Latest news with #IslamicEducation
Malay Mail
03-08-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PM: Govt to restore ‘pondok' institutions with new technology and AI
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The government will restore and elevate the nation's 'pondok' institutions to ensure they remain a bulwark for the faith, morals, and character of the Muslim community, in line with modern demands, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that this initiative involves cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to ensure that religious schools and pondok institutions that are in poor condition can be developed with new facilities and technology. 'We want to add new technology, including information technology, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, so that this bulwark remains the strongest one to defend the faith, morals, and character of the Ummah,' he said at the opening ceremony of the 65th International Al-Quran Recital and Memorisation Competition (MTHQA) at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL) yesterday. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Anwar said history proves that while the country's political, economic, and educational systems bowed to the colonisers, the pondok institutions remained the last bastion defending the identity of the Muslim community. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced that he will launch the Mushaf Ummah Program on Aug 8 in an effort to expand the dissemination of the Quran and the message of Islam worldwide through official translations into 30 world languages. 'In all my travels around the world - to Peru, Brazil, France, Cambodia, and dozens of other countries in recent years - every time I visit, I bring the Quran along with a translation in that country's language, and we distribute it officially. This, I believe, is a good approach,' he said. This year's 65th MTHQA, running from Aug 2 to 9, 2025, features the theme 'Developing a MADANI Ummah' and brings together 71 participants from 49 countries. Malaysia is represented by four participants: Aiman Ridhwan Mohamad Ramlan from Perak and Wan Sofea Aini Wan Mohd Zahidi from Terengganu for the Recital category, while Muhammad Adib Ahmad Rozaini from Perak and Putri Auni Khadijah Mohd Hanif from Kelantan are in the Memorisation category. The winners of the two categories will receive RM40,000 in cash, the runners-up will get RM30,000, and third place will receive RM20,000, along with jewelry sponsored by the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YaPEIM). — Bernamaa
Jordan News
31-07-2025
- General
- Jordan News
Tawjihi Exams Begin Today Under the New System - Jordan News
Tawjihi Exams Begin Today Under the New System Today, Thursday, marks the start of the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi) sessions for 11th-grade students (Generation 2008), in the first cycle conducted under the new system adopted by the Ministry of Education. This system was introduced as part of efforts to reform the exam structure, enhance education quality, and reduce psychological pressure on students and their families. اضافة اعلان Approximately 136,000 students are participating in this session, distributed across 585 examination centers comprising 1,305 exam halls throughout the Kingdom. This includes 20 students in juvenile rehabilitation centers and 11 students at the King Hussein Cancer Center. The exams will take place daily at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until August 7. The first subject being tested is Arabic Language. The new system allows the examination load to be spread over two academic years, enabling students to retake any subject in the 12th grade in which they did not achieve the required results—without affecting their university admission prospects. The exams cover four core subjects: Arabic Language, English Language, Islamic Education, and the History of Jordan. These subjects account for 30% of the final Tawjihi score under the adopted system. The Ministry of Education confirmed that the exam questions will be balanced, derived from the official curriculum, and designed in a format similar to the 2007 exam cycles. Questions in Islamic Education and Jordanian History will be multiple choice, while Arabic and English will include an essay section worth 30% of the total score. A total of 356 students with various disabilities are taking part in the exams, including those who are deaf, blind, visually impaired, and individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. All necessary accommodations have been arranged to ensure fair and effective participation. Over 14,000 exam hall supervisors, assistants, and proctors are overseeing the sessions, while more than 5,000 teachers and supervisors are responsible for grading the answer booklets across 23 dedicated correction centers. The exams are being held with full coordination and cooperation among the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior, security agencies, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant bodies, to uphold the highest standards of safety and security throughout the exam period. The Ministry also confirmed that all exam halls have been fully prepared with drinking water, air conditioning, proper ventilation, suitable lighting, comfortable seating, and clear signage to ensure an ideal testing environment for students. This exam cycle is part of a comprehensive strategy to reform the Tawjihi system, aimed at improving education quality, enhancing the student experience, and upholding fairness and transparency in the evaluation process. In parallel, the Ministry of Education announced the formation of a central operations room at the ministry's headquarters, as well as another within the Examinations and Tests Department, to monitor the exams in real time and receive feedback and inquiries from students and the public. The operations rooms will produce daily reports on the exam process, highlighting key observations and the steps taken to address them. The Ministry has circulated contact numbers for the operations rooms to education directorates and the general public and published them on its official website and social media platforms. The Ministry urged students to arrive at their exam centers at least one hour before the scheduled session start time, confirming that the morning session begins daily at 10:00 a.m. — (Al-Mamlaka)
CNA
07-07-2025
- General
- CNA
Shaikh Syed Isa Semait, Singapore's longest-serving Mufti, dies at 87
SINGAPORE: Singapore's longest-serving Mufti, Shaikh Syed Isa Semait, died on Monday (Jul 7) at the age of 87. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), in a media statement, said that it was "deeply saddened by the passing of a senior religious scholar and leader", adding that his death was a "great loss to the Singapore Muslim community and the nation". Shaikh Syed Isa was appointed Mufti at 33. He held the position from 1972 to 2010. As Mufti, he was a strong advocate for education and a key figure in promoting inter-religious harmony. His tenure saw the establishment of many key institutions that had helped propel the religious life of the Muslim community, said MUIS. This included implementing the system to determine the Islamic calendar, developing the institution of zakat collection and disbursement, social development programmes for the poor and needy and the Mosque Building Fund, which finances the development of mosques in Singapore. He also supported the formation of the Harmony Centre, located at the An Nahdhah Mosque in Bishan, as a hub to promote interfaith engagement and harmony, as well as the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation, which champions charitable and humanitarian causes. He also oversaw the establishment of an internationally credible and reliable Halal certification system in Singapore, and the management and growth of the community's wakaf properties. These are properties that have been permanently dedicated by a Muslim for any purpose recognised by the Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable. Shaikh Syed Isa also steered the Fatwa Committee in working out solutions for challenging and contentious issues, said MUIS. He presided over issues such as the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), where he rallied the authorities and the Muslim community to accept a unique solution for Muslims before they fully embraced the HOTA system in 2007, said the council. He also led efforts to deal with the arrest of the Jemaah Islamiah groups, supporting the establishment of the Religious Rehabilitation group, which rehabilitates the detainees and their families. A firm believer in education, Shaikh Syed Isa saw seeking knowledge as a religious obligation. 'He recognised the importance of religious teachers continually updating their skills and knowledge to guide the community in a rapidly changing environment,' said MUIS. His commitment to education led to the establishment of the Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS) in 2015, to honour his vision of cultivating promising talents dedicated to leading and serving Singapore's religious sector. Shakih Syed Isa 'was known amongst the interfaith leaders' circle as playing a significant role in providing leadership and inspiration in enhancing bonds of relationship among the many faith communities for the greater good of Singapore and beyond', said MUIS. He was a council member of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore (IRO) in 1975, before becoming a life member. He moved on to become the organisation's president in 1993. He was also a member of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony from 1992 to 2010. For his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public service, Shaikh Syed Isa was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze) in 1982 and the Public Administration Medal (Gold) in 2009. He also received the IRO Lifetime Award in recognition of his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in Singapore. In 2011, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. In its statement, MUIS hailed Sheikh Syed Isa's wisdom and leadership as 'instrumental in shaping a forward-looking and self-confident Muslim community'. 'With his passing, the community has lost a dedicated community leader who worked tirelessly to uplift the community and promote interfaith harmony,' said the council. Shaikh Syed Isa's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to promote a confident and progressive Muslim community have left a lasting impact on Singapore and beyond, said MUIS.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Aisyah lost her mum, fought cancer but never gave up her teaching dream
BANGI: The road to achieving her dream of becoming a teacher was anything but easy for 23-year-old Aisyah Humaira' Mohd Aqbal. She lost her mother during the first year of her studies, and her situation was compounded when she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in her fourth year. Despite the odds including enduring nine rounds of chemotherapy, the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) graduate who specialised in Malay language education persevered and completed her degree. "I wasn't too disheartened when I was first diagnosed with cancer. All I wanted was to complete my studies as soon as possible. "My doctors were very encouraging and urged me to begin treatment immediately. "Some of my friends were shocked and saddened when they found out," she said when met at the 15th Convocation Ceremony of the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM) in Bangi today. Aisyah said she had to miss several classes during her recovery, as each chemotherapy session left her too weak to attend lectures. "There were many challenges. I had to skip classes while undergoing treatment because I couldn't return right after chemo. "That was one of the sacrifices I had to make to finish my studies. For me, I had to keep fighting to complete these five years," she said. Aisyah said her mother died due to Covid-19 and a stroke during her first year at IPG, a tragedy that became a source of strength and motivation to carry on. "My late mother was a Malay language teacher, and I inherited my passion for teaching from her. "When she fell ill, I was able to return home to take care of her before she passed away." Due to her medical condition, Aisyah was transferred from the Sarawak campus to IPG Darulaman so she could continue her studies while receiving treatment at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital. Meanwhile, the ceremony turned sombre when the parents of the late Nurul Alya Fatnin Mohd Mawardzi took to the stage to receive their daughter's scroll on her behalf. Nurul Alya, an Islamic Education student from IPG Sultan Mizan Campus in Besut, Terengganu, died in a road accident shortly before completing her studies. Her scroll was presented by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
CNA
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Singapore College of Islamic Studies advisory panel holds first meeting
SINGAPORE: The advisory panel for the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) gathered for its inaugural meeting on Tuesday (Jun 24), bringing together scholars from global institutions. The panel comprises leading academics and experts who have developed various programmes worldwide, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). "Their collective expertise spans decades of scholarly excellence in both traditional Islamic sciences and contemporary education," it added. In his opening remarks at Swissotel The Stamford on Tuesday, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said the SCIS is a 'longstanding aspiration' of the Singapore Muslim community and a key milestone in the country's Islamic education landscape. "It will offer a distinctive pathway that seamlessly integrates Islamic scholarship with contemporary disciplines, underpinned by robust pedagogical foundations," said Associate Professor Faishal, who is also chairperson of the advisory panel. With the rapid advancement of technology, evolving social norms and global interconnectedness creating increasingly complex problems, fresh approaches to religious guidance and education are required, said Assoc Prof Faisha. Therefore, graduates from SCIS need to become religious scholars and professionals who are deeply anchored in Singapore's multiracial and multireligious context, as well as thought leaders who can effectively articulate and guide the practice of Islam in modern, plural societies, he added. 'Looking ahead, our success will be measured not just by the institution we build, but by the impact our graduates will have on society - as religious scholars who understand both their faith and their context, as thought leaders who can guide our community through challenging times, and as bridge builders who can foster understanding across communities.' PRODUCING SCHOLARS AND LEADERS Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said that at the undergraduate level, many religious teachers and scholars who study abroad have gaps in knowledge, skills and competencies. There are knowledge gaps in understanding Singapore's 'unique context', not only because of its cultural and religious diversity, but also the broader way of life, he added. As for skills and competencies, Dr Nazirudin said shortcomings are mostly work, language and technology related. 'We've always been supportive of our students to study in renowned Islamic institutions – Al Azhar, Jordan, Morocco and many others. But we also acknowledge that there is an equally significant degree of uniqueness in our conditions and experience that needs serious attention," he said. He added: "If this uniqueness is not carefully addressed in the way Islam and its cultures are studied and taught, or it's not given enough attention in terms of how to deal with the unique challenges that this brings, eventually it will grow to become a big challenge in matters of religious leadership for a community that is almost impossible to overcome." The SCIS needs to strike the right balance between the focus of tradition and the emphasis on context, Dr Nazirudin said. "This is a balance we must continue to work on. And in fact, if anything, this will be one of the most major contributions of the college – to be able to find the right balance and to reduce the divergence between the two." Joining Assoc Prof Faishal and Dr Nazirudin on the advisory panel are eight other members: Professor Tan Tai Yong, president of the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Professor Lily Kong, president of Singapore Management University (SMU) Professor Mona Siddiqui, professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at Edinburgh University Dr Nazir Mohmaed Ayyad, the grand mufti of Egypt Dr Salama Dawood, president of Al-Azhar University Professor Driss Fassi Fihri, vice-president of Al-Qarawiyyin University Professor Dr Abdul Rahman Alkilani Professor Koutoub Moustapha Sano, secretary-general of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy The new Islamic college will offer a full-time undergraduate degree programme allowing students to major in either Islamic Studies or Social Sciences, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in November 2024. The Islamic studies track will enable graduates to be fluent in the application of Islamic traditions and principles that are appropriate for the modern world and contextualised to Singapore's society, said MUIS. The Social Sciences route will allow students to develop competencies in vocational skills, such as social work and counselling. MUIS has partnered SUSS to develop the social science track, and with three foreign Islamic institutions to develop the Islamic Studies track. SCIS will take in its first cohort of 60 students in 2028, with classes held at MUIS' learning campus near Bencoolen Mosque. "I'm confident our graduates will emerge as religious scholars who understand both Islamic principles and Singapore's unique social fabric," Assoc Prof Faishal said. "Together, we will ensure SCIS serves the religious needs of Singapore's Muslim community and contributes towards Islamic thought leadership, and at the same time, help to develop our nation," he added.
