2 days ago
Qatar Foundation launches Islamic Civilisation curriculum in its schools starting with new academic year
DOHA: Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) has announced the inclusion of the 'Islamic Civilisation' curriculum in its educational curriculum starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. This comes as part of its efforts to strengthen students' connection to their cultural roots and consolidate their understanding of their national and cultural identity.
The Foundation explained in a statement that the new curriculum is an innovative educational course aimed at students in grades six through nine in schools affiliated with Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education. It explores the most important milestones of Islamic civilisation across four pivotal eras, through interactive educational tracks that connect values, knowledge, and identity, working to instill a sense of belonging and enhance historical awareness.
In this context, Sarah Al Hajri, Director of Student Affairs and Community Partnerships at Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, said: 'This course addresses the existing gap in international school curricula, where students study Qatari history without a comprehensive understanding of the history of Islamic civilization in its comprehensive sense.'
She added that the curriculum enables students to learn about the contributions of Islamic civilisation to the human journey, linking the past to the present, and the general to the specific, thus shaping a balanced awareness that enhances self-esteem and guides a sense of belonging. She explained that the curriculum is distinguished by its focus on analysing the impact of Islamic civilisation on various aspects of life and the contributions it has made to humanity, departing from the traditional narrative of historical events.
She pointed out that the curriculum's implementation relies on inquiry-based research units, whereby students receive basic information, explore its developments and applications, and connect it to contemporary reality. She emphasized that this represents an investment in students' awareness and a stimulating educational experience that unleashes their energies for the future.
For his part, Dr Ali Al Sallabi, Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars and one of the participants in the curriculum review, emphasized that the inclusion of Islamic Civilisationin school curricula represents a crucial step in light of the intellectual and cultural challenges facing the new generation.
An Islamic writer and preacher specializing in Islamic history, thought, and Quranic interpretation, he explained that the past decades have witnessed the dominance of cultural movements in the Arab and Islamic world, influencing its intellectual and civilisational dimensions. He noted that the influence of these movements persists despite their declining military and political presence.
He said that Islamic civilisation is characterized by material, moral, spiritual, and moral dimensions that the new generation needs more than ever before. Teaching this civilisation contributes to saving generations from confusion and providing them with a compass that guides them and a light that directs them to the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Prophet.
He pointed out that the curriculum review focused on including prominent cultural landmarks, inspiring stories, Quranic verses and Prophetic hadiths, as well as highlighting influential figures in the nation's history, and arranging the content to reflect the manifestations of Islamic civilisation.
Dr Al Sallabi concluded by saying: "The new curriculum enhances students' understanding of the achievements of Islamic civilisation and its role in the contemporary world. It also empowers teachers to play a key role in broadening students' horizons and encouraging dialogue and discussion in a manner that combines logic and emotion, deepening their pride in their religion and history and motivating them to learn more about their ancient civilisation."
