Islamic education for Muslim community in Singapore: A case study of Andalus institution / Abdullah Othman

Islamic education in the multi-racial, multi-religious and secular Singapore faces a multitude of challenges and problems that have existed for decades. There are basically three major areas of concerns on the subject matter. First, the dualistic and non-integrated education system, inherited from the colonial era that involve profound philosophical and conceptual ramifications that resulted in the serious confusion on the true meaning and purpose of Islamic education. Secondly, the issue of authority and leadership with regards to the administration of Islamic education in a secular State. Thirdly, the rapidly and continuously changing global city, the societies as well as the complexities involved and its resultant effect on Islamic education. The position of the secular State with regards to Islamic education in general, has to do with the long historical tradition and policies the authority has adopted since independence; not only to studies relating to Islam but to other religious beliefs. This thesis postulates however, the fundamental challenge to Islamic education is not the secular nature of the State and the policies of the government on matters pertaining but secularization as a philosophical program that affects the mind, soul, values and learning by the Muslim individuals and the community. Thus, the Muslim intelligentsia and leadership ought to understand these problems profoundly in order to guide the community at large to have realistic and positive engagements with the relevant authorities with regards to Islamic education. Although the challenges mentioned seem overwhelming, the Muslims in Singapore has the rare but golden opportunity to prove that it has the commitment, conviction and capability to make positive changes and transformations with regards to Islamic education. Andalus as a private educational institution which is the case study of this thesis has shown that this is possible. The case study that covers over a period of 19 years from 1996 to 2015, showed that educational institution has grown significantly across the island. Andalus offers part-time Islamic education in a structured and systematic manner for about 10,500 students from nursery to diploma level and the student number has kept increasing. This case study provides a comprehensive analyses on the success factors of Andalus, based on the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) framework and envisage a scenario that a successful Islamic educational institution for the indigenous Muslim minority in Singapore is naturally, advantageous for both the community and the State. The key elements for the design and implementation for the case study, encompassing the research questions, propositions, data analysis as well as explorations via multitude of lenses are addressed via this framework. Finally, the thesis forwards a prognosis of the future on Islamic education in Singapore by providing clear pathways, focusing on the priorities, optimizing the resources and expertise and thereafter, mobilizing them in the most effective ways. These would eventually equip the Muslims with the capabilities and confidence to overcome eventually, the challenges mentioned earlier. Thereafter, Islamic education would be firmly established based on proper foundations and worldview as well as adopting a framework for an excellent organization, deemed suitable for the country