of the Seerah

• Early Manhood of the Prophet (SAW)

• The Prophet’s (SAW) first job

• The Fijar Wars

• Hilf al-Fudul

• Understand how Allah (SWT) prepared the Prophet (SAW) for Prophethood

• Khadija and Zaid Ibn Haritha (RA)

• Learn about Khadija and Zaid (RA)

• Understand the love and sacrifices they made

• Teach the students how to apply their qualities to their own lives

• Abu Lahab

• Learn about who he was and why he rejected Islam

• Learn about the abuse he and his wife gave to the Prophet (SAW)

• Tafseer of Surah Massad

• We should not embody Abu Lahab’s qualities

Aqeedah and Islamic Philosophy

Fiqh

• Understanding Fiqh: Learn the meaning and importance of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and the role of Imam Abu Hanifa.

• Purification & Prayer (Taharah & Salah):

• Key Fiqh terms related to purification and prayer.

• Types of water used for purification and how water becomes impure.

• How to perform Wudhu correctly, including Sunnah acts and what invalidates it.

• Rules of Najasah (impurity) and how to maintain cleanliness (Taharah).

• Salah (Prayer):

• What breaks Salah and how to correct mistakes using Sajdah Sahw.

• Physical positions of Salah with proper focus (Khushu and Khudhu).

• Differences between Fardh, Wajib, and Sunnah acts in Salah.

• How to rejoin Salah if joining late (Masbuq).

• Surah Al-Fatiha:

• Understand its meaning and importance in Salah.

• Spiritual Understanding:

• Importance of Salah, Ramadhan, and Lailatul Qadr.

• Identify Makrooh acts and things that break the fast.

• Eid & Festivals:

• Sunnahs of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

• How to perform Eid Salah correctly.

• Charity in Islam:

• Understand Zakah and Sadaqah, their differences, and how they are distributed.

• Islamic Months & Hajj:

• Learn about the four sacred months, especially Dhul-Hijjah and the first 10 days.

• The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and its link to Qurbani and Hajj rituals.

• Voluntary (Nafl) Prayers:

• Description and timings of Tahajjud, Ishraq, Dhuha, Istikhara, and others.

• Special Rulings:

• Rules and method of doing Masah (wiping) over leather socks.

• Practical Application:

• Apply all the above knowledge in daily worship and demonstrate understanding in class discussions and practical scenarios.

Seerah and Islamic History

Context Before Islam (Jahiliyyah):

• Learn about Arabia before Islam — tribal life, idol worship, and social injustices.

• Identify the two major world powers at the time: the Roman and Persian Empires.

• Understand the importance of Makkah and the Ka‘bah in pre-Islamic Arabia.

Early Life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Years 1–40):

• Key events from the Prophet’s ﷺ birth up to prophethood.

• Learn about close family members: Aminah, Abdul Muttalib, Abu Talib, and Khadijah (RA).

• Explore how being an orphan and known for trustworthiness shaped the Prophet’s ﷺ character.

Beginning of Revelation:

• Understand the moment of the first revelation in Cave Hira and the Prophet’s ﷺ emotional reaction.

• Learn the important roles of Khadijah (RA) and Waraka ibn Nawfal.

• Explore why the Prophet ﷺ began preaching Islam privately at first.

Early Muslims & Challenges:

• Discover the stories of early Muslims such as Bilal, Abu Bakr, Ali, Fatimah, and Sa‘id.

• Understand the persecution they faced and their response through patience and resilience.

The Prophet’s ﷺ Character:

• Learn examples of the Prophet’s ﷺ mercy, humility, fairness, and compassion for the weak.

• Understand the titles As-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy).

Spiritual Development

Understanding Emotions:

• Students have explored key emotions including anxiety, negative thinking, anger, envy, grief, and sadness.

• They’ve learned to identify what these emotions feel like, what triggers them, and how they can become harmful if not managed.

Islamic Perspective & Coping Tools:

• Emphasis on how Islam acknowledges emotional struggles and provides guidance through the Qur’an and Sunnah.

• Practical examples from the life of the Prophet ﷺ, such as:

  • His calm response to anger.

  • Practicing tawakkul (trust in Allah) during anxious times.

  • Embracing qana’ah (contentment) to counter jealousy and envy.

Critical Thinking & Modern Challenges:

• Students have begun exploring the harmful effects of social media, especially around comparison culture.

• Discussion on how constantly comparing themselves to others online can negatively impact self-worth and mental well-being.

Aqeedah and Islamic Philosophy

Spiritual Development

Understanding Emotions:

• Students have explored key emotions including anxiety, negative thinking, anger, grief, and sadness.

• They’ve learned to identify what these emotions feel like, what triggers them, and how they can become harmful if not managed.

Islamic Perspective & Coping Tools:

• Emphasis on how Islam acknowledges emotional struggles and provides guidance through the Qur’an and Sunnah.

• Practical examples from the life of the Prophet ﷺ, such as:

  • His calm response to anger.

  • Practicing tawakkul (trust in Allah) during anxious times.

Critical Thinking & Modern Challenges:

• Students have begun exploring the harmful effects of social media, especially around comparison culture.

• Discussion on how constantly comparing themselves to others online can negatively impact self-worth and mental well-being.

Aqeedah

• Belief in Allah (Tawheed):

• Oneness of Allah (Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah, al-Uloohiyyah, and al-Asma wa Sifaat)

• Rejection of shirk (associating partners with Allah)

• Belief in the Angels (Mala’ikah):

• Role and attributes of angels

• Notable angels and their duties (e.g., Jibreel, Mika’il, Israfeel, Malik, etc.)

• Belief in the Divine Books (Kutub):

• Books revealed to Prophets (e.g., Tawrah, Zaboor, Injil, Qur’an)

• Belief that the Qur'an is the final and preserved revelation

• Belief in the Messengers and Prophets (Rusul):

• Difference between a Prophet (Nabi) and a Messenger (Rasul)

• Notable Prophets and their roles (e.g., Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, 'Isa, Muhammad ﷺ)

• The finality of Prophethood with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

• Belief in the Last Day (Akhirah):

• Life after death, resurrection, Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell

• Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar):

• Allah’s knowledge, will, power, and the writing of all things

• Understanding that humans have choice within Allah’s will

Hadiths

Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadiths (Covered up to Hadith 15)

• Actions are judged by intentions

• – Importance of sincerity (Ikhlas) in all deeds.

• Definition of Islam, Iman, and Ihsan

• – Hadith of Jibreel: Explanation of the Five Pillars, Six Articles of Faith, and spiritual excellence.

• Pillars of Islam

• – Islam is built upon five pillars (Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj).

• Stages of human creation and Qadar

• – Creation in the womb, and belief in Divine Decree (Qadar).

• Innovations in religion (Bid’ah)

• – Warning against introducing new practices in Islam.

• Purification and prayer

• – Emphasis on cleanliness and importance of daily Salah.

• Religion is sincerity (Nasihah)

• – Being sincere to Allah, His Book, Messenger, leaders, and people.

• Sanctity of a Muslim’s life, property, and honour

• – Respect for others is part of strong Iman.

• Avoid doubtful matters

• – Encouragement to stay away from what is unclear or questionable.

• Value of lawful (Halal) provisions

• – Allah only accepts what is pure and lawful.

• Leaving what does not concern you

• – A sign of good character is to avoid unnecessary involvement.

• Harming others is forbidden

• – Principle of "no harm and no reciprocating harm."

• Complete faith includes loving for others what you love for yourself

• – Promotes empathy and unity in the Ummah.

• Sanctity of life and the sacredness of blood

• – Respect and protection of human life.

• Speaking good or remaining silent

• – Manners in speech and treating guests well.

Fiqh