Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) announced that it will roll out the new 'Islamic Civilization' curriculum across all its schools in the 2025-2026 academic year, as part of its efforts to strengthen students' identity and sense of belonging as well as their connection to their cultural roots.
QF said in a statement that the curriculum is designated for grades six to nine across all its Pre-University Education (PUE) schools, noting that the innovative program explores key milestones of Islamic Civilization across four pivotal eras, deepening students' understanding of their historical roots and cultural heritage through interactive, values-based learning.
Commenting on the launch, Director of Student Affairs and Community Engagement within QF's PUE Sara Al Hajri, said, "This course aims to address a gap in international school curricula. While students study the history of Qatar, we recognize the importance of providing our students with a deep understanding of their nation's history, but we also believe it is essential to introduce them to the wider history of Islamic civilization and its profound impact on humanity."
She pointed out that, through this curriculum, students will discover how Islamic civilization has helped shape the world around them and contributed to the values and knowledge they cherish today.
"It is an educational journey that connects the past with the present, linking the broader civilizational landscape with the personal, and shaping a balanced historical awareness that fosters self-appreciation and nurtures a sense of belonging," she added.
Al Hajri explained that what sets the Islamic Civilization curriculum apart is that it does not simply recount historical events in chronological order; rather, it focuses on analyzing the impact of this civilization across various aspects of life and the contributions it has made to humanity.
"This is an investment in their awareness and a learning experience that surrounds the students in a dynamic environment. Our aim is for this curriculum to become deeply embedded in their consciousness, unlocking their potential for the future and fostering a generation of learners equipped with their heritage to lead," she added.
For his part, Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars Dr. Ali Al Sallabi, who is also one of the reviewers of the Islamic Civilization curriculum, emphasized that incorporating this course into the school program is a highly significant step in light of the intellectual and cultural challenges facing today's younger generation.
An author and Islamic scholar specializing in history, Islamic thought, and Qur'anic interpretation, Dr. Al Sallabi noted that past decades have seen the dominance of certain cultural currents over the Arab and Islamic world, shaping its intellectual and civilizational dimensions. He added that the effects of this dominance remain evident despite the decline of its military and political presence.
"Islamic civilization is distinguished by its material, moral, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions, aspects the new generation needs now more than ever. Teaching it helps guide young people out of confusion, providing them with the compass to direct them and the light to connect them to the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)," he added.
He also pointed out that, during the content review, QF is keen to include prominent civilizational landmarks, inspiring stories, Qur'anic verses, and Prophetic hadiths, as well as to highlight influential figures in the history of the nation, adding that the material has been structured to reflect the richness and depth of Islamic civilization.
Dr. Al Sallabi concluded his statements by saying, "This curriculum not only strengthens students' understanding of the achievements of Islamic civilization and its role in the modern world, but also empowers teachers to play a central role in broadening students' perspectives. It creates opportunities for dialogue and discussion in a way that blends reason and emotion, deepening their pride in their faith and history, and inspiring them to learn more about their rich and enduring heritage."
