Uganda Primary 4 Curriculum - Religious Education (Islamic Religious Education – IRE)

Term 1: Tawhid (Faith) and Practice

• Prophets and Messengers: This topic introduces the concept of prophets and messengers in Islam. Students learn to define what a prophet is, identify key prophets (including Adam, Isa, Musa, Dawud, Sulaiman, and Muhammad), and understand their duties, such as preaching Islam and conveying messages from Allah. The qualities of a prophet, such as trustworthiness and good behavior, are also emphasized.
• Dress for Prayer (Salah): This section focuses on the practical aspects of preparing for prayer. Students learn the proper dress code for prayer, including the importance of cleanliness and covering private parts. The significance of observing the dress code, such as maintaining focus during prayer, is also discussed.
• Impurities (Najasat) in Islam: Students learn about different types of impurities in Islam and their definitions. Examples of impurities, such as urine, vomit, and pork, are discussed. The importance of avoiding impurities is emphasized.
• Early Converts to Islam and Their Sufferings: This topic explores the history of early Islam, focusing on the first converts to the faith and the challenges they faced. Students learn about key figures like Khadijah, Abubaker, Ali, and Zaidi. The persecution faced by the Prophet Muhammad and his followers, such as being pelted with stones and thorns laid in their path, is also covered.

Term 2: Tawhid, Fiqh (Practice), Hadith and Moral Teachings, and History of Islam

• Worship (Ibadah): This topic explores the concept of worship in Islam and other religions. Students learn to describe different acts of worship in Islam and identify acts of worship in other faiths, fostering religious tolerance and understanding.
• Ratio of Zakat: This section focuses on Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam. Students learn about the Nisaab (the minimum amount of wealth that makes one liable to pay Zakat) and the ratios payable on different items.
• Uprightness and Adolescence: This topic explores the importance of uprightness in Islam, drawing from Hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad). The meaning of adolescence and the physical and emotional changes experienced during this period are also discussed.
• Islam in Uganda under Mutesa I: This section delves into the history of Islam in Uganda, specifically during the reign of Mutesa I. The period is referred to as the "Golden Age" of Islam in Buganda. Religious wars that occurred between 1888 and 1893 are also covered.

Term 3: Tawhid, Practice, Hadith and Moral Teachings, and History of Islam

• Sin (Dhanb), Disbelief (Kufr), and Polytheism (Shirk): This topic explores the concepts of sin, disbelief, and polytheism in Islam. Students learn their definitions, origins, and types.
• Recipients of Zakat: This section expands on the topic of Zakat, focusing on who is eligible to receive it. Students learn about the different categories of Zakat recipients and the importance of this categorization.
• Hygiene, Charity (Sadaqah), and Wealth: This topic emphasizes the importance of hygiene, charity, and wealth in Islam, drawing from Hadith. Students learn about the Islamic perspective on these concepts and how they should be practiced.
• Spread of Islam Outside Buganda: This section explores the spread of Islam beyond Buganda, including the influence of colonial policies on Islam in Uganda. The impact of Islam in Uganda is also discussed.