Islamic education is vital for muslim families. No matter where you live, giving your kids an Islamic education is essential for them to know their roots and grow with a strong and confident faith in Islam. Even today, life can be challenging for Muslims living in non-Muslim countries. We are blessed to have the freedom to practice our religion. This guide explains why Islamic education is as important as any other form of education, and also find out the levels and objectives of Islamic Education.
Overview of Islamic Education in the UAE
Islam is the official religion of the state. Islamic studies are a compulsory subject in the UAE. This trend is set by the Ministry of Education (MoE). In many countries, especially in the Middle East, Islamic Studies is included for Muslim students alongside international curricula such as Cambridge, Edexcel, or OCR, as required by local education authorities.
Identifying the Meaning of Islamic Education
Islamic education gives you holistic development by cultivating all aspects of your personality, including social, moral, intellectual, and physical aspects.
Islamic education is necessary for Muslim students as it helps them grow both in this world and in the hereafter.
Knowledge of Islam refines human behaviour and lets them know the right way to live their lives.
Islamic education provides you with knowledge, approaches, proficiencies and ethics to grow both in spiritual and practical life.
Objective of Islamic Education
It focuses on providing education in the light of the Quran and Sunnah; Islamic education is equally important as worldly education.
Emphasises seeking knowledge regardless of distance or difficulty.
Helps individuals understand the rights granted by Allah.
Helps individuals understand the Islamic way of life.
Encourages students to seek a good livelihood.
Concepts & Principles Islamic Education Promotes
The following are key concepts and principles promoted in Islam:
Islam promotes Education as a right and duty of every individual.
Islamic education emphasises raising your children with care and attention.
Discourages force and toughness in education.
Emphasises giving respect to elderly figures and being gentle with the young.
Encourages research and freedom of thought.
Promotes justice and equality for all members of society.
Shapes the human personality physically and spiritually
Levels of Islamic Education
Primary Education is conducted in al-Kuttab, where students read and comprehend the Quran and the basics of religion. Sometimes this level of education includes Arabic language, Arab history, and lineage.
Secondary Education is provided in schools and mosques, similar to modern universities. Quality varies based on teachers, curricula, and schools.
Higher Education resembles postgraduate studies, offered by different institutes. Islamic higher education includes centres for translation, literature, and scientific research.
Questions Parents Usually Ask About Islamic Education
The following are the most asked questions from parents related to Islamic Education.
How is Islamic education different from regular school education?
Islamic education is not only about teaching principles; it focuses on developing a person both physically and spiritually. Islamic education builds your child’s faith, manners and identity along with the academic education. Regular school education focuses on subjects like mathematics, science, and languages. Understanding Islamic education helps students:
Understanding the Quran and Sunnah
Developing strong moral values
Learning Islamic history and ethics
Practising good conduct in daily life
Can my child balance Islamic studies with modern subjects?
Yes, your child can definitely create a perfect balance of modern and Islamic subjects. In fact, many families successfully combine both. Modern Islamic education programs are structured to ensure that students can study:
Quran and Islamic Studies
Mathematics
Science
English and other languages
Time management and proper scheduling play a big role. Some institutions offer:
Half-day Islamic programs alongside mainstream schooling
Weekend or evening Islamic classes
Fully integrated curricula combining both streams
Some modern academies combine Islamic studies with international academic standards in one structured program. Platforms like Mixt Academy offer online tutoring that supports both Islamic education and other subjects, helping students stay academically competitive while strengthening their faith.
What subjects are included in Islamic education?
Islamic education typically includes the following core subjects:
Quran Studies
Recitation
Tajweed (proper pronunciation rules)
Memorisation (Hifz, if chosen)
Understanding basic meanings
Hadith Studies
Teachings and sayings of the Prophet (PBUH)
Practical lessons for daily life
Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
Prayer
Fasting
Zakat
Daily Islamic rulings
Aqeedah (Islamic Beliefs)
Core beliefs of Islam
Understanding Tawheed
Islamic History
Life of the Prophet ﷺ
Stories of the Prophets
Islamic civilization and its contributions
Arabic Language
Basic reading and writing
Understanding Quranic vocabulary
In integrated programs, students also study:
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
English
Computer studies
This combination ensures balanced development.
Will my child learn the Quran with proper Tajweed?
Yes, Tajweed is an essential component of Quranic learning.
Students are taught:
The Makharij of Arabic letters help you pronounce the sounds.
Rules of elongation (Madd)
Proper pauses and stops
Fluency and rhythm
It is common for the teacher to take the student gradually, step-by-step, starting from Noorani Qaida or Arabic reading books (beginner) and slowly moving to big surahs of the Quran. Proper Tajweed increases one's confidence as well as connection with the Quran.
Is the curriculum aligned with national or international standards?
This depends on the institution or program you choose. Many modern Islamic schools and academies:
Follow the national education board requirements
Align academic subjects with international standards (such as British, American, or IB frameworks)
Combine certified academic qualifications with Islamic studies
Some institutions operate as:
Full-time Islamic schools with recognised academic accreditation
Supplementary Islamic programs alongside other school programs
Online academies with structured, level-based curricula
Bottom Line
Islamic Education is necessary for muslim students as this will help them grow in this world and in the afterlife. Islamic education is a seed that is planted in the heart, and gradually becomes a guiding presence throughout your life. Islamic education is compulsory in schools across the UAE. We are blessed to live in a society where we have the freedom to do Islamic practices.
FAQs
Is Islamic education only for Muslim children?
Islamic education is primarily designed for Muslim children to strengthen their faith and understanding of Islam. However, some programs also welcome non-Muslims who wish to learn about Islamic history, culture, and values from an academic perspective.
At what age should a child start Islamic education?
Children can begin basic Islamic learning at a very young age, even from 3 to 5 years old. Early lessons usually focus on simple duas, short surahs, basic manners, and learning about Allah. As they grow, the curriculum becomes more structured and detailed.
Can Islamic education help improve a child’s character?
Yes. One of the main goals of Islamic education is character building. It teaches honesty, respect, patience, kindness, responsibility, and discipline. These values help children become better individuals in both personal and social life.
Is online Islamic education effective?
Online Islamic education can be very effective if taught by trustworthy platforms. Many families choose Mixt Academy online classes for flexibility, especially in countries where Islamic schools are limited.