Islamic studies 

Aims and Objectives

The general aim and objective of teaching Islamic studies along side the National Curriculum is to provide children with the opportunity to gain the best of both worlds. Children will learn good morals and principals, which will in effect make them hardworking individuals with sound manners and goodwill. Learning about Islamic history will allow them to become aware of their heritage and culture. It will not only give them the necessary knowledge to fulfil the right of their Creator, but will also teach them the rights and respect they should have for humanity and the society they live in.

Islamic studies is a broad subject area which covers Islamic history, Habits, manners, prayer, nasheeds and beliefs. These topics have been sectioned into different lessons for ease of teaching and to allow for full coverage.

Stories of the Prophet /History

When covering “Stories of the Prophet” a number of key important factors are taken into account, these are as follows:

1) History – The aim of history is to create in children an understanding of their heritage, culture and spirituality. These stories help children develop a sense of chronology, noting famous events that took place in a certain era. This will also allow them to link famous people to famous events. It will give a clear understanding of what true Islam is and how beautiful the characteristics, sound morals and principals true Muslims had, and how they conducted their lives within society. Children will learn of how famous Islamic figures showed us how to be tolerant and to treat people with respect regardless of their culture, religion and social class.

Islamic Songs

2) Islamic songs – The aim of teaching Islamic songs is to primarily provide children with an alternative to music, but to also allow them to express themselves through Nasheeds (Islamic Songs), be creative and broaden children’s imaginations. The support material used to express this creativity is again centred around respect for elders, mother, father, neighbour etc. Through these lessons children are also taught an appreciation of those around them and good social conduct with those around them . These lessons elaborate on the importance of honesty and being trustworthy etc but all this is done in an exciting nasheed format.

Salah and Dua

3) Salah and Dua – Salah is an essential part of a Muslim’s life, a prayer that is conducted five times daily in acknowledgement of our Creator.
Children will learn their salah in a fun and comfortable atmosphere understanding the reasons for observing such a ritual.
Dua again is a set format, which endorses good behaviour and positive mannerisms. The benefits of children learning and playing out basic duas are that firstly they are remembering their Creator continuously for his many bounties and secondly creating within themselves a wonderful character as modelled by the Blessed Prophet (saw).

Cross curricular links are established in lessons such as P.S.H.C.E / Literacy and Science where some areas are explained from the Islamic perspective, i.e in a typical P.S.H.C.E. lesson under the discussion of rules the character of a good Muslim will be touched upon. Or on the other hand in Science children will be taught that Allah is the Creator of everything.

Reviewed February 2009