Building an Islamic-Based Curriculum: Dr. Freda Shamma’s Framework for Educators

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Freda Shamma’s Chapter 8 presents a practical framework for developing an authentically Islamic curriculum rather than simply adding Islamic content to existing subjects.
• The chapter emphasizes that curriculum should nurture students’ spiritual, intellectual, moral, emotional, and social development through an Islamic worldview.
• Dr. Shamma, a long-time ISLA champion, offers guidance that remains highly relevant for school leaders, curriculum developers, and educators seeking to strengthen Islamic education.
• Download Chapter 8 free—and explore the full volume Islamic Philosophy of Education: Principles & Applications from Beacon Books.

As part of our commitment to supporting excellence in Islamic education, ISLA is excited to share another chapter from Islamic Philosophy of Education: Principles & Applications. With the author’s permission and encouragement, we are making Dr. Freda Shamma’s Chapter 8 available as a free resource for the ISLA community, helping educators and school leaders engage with one of the foundational voices in Islamic curriculum development.

Beyond Adding Islamic Content

Dr. Shamma challenges the idea that an Islamic curriculum can be created simply by adding Qur’an, Arabic, or Islamic Studies to an existing educational model. Instead, she invites educators to reconsider the very foundations of curriculum through an Islamic worldview and to rethink where curriculum development begins.

From Philosophy to Practice

Moving beyond theory, Dr. Shamma outlines a practical framework for curriculum development. She offers guiding principles and a step-by-step process that schools can adapt to their own mission, community, and educational goals rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all model.

A Resource for School Leaders and Curriculum Teams

Whether your school is developing a new curriculum or strengthening an existing one, Chapter 8 provides a thoughtful framework for leaders, curriculum teams, and educators seeking to build learning experiences that are intentionally grounded in Islamic principles.

Continuing a Legacy of Islamic Education

Drawing on decades of experience in curriculum development, Dr. Freda Shamma offers practical insights that continue to shape conversations about Islamic education. Her chapter is an invitation for schools to reflect on the foundations of their curriculum and the vision that guides it.

Read the Chapter for Free

ISLA is happy to make Chapter 8: Framework for an Islamic-Based Curriculum available as a free downloadable PDF.

Whether you are a school leader, curriculum coordinator, teacher, board member, researcher, or parent passionate about Islamic education, this chapter offers valuable insights for building learning environments that nurture faith, knowledge, and character.

We also encourage you to explore the complete volume, Islamic Philosophy of Education: Principles & Applications. Featuring contributions from leading scholars and practitioners—including several members of the ISLA community—it is an essential resource for anyone committed to the future of Islamic education.

Islamic Philosophy of Education: Purchase Book Here!