Introduction to Islamic Religious Education (IRE) – Senior Six Learner’s Guide

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

Senior Six builds on the Qur’anic and Hadith studies undertaken in Senior Five and takes learners further into the study of Islamic law, Islamic history, leadership, Muslim civilisation and the spread of Islam in Uganda. The course is designed to deepen learners’ understanding of Islam while strengthening critical thinking, moral responsibility, leadership and the ability to apply religious knowledge to contemporary life.

In Term One, learners study the development of Islamic Law (Sharia), including its stages of development and the major sources of Islamic law: the Qur’an, Hadith, Ijma and Qiyas. They also examine the classification of legal acts in Islam, the Islamic penal code, grave sins and contemporary challenges affecting the application of Sharia.

In Term Two, attention shifts to the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Orthodox Caliphate. Learners examine the early life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Makkah and Madinah periods, and the leadership qualities demonstrated during the Orthodox Caliphate, including accountability, justice, fairness, unity, cohesion, moral courage and integrity.

In Term Three, learners explore the Muslim Dynasties and the spread of Islam in the interior of East Africa, with particular emphasis on Uganda. This enables them to appreciate the contributions of Muslim dynasties to Islamic civilisation and analyse the factors that influenced the growth and spread of Islam in Uganda.

The Senior Six IRE course remains strongly learner-centred and competency-based. Learners are expected to investigate, research, discuss, analyse real-life situations, solve problems and construct knowledge through inquiry, experiential learning, case studies, projects and discovery activities.

Throughout the year, learners should connect Islamic teachings and historical experiences to contemporary questions of justice, governance, leadership, morality, social responsibility and peaceful coexistence. They are encouraged to examine evidence critically and apply Islamic values in making responsible personal and community decisions.

By the end of Senior Six, learners should be better prepared to explain the development and sources of Islamic law, analyse Islamic leadership and history, evaluate the contribution of Muslim civilisations, examine the spread of Islam in Uganda, and apply Islamic values to contemporary life.

Welcome to Senior Six IRE — a year of deeper knowledge, faith, leadership, values and responsible service to society.