Religious Culture and Ethics Curriculum (7th & 8th Grade)

This curriculum aims to raise individuals who recognize the role of religion in giving meaning to life, embrace national, moral, and ethical values, and develop the skills to live together with differences. The curriculum employs student-centered, skill-based learning, encouraging research, problem-solving, and discussion. It teaches the religion of Islam and other religions using a descriptive approach, with Islam as the basis within the framework of the Quran and Sunnah. Different faiths and interpretations are taught using a scientific, factual approach.

7th Grade

• Faith in Angels and Afterlife: This unit explores the visible and invisible world, including angels, jinn, and the stages of the afterlife (death, doom, resurrection, day of reckoning, scale of deeds, paradise, and hell). It also examines the impact of faith in the afterlife on human behavior. Prophet Jesus' life is also studied. Surah An-Nas is introduced.
• Hajj and Sacrifice: This unit covers the importance and performance of Hajj and Umrah, the concepts and places associated with Hajj, and the significance of sacrifice in Islam, including its social, cultural, and moral aspects. The "Sacrifice Prayer" in Alevi and Bektashi traditions is also mentioned. Hazrat Ismail's life is studied. Verse 162 of Surah Al-An'am is introduced.
• Ethical Behaviors: This unit focuses on good ethical attitudes and behaviors, emphasizing values such as justice, friendship, honesty, self-control, perseverance, respect, love, responsibility, patriotism, and helpfulness. Hazrat Saleh's life is studied. Surah Al-Falaq is introduced.
• Allah's Servant and Messenger: Prophet Muhammad: This unit examines Prophet Muhammad's human and prophetic characteristics, emphasizing his role as the last prophet and a prophet of mercy. Surah Al-Kafirun is introduced.
• Interpretations in the Thought of Islam: This unit explores the reasons for different interpretations of religion, focusing on interpretations related to faith, fiqh, and Sufism, particularly Yasaviyya, Qadiriyya, Mevleviyeh, Naqshbandiyah, and Alewi Bektashi Tariqah. Basic concepts and practices of Alewi Bektashi Tariqah, including cem ceremonies, cemevi, musahiplik, and twelve services, are introduced.

8th Grade

• Faith in Destiny: This unit discusses faith in destiny and predestination, human will, and related concepts such as fate, lifetime, livelihood, tawakkul, success, failure, health, and illness. It also addresses common misunderstandings about destiny. Prophet Moses' life is studied. Ayat al-Kursi is introduced.
• Zakat and Sadaqah: This unit explores the importance of sharing and solidarity in Islam, explaining zakat and sadaqah, their individual and social benefits, and the concept of infaq. Hazrat Shuayb's life is studied. Surah Al-Ma'un is introduced.
• Religion and Life: This unit examines the relationship between religion, individual, and society, focusing on the main objectives of religion and the principles of Islam related to the safety of life, generation, mind, property, and religion. Prophet Joseph's life is studied. Surah Al-Asr is introduced.
• Prophet Muhammad's Exemplary Behaviors: This unit highlights Prophet Muhammad's exemplary behaviors, including his trustworthiness, mercifulness, consultation practices, courage, respect for others' rights, and appreciation of people. Surah Al-Quraish is introduced.
• The Quran and its Characteristics: This unit introduces the main sources of Islam (Quran and Sunnah), the main subjects of the Quran (faith, worship, ethics, social life, and parables), and its characteristics, such as guiding, clarifying, and encouraging critical thinking. Hazrat Noah's life is studied.