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Religious Studies Overview

The goal of the Religious Studies program is to guide students as they travel the modern landscape so that they do not feel lost or lose their faith. The program aims to cultivate good character and respect of others while helping students become active citizens who will make positive contributions to society. The program begins with an assertion of the eternal truths of Islam as revealed in the Qur’an and so beautifully explained in the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and commented upon by centuries of Muslim scholars and thinkers. This presentation is done in language that is understood by Muslim youth.
Students are taught advanced concepts and values of Islam and their applications in everyday life. A study of the Seerah (life of the Prophet (S.)) is incorporated to provide viable examples for the students to emulate. Family life and health units are also included to provide guidance as the students mature. Students continue to memorize selections from the Qur’an, sayings of the Prophet (S.), and Islamic duaa’s (supplications). They become more independent in their translation skills, using their knowledge of Arabic to comprehend Islamic texts. Special events commemorating important days in the Islamic year provide opportunities for the students to participate in projects that nurture the Whole Child and allow them to develop leadership qualities.
High school students take four years of Religious Studies classes, beginning with the study of the sira, the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Students then go on to study aqida (creed) and purification of the heart, then fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and finally usul al-fiqh (the methodologies of deriving rulings), marriage and family, and dawa (interactions with other faith communities). 15 Interfaith activities are a seminal part of the program and include collaboration with a number of New Jersey religious schools and places of worship. Students continue to memorize selections from the Qur’an, sayings of the Prophet ﷺ, and Islamic duaa (supplications). They become more adept translators who are responsible for independently producing translations of Qur’anic verses as they read through the entire text of the Qur’an each year.

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