International Schools in Malaysia Offering the Islamic Curriculum
Malaysia, known for its cultural diversity and rich heritage, is a country that prides itself on fostering unity among its multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. In the context of education, this diversity is reflected in the availability of international schools that cater to various curricula, including those with an Islamic focus.
What is The Islamic Curriculum?
The Islamic curriculum refers to the educational framework and content designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Islam, its teachings and related subjects to Muslim students.
The curriculum aims to achieve various educational and spiritual objectives, ensuring that students not only gain secular knowledge but also develop a strong sense of faith and moral values.
Objectives of the Islamic Curriculum
The Islamic curriculum is designed to achieve a range of objectives that go beyond academic knowledge. Firstly, the Islamic curriculum aims to nurture spiritual growth among students. Through the study of the Quran, Hadith and Islamic theology, students develop a profound connection with Allah (God). This spiritual foundation is intended to guide them throughout their lives, fostering a deep and meaningful relationship with their faith.
Secondly, the Islamic curriculum is designed to help students cultivate a strong sense of cultural and religious identity. Through the study of Islamic history, art, literature, and traditions, they gain a profound appreciation of their cultural heritage; deepening their understanding of their place in the global Islamic community.
Finally, Islam significantly emphasises the concept of the Ummah or the Muslim community. Therefore, one of the core objectives of the Islamic curriculum is to cultivate a sense of responsibility and active participation among students within their communities.
Subjects in the Islamic Curriculum
The Islamic curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, both religious and secular, to provide students with a well-rounded education:
1. Quranic studies
This subject involves the memorisation and recitation of the Quran, as well as the study of its meanings and interpretation. Students learn about the Quran’s historical context and its relevance for contemporary issues.
2. Hadith studies
Hadith studies focus on the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. Students learn about the various collections of Hadith and their authenticity.
3. Islamic Theology (Aqidah)
Islamic theology delves into fundamental beliefs and concepts, including the Oneness of God (Tawheed), Prophethood and the Day of Judgment.
4. Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)
Islamic theology delves into fundamental beliefs and concepts, including the Oneness of God (Tawheed), Prophethood and the Day of Judgment.
5. Islamic history
Students study the history of Islam encompassing the life of Prophet Muhammad, the expansion of the Islamic empire and the contributions of Muslim scholars to various fields.
6. Arabic language
As the language of the Quran is Arabic, proficiency in that language is emphasised for a deeper understanding of the Quranic text and is often taught alongside other subjects.
Significance of the Islamic Curriculum
Islamic education holds great significance for individuals and communities for several reasons:
1. Preservation of faith
It ensures the preservation of the Islamic faith and traditions across generations. Through education, the core beliefs and practices of Islam are passed down from one generation to the next.
2. Community cohesion
Islamic education promotes a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims. It fosters bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
3. Spiritual fulfilment
It provides a path to spiritual fulfilment and a deeper understanding of one’s purpose in life. The study of the Quran and Hadith helps students develop a closer relationship with Allah.
4. Ethical foundation
Islamic education instils strong moral values and ethical principles which guide individuals in making ethical decisions and living a righteous life.
5. Intellectual development
It encourages intellectual growth and critical thinking. This empowers individuals to engage with contemporary issues and contribute positively to society.
6. Interfaith understanding
Islamic education also promotes interfaith understanding and dialogue as it equips Muslims with the knowledge and skills to explain their faith to others and engage in constructive conversations.
International Schools Offering the Curriculum
Here are some international schools in Malaysia that offer the Islamic curriculum.
1. Abedeen International School
Abedeen International School is an Islamic school located in Cyberjaya. The school offers the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) to students aged 5 to 16.
2. AiU International School
AIU International School is located at the prestigious Complex of Sharifah Rokiah, Center for Knowledge in Alor Setar, Kedah. The school welcomes students ages 5 – 11 offering them the Cambridge and Islamic curricula.
3. Al-Hamra International School
Al-Hamra International Primary School opened its doors in 2019 in Petaling Jaya. The school offers the Cambridge curriculum. This school prepares students to sit for the IGCSE examinations.
4. Alnoor International School
Located in Jalan Bellamy, Alnoor International School offers the Cambridge curriculum to students at kindergarten, primary and secondary levels.
5. Baseerah International School
Baseerah International School was established in 2010 and is located in Gombak. The school offers the Cambridge, Malay, Arabic and Islamic Civilisation curricula. Students here sit for the IGCSE and A Level examinations.
6. Brainy Bunch International Islamic School
In 2013, the Brainy Bunch International Islamic Montessori School was established in Cyberjaya. The school offers the Montessori Method of teaching for preschool and primary students and the Cambridge curriculum for secondary school students. Students sit for the IGCSE examinations at the school.
7. Greenview Islamic International School
Greenview Islamic International School has two branches: Shah Alam and Bangi. They offer an Islamic curriculum which is the Cambridge O’Level Islamiyat curriculum and the Cambridge IGCSE for students in Years 1 to 11.
8. IDRISSI International School
Being the first eco-Islamic school that offers international curricula, IDRISSI International School caters for students from preschool to Year 11. Students are taught the British Curriculum alongside core Cambridge subjects in Years 1 to 11. Students in their final year will then sit for the IGCSE Examinations. The school is located in Setia Alam and EduCity Johor.
9. International Islamic School Malaysia (IISM)
Established in 1998, the International Islamic School Malaysia in Gombak offers British, Cambridge, Malaysian and Montessori curriculum options for their students. Students at this school have the option of sitting for the A Level and O Level exams. Their Islamic curriculum is constantly monitored by a respected team of educators from the Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia in order to preserve the state of the art of the Islamic teaching methodology and curricular contents.
10. International Modern Arabic School (IMAS)
The International Modern Arabic School opened its doors in 2007 and offers the British Curriculum, IGCSE and A Level examinations. The school accepts students at preschool, primary, secondary and pre-university levels. The International Modern Arabic School is located in Presint 14.
11. Seven Skies Islamic International School
Located in Denai Alam, Seven Skies Islamic International School offers a combination of the Cambridge Curriculum, the Islamic Curriculum and the British Curriculum at preschool, primary and secondary levels. Unlike other schools, the curriculum in Seven Skies Islamic International School is activity-based and emphasises experiential learning.
12. Spectrum International School
Spectrum International School offers the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and the Tajan Azharian curriculum for students aged 3 to 17. In addition to the Tajan Azharain curriculum, the school also includes Kalemon and Baariq in their Arabic modules to assist students with their learning. Spectrum also offers the A Level Sixth Form to students aged 17 to 18.
The Islamic curriculum is a multifaceted system of education that seeks to enrich the lives of Muslim students intellectually, spiritually, and morally. It encompasses a wide range of subjects and teaching methods with the overarching goal of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are deeply rooted in their faith and committed to contributing positively to society.
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