Religious Studies

Faith, Knowledge, and Character – A Journey Through Islamic Education

At AIA, Religious Studies is not simply a subject—it is the heart of our school’s identity. Our program nurtures the spiritual, ethical, and personal growth of each student, guiding them to live meaningful lives grounded in Islamic values and global responsibility.From Kindergarten to Year 12, students engage in a rich curriculum of Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic, integrated with the International Baccalaureate philosophy of inquiry, reflection, and action.


Guiding Principles

“Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds.” – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Muslim)

“Truly successful is the one who purifies the soul.” – Qur’an 91:9

Our goal is to raise students with:

  • Sound knowledge of Islam
  • Strong connection with Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ
  • Good manners (adab) and humility
  • Confidence in their identity and compassion for others

What Do Students Learn?

  • Qur’an Studies – Tajweed, memorisation, tafsir, and application
  • Islamic Studies – Aqeedah, Fiqh, Seerah, Hadith, and Akhlaaq
  • Purification of the Heart – Developing mercy, patience, sincerity, gratitude
  • Purification of the Tongue – Avoiding backbiting, slander, lying, false witness
  • Major Islamic Principles – Salah, Taharah, Zakah, Hajj, Siyam
  • Love and respect for the Sahabah and scholars of Islam
  • Understanding the four madhahib (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) without sectarianism

We focus first on building Iman in students’ hearts—following the prophetic model in Makkah—while simultaneously teaching outward acts of worship.


Islamic Studies

Our curriculum supports students from Kindergarten to Year 10 in developing a strong Islamic identity, sound knowledge of the deen, and a character shaped by Prophetic manners.

Our Islamic Studies program is structured around six core themes that loop through all stages of learning from Kindergarten to Year 12. These themes ensure our students build not only Islamic knowledge but also values, character, and real-world awareness:

Students:

  • Memorise surahs based on year level, with correct tajweed
  • Understand key messages and reflect on meanings
  • Apply verses to character and behaviour

Each year level builds deeper:

  • K–2: Listening, memorisation, basic tajweed
  • Y3–10: Understanding themes, applying meanings

PYP students progressively learn:

  • The 5 pillars of Islam and 6 pillars of Iman
  • Purpose of creation and concept of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
  • How to make wudu, pray, and fast correctly
  • Differences between fard and sunnah
  • Concepts of taqwa, piety, and spiritual purification
  • Importance of the Qur’an and worship rituals in daily life

MYP students learn and reflect on:

  • The Islamic purification of both body and soul
  • Modesty, fasting, zakah, prayer requirements
  • The afterlife: belief in al-Barzakh, al-Qiyaamah, and accountability
  • Al-Qadaa wa Al-Qadar (Divine Decree)
  • Ethical rulings on topics like gold, silk, and cosmetic modification
  • Real-world applications of Shari’ah rulings using Qur’an and Hadith

PYP Students learn and apply:

  • Internal character (honesty, compassion, discipline)
  • Islamic etiquette in everyday life (eating, sleeping, visiting, bathroom)
  • Respect for teachers, parents, animals, and each other
  • Islamic manners in prayer and the masjid
  • Traits of righteous leaders and Muslim women

MYP students explore Islamic etiquette in real-life contexts such as:

  • Purification of the heart and tongue
  • Islamic interactions between genders
  • Islamic leadership and modesty
  • Upholding values of mercy, courage, respect, and patience
  • Applying adab in personal, family, school, and online life

Across PYP stages, students explore:

  • Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life—from early childhood to Prophethood
  • The lives of Prophets Ibrahim, Ismail, Nuh, Dawud and others
  • Sahabah, prominent Muslim women, and the Four Khulafā’
  • Key events in Islamic history (e.g., battles, early migration)
  • Lessons of leadership, sacrifice, and faith

MYP students revisit the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ and expand their knowledge to include:

  • The interaction with Angel Jibreel and the early revelations
  • The four rightly guided caliphs
  • The ten Sahabah promised Jannah
  • Lives and legacies of the Ulu al-‘Azm prophets
  • Contributions of righteous Muslim women
  • Expansion of the Islamic empire and lessons from historical events

Qur’an Studies

At AIA, Qur’an memorisation is an essential part of our Religious Studies curriculum. From Kindergarten through Year 10, students follow a structured, progressive program designed to:

  • Help students reflect on meaning and apply verses in their daily lives
  • Build strong memorisation and tajweed skills
  • Strengthen love and respect for the Qur’an

Learning in Action

Our Islamic program goes beyond the classroom with immersive experiences that bring learning to life:

  • Morning and Afternoon Du’aa
  • Dhuhr and Jumu’ah prayers
  • Ramadan and Eid events
  • Ramadan Taraweeh, Iftar, and Donation Drives
  • Weekly Halaqat
  • Umrah Tours (senior students)
  • Islamic Celebrations (e.g. Israa & Mi’raj, Sha’ban, Mawlid)
  • Student Prayer Kit Assembly (Year 2) – marking the age of Salah responsibility

Our Vision

The Islamic Studies department is currently focused on:

  1. Updating and enriching the curriculum to meet evolving student needs
  2. Supporting character education and social-emotional development
  3. Providing space for student questions and inquiry in a safe, respectful environment
  4. Embedding Islamic values across all subjects and year levels
  5. Creating a spiritually rich school culture that reflects love, tawakkul, and taqwa