Teaching in Islamic education: careers and qualifications

Teaching the Qur'an, the Arabic language or the Islamic sciences, or teaching general subjects in a Muslim school: these careers attract many people who want to combine an educational vocation with religious commitment. Working conditions, however, vary enormously depending on the type of institution, the country and the qualifications held.

This guide reviews the different teacher profiles, the useful qualifications and the legal frameworks, mainly in France and elsewhere in Europe.

Types of institution

Muslim private schools under contract

In France, a private school can, after several years of operation, sign an association contract with the state. It then teaches the national curriculum, and its teachers of general subjects are paid by the state. A few Muslim schools are in this situation.

Independent private schools

More numerous, these schools set their own curricula, while respecting the common core of knowledge, and pay their teachers themselves. They are subject to inspections by the authorities.

Classes in mosques and associations

At weekends or on Wednesdays, many children and adults attend Qur'an, Arabic and religious education classes. Teachers there are often volunteers or paid part-time. The guide to jobs in mosques and associations presents this setting.

Institutes and online teaching

Institutes offer courses in Islamic sciences or Arabic for adults, on site or remotely. Online Qur'an teaching has grown considerably.

Teacher profiles

Qur'an teacher

They teach reading, the rules of recitation (tajwid) and memorisation. An ijaza, a licence passed from teacher to student certifying mastery of recitation, is highly valued, although it is not a state qualification.

Islamic sciences teacher

They teach creed, jurisprudence, the biography of the Prophet or Qur'anic exegesis. In-depth training is expected, often acquired at specialist institutes or universities in Muslim countries.

Arabic teacher

They may work in the private sector, in associations or in state education. In France, Arabic is taught in some state secondary schools by teachers recruited in particular through the CAPES or agrégation competitive examinations in Arabic.

General subjects teacher in a Muslim school

Maths, French, science, history: these teachers follow the same routes as their colleagues in the state sector. In schools under contract, they must meet the qualification requirements set for private education and can sit the competitive examinations specific to that sector.

Qualifications

• General subjects: a master's degree, usually in education, and a competitive recruitment examination for state-paid posts;
• Arabic: a bachelor's and master's degree in Arabic, plus the CAPES or agrégation for the state sector;
• Islamic sciences: courses at private institutes or foreign universities; some French universities offer university diplomas in civil and civic education aimed at religious leaders;
• Qur'an: an ijaza and teaching experience.

Teaching skills count as much as knowledge: classroom management, adapting to different ages, a caring attitude. Teachers who combine religious knowledge with teacher training are the most sought after.

The legal framework in Europe

The rules differ from country to country. In France, freedom of education allows private schools to be opened, under a system of declaration and inspection by the education authorities. In Belgium, Islamic religion classes are offered in state schools, which creates posts for religion teachers; the page on halal jobs in Belgium discusses this context. In the United Kingdom, there are state-funded Muslim faith schools alongside independent schools. Everywhere, child protection rules require background checks for anyone working with minors, such as DBS checks in England and Wales.

Teaching methods and learners

Teaching six-year-olds, teenagers or adults who have recently converted does not call for the same skills. With the youngest, the teacher relies on repetition, games, visual aids and short sessions. With teenagers, they have to answer sometimes difficult questions about faith, society or identity, patiently and without caricature. Adults often expect structured progress and reasoned explanations.

Online teaching requires other skills: confident use of video-conferencing tools, the ability to hold attention remotely, individual tracking of progress. In every case, a relationship of trust with families is essential. Reputable institutions formalise their rules, methods and child protection procedures, and expect their teachers to apply them rigorously.

Pay and conditions

Conditions vary widely. Teachers under contract enjoy a status close to that of the state sector. In independent schools and associations, salaries depend on the organisation's resources, which are often limited, and part-time contracts are common. It is important to check that the employment arrangement is lawful: an employment contract, proper declaration and respect for employment law. The guide on employment law and religion gives some pointers.

Permissibility and intention

Receiving a salary for teaching the Qur'an or religious sciences is accepted by most contemporary scholars, notably because the teacher devotes their time to this task. Some recommend keeping a sincere intention beyond the pay. For a specific question, it is advisable to consult a qualified scholar.

Career progression

A teacher can become an academic coordinator, a head teacher, a teacher trainer or a textbook author. Skills in Arabic and Islamic sciences also open the way to Muslim chaplaincy or translation. For early years, the guide to Muslim nurseries and kindergartens presents a related field.