Muslim Association of Malawi says the introduction of Arabic and Islamic studies in the country’s secondary school education curriculum will help shape students behaviors, be conversant with the Quran and also character formation.
The sentiments have been made following the announcement by the Malawi Institute of Education MIE of the introduction of Arabic, Islamic Studies, Kiswahili and Chinese language in the country’s secondary school education.
Sheikh Chabulika says government has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring inclusivity as Muslims have been calling for the inclusion of Arabic and Islamic studies in the country’s education curriculum for years now.
“You know we had only bible knowledge in the school curriculum, now this is our time to learn about Islamic studies and even those that are not Muslims they also have a chance, so it’s a welcome development, an opportunity, a chance for Malawians”, Said Chabulika.
He said the introduction of Arabic and Islamic studies will also help ease dawa and understanding of Islam hence requested Muslims to make use of the opportunity.
In his remarks, chairperson Muslim educators Association, Adil Chilungo, thanked government for incorporating the foreign languages into the school’s curriculum, following discussions held in Salima last year.
Chilungo said this is an opportunity for students to learn Islamic and Arabic languages whilst fresh, unlike in the afternoon as it is currently the case with madrassa lessons.
“We have to thank Allah for this and this is a reason enough to celebrate because if learners will be learning the Arabic language, it will be easy for them to read the Qur’an and we know that one of the best practices in Islam is reading the Qur’an”, he said.
He added that once the curriculum is implemented, learners will be conversant with Islamic principles hence integrating it in their everyday lives.
He therefore expressed optimism that the current school going generation will present themselves well after five years from now.
Chilungo noted that Arabic and Islamic studies will help in shaping the student’s behavior in schools as Islam teaches, hence advised parents to encourage their children to attend the classes and offer them support to ensure sustainability of the subjects in the curriculum.
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