A Comparison of KAFA and Islamic International Schools

Both KAFA and Islamic international schools share a common goal: to provide students with a solid understanding of Islam while nurturing an appreciation for the Arabic language and culture. Both aim to develop children holistically, focusing not just on their intellect but also on their character. However, they differ significantly in their syllabus, structure and scope of education.

Read on for our helpful guide that explains what each type of Islamic education has to offer.

Brief overview of Islamic education in Malaysia

Malaysia is a Muslim majority country, with over 63% of Malaysians practising Islam as their religion. Thus, the demand for education that integrates Islamic teachings continues to grow. Islamic education can take many forms - ranging from informal learning at mosques or through private tutors at home to structured programs in schools overseen by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia.

The role of KAFA and Islamic schools in Islamic education

While parents play a central role in guiding their children’s faith, many turn to KAFA programmes or Islamic schools to further strengthen their children’s understanding of Islam. These institutions help impart moral values and religious knowledge, ensuring children grow into responsible Muslims and productive members of society.

Understanding KAFA

What is KAFA?

KAFA stands for Kelas Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain. It is typically offered as an extracurricular activity for Muslim students aged 7 to 12 years to complement the religious teachings children learn at home.

The curriculum of KAFA classes

Here’s what you can expect from most KAFA classes:

Al-Quran

• Teaching correct Quranic recitation
• Memorisation of selected Surahs (chapters of the Quran)
• Understanding basic meanings of Quranic verses

Fardhu Ain

Learning fundamental Islamic practices, including:

• Solat (prayer) and its components
• Wudu’ (ablution) and purification laws
• Fasting and other essential obligations

Akidah (Faith)

• Learning about the belief in Allah and the Six Pillars of Iman (Faith)
• Understanding Tawhid (the Oneness of God)
• Learning core Islamic theology, such as belief in angels, prophets, and the afterlife

Akhlak (Morals and Ethics)

• Instilling Islamic values like honesty, patience, respect and kindness
• Teaching children to apply these values in their everyday lives

Jawi and Arabic Language

• Learning to read and write Jawi (Malay script written in Arabic letters)
• Gaining Arabic language skills, including simple phrases and religious terminology

Ibadah (Worship Practices)

• Practical lessons on performing worship correctly, such as prayers and fasting
• Understanding the importance of Hajj, Zakat and other religious duties

The KAFA curriculum emphasises both theory and practise, ensuring that students learn essential Islamic knowledge and can apply it in their daily lives.

The objective of KAFA classes

KAFA classes aim to nurture well-rounded Muslims by equipping students with knowledge and values rooted in Islamic traditions.

Eligibility criteria for KAFA classes

KAFA classes are open exclusively to Muslim students enrolled in institutions that offer the programme.

Understanding Islamic International Schools

What is an Islamic international school?

An Islamic international school is a full time educational institution which teaches secular subjects such as maths and science alongside Islamic studies.

The curriculum of Islamic international schools

The curriculum balances secular education from internationally recognised curriculum and Islamic subjects such as Quran, Hadith, Arabic, Fiqh and Akhlaq. In Malaysia, most Islamic international schools follow the British curriculum and students will prepare for international exams like IGCSE while being grounded in Islamic teachings.

The objective of Islamic international schools

Islamic international schools give Muslim parents an education that aligns with international curriculum, but which also has a strong focus on Islam.

Eligibility criteria for Islamic international schools

Islamic international schools are only open to Muslim students from primary to secondary school levels.

Key Differences Between KAFA and Islamic International Schools

1. Curriculum

KAFA: Focuses exclusively on religious education, emphasising Quranic recitation, Islamic worship and Islamic studies.

International Islamic schools: Combine core academic subjects from international school syllabus with a deeper focus on Islamic studies.

2. Duration

KAFA: Classes are conducted part-time, usually after school hours. Primary students attend 2 hours per week, while secondary students attend for 2 hours 30 minutes weekly.

International Islamic schools: Operate full-time, providing a comprehensive education from primary to secondary levels.

3. Certification

KAFA: Does not offer formal academic qualifications. However, some institutions may provide their own certificates upon programme completion.

International Islamic schools: Follow international curriculum, offering formal qualifications such as IGCSE at the secondary level.

Conclusion

KAFA classes are ideal for parents who prefer a secular education for their children but want to supplement it with religious studies for a few hours each week. On the other hand, Islamic international schools offer a full-time educational program that integrates Islamic teachings into daily classes alongside academic subjects.

For Muslim families, true success encompasses both the worldly life and the Hereafter. Islamic education plays a vital role in shaping children’s intellectual and spiritual growth. It instils core Islamic values—such as honesty, respect, compassion, and humility—which are essential for personal development and social responsibility.

By fostering these values, children are more likely to grow into confident, ethical individuals with the moral strength to face life’s challenges.

REAL Schools KAFA programme blends tradition and contemporary learning. It’s an optional afterschool programme open to all Muslim students that nurtures hearts and minds.

At the primary level, the focus includes:

• Jawi
• Feqah
• Hafazan
• Akhlak
• Tajwid

At the secondary school level, the focus shifts to:

• Syariah
• Tilawah
• Tajwid

Speak to us or visit our campus to learn more about how our KAFA classes can benefit your child.