Introduction to Islamic Religious Education (IRE) – Senior Five Learners’ Guide

Welcome to Senior Five Islamic Religious Education (IRE) under Uganda’s Advanced Secondary Competence Based Curriculum.

Islamic Religious Education at Advanced Level is designed to help learners develop a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings and apply them meaningfully to personal life, family, community and society. The curriculum emphasises not only knowledge of Islam, but also the development of moral values, ethical conduct, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, responsibility and respect for diversity and social harmony.

The Senior Five IRE programme uses a learner-centred and competency-based approach. Learners are expected to investigate, discuss, analyse, reflect, research and apply what they learn to real-life situations. The syllabus encourages inquiry-based, experiential, project-based, case-based and discovery learning so that learners actively construct knowledge rather than depend only on memorisation.

During Senior Five, learners begin with the Revelation of the Holy Qur’an, examining the reasons for revelation, the different modes of revelation and the Qur’an as a miracle. They then study the Preservation of the Holy Qur’an, focusing on how it was protected and preserved.

In Term Two, learners explore the spiritual teachings of the Qur’an, including Tawheed, reward and punishment, the destiny of the soul, life after death and Qadar. They also examine important social teachings such as marriage and divorce, the position of women in society, inheritance of property, leadership, government and sovereignty, international relations, the fight against oppression, racism and slavery.

In Term Three, learners study selected Surahs from the Holy Qur’an and later explore Hadith, including its collection, compilation, evaluation, authenticity and classification. These areas enable learners to appreciate the Qur’an and Sunnah as important foundations for Islamic faith, morality and daily conduct.

Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to connect Islamic teachings with contemporary life. They should ask questions, examine evidence, work collaboratively, use ICT and library resources, communicate their findings and reflect on how Islamic principles can guide responsible decisions and behaviour. The curriculum specifically promotes the application of Islamic knowledge to issues of morality, ethics and attitudes within learners’ communities.

By the end of Senior Five, learners should be better able to explain Islamic teachings, analyse religious issues, apply Qur’anic and Hadith guidance to real-life situations, demonstrate strong moral values and make responsible decisions based on Islamic principles.

Welcome to Senior Five IRE — a journey of knowledge, faith, values, reflection and responsible living.