Schools Told To Polish Quran Syllabus
By Sobrina Rosli

Bandar Seri Begawan - Secondary schools need to improve the teaching of the Quran by selecting chapters related to Malay beliefs and integrate these in the study of current issues.

This was stressed by Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Awg Mohd Zain Serudin, Minister of Religious Affairs during a dialogue session yesterday to upgrade and identify areas of the Form 4 and Form 5 books on Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) at the Islamic Dakwah Centre.

"The contents and facts of the books where it is religiously unexplainable should be part of the curriculum, but other beliefs which can be explained further scientifically should be put inn as well," the Minister said.

The hadith (traditions of Prophet Muhammad) in the books should also be-chosen with issues related to fostering good relationships as the Minister stressed that Islam encourages good relations among members of society, regardless of race or religion.

Islam's message for children to respect and obey their parents should also be part of the IRK curriculum, he said.

The minister also highlighted the need for the teachers to constantly remind their students to stick to their beliefs and to remember their Islamic moral values.

During the session, the participants also agreed to amend the curriculum to make it age-appropriate for secondary 4 and 5 students.

Changes were also agreed whilst still maintaining relevant topics and guidelines. The alterations include putting the Zakat and Fitrah subjects in the Form 4 modules.

The topics for the al-Quran interpretations subject would also be reduced. The information in religious textbooks will also be upgraded, whilst also providing it with a workbook.

The total number of IRK period should also be consistent with other schools in Brunei.

There are 42 schools in the sultanate with IRK subject, 27 in the Brunei-Muara district, five in the Tutong district, nine in the Belait district and one in the Temburong district.

It's the third time the session was held. Meetings have been held among teachers of the four districts. The current Form 4 and Form 5 syllabus include Islamic history, al-Quran and Hadith reading, Fiqeh, Tauhid and Quranic interpretation lessons.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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