ASATIZAH RECOGNITION SCHEME
WHAT IS THE ASATIZAH RECOGNITION SCHEME (ARS)?
The ARS was set up to enhance the public standing of our religious teachers (asatizah) and to serve as a reliable reference guide for members of the Singapore Muslim community.
This scheme applies to all Islamic religious teachers known as "ustaz" or "ustazah" in Singapore to ensure that their knowledge of Islam is verified and approved by an authorisation body known as the Asatizah Recognition Board.
It is an acknowledgement granted only to qualified Islamic religious teachers and scholars who meet the minimum standards of qualification to preach and teach Islamic religious knowledge either at madrasahs, mosques, private institutions, Malay / Muslim organisations or residences in Singapore.
WHO ARE THE PLAYERS?
The Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB)
A special independent committee, the ARB was formed by Muis. It comprises several senior religious teachers / scholars. They will provide overall directions, approve all nominations or applications, and oversee the professional conduct of all approved asatizah or scholars in the performance of their teachings and religious services to the community.
The ARB is currently chaired by one of the most respected asatizah, Ustaz Ali Hj Mohamad, Chairman of the Khadijah Mosque.
Appeal Panel (AP)
The AP will hear the disagreements of the applicants with regards to the decisions of the ARB. The AP comprises:
a) The Honourable Mufti of Singapore, who is also the Chairman of the AP.
b) Senior President, Syariah Court.
c) Registrar, Registry of Muslim Marriages.
The Secretariat
The Secretariat of the ARS is the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas).
Among the functions of the Secretariat are as follows:
a) To provide secretarial and administrative support to the ARB.
b) To manage the registration of the asatizah, act as a central point of contact and be the liaison party with the public.
c) To administer proper assessments / tests, as and when necessary.
d) To manage and maintain data and records.
e) To provide progress reports to Muis.
WHAT CAN THE PUBLIC DO?
a) To receive religious education and classes only from recognised asatizah under the ARS.
b) To refer to the Secretariat when in doubt of one's recognition or status, and the suitability of one's abilities to teach that particular subject /s.
Note: The ARB is not responsible for any activity of those asatizah who are not recognised by it.
HOW IS THE PROCESS IMPLEMENTED?
Phase 1 (from now till end of March 2006):
Recognising qualified asatizah from the current Directory of Asatizah and other listings in Muis, Pergas and other established Muslim organisations, with a minimum qualification of the Muis *Sijil Thanawi Empat or its equivalent, or those with the appropriate and adequate experience.
All asatizah who fulfil this minimum qualification will be included in the ARS process. No application is needed for those who qualify automatically under this category.
For those who qualify but are not in the list, the Secretariat will extend its invitation and encourage them to register themselves under the ARS. The Secretariat will also collate and identify those who are recommended by other Muslim organisations.
The ARB will then scrutinise the list / applications and give its final approval for the ARS listing.
A letter of recognition would then be issued by the ARB and mailed together with the governing guidelines to the asatizah. It will also stipulate the respective fields and levels the asatizah are qualified to teach in.
*Sijil Thanawi Empat: examinations attempted by all Secondary 4 full-time madrasah students.
Phase 2 (from April 2006 onwards):
This phase will cover new applicants with the minimum requirements, those who have no formal religious education or the required minimum qualifications but with several years of teaching experience or those with other qualifications in Islamic studies from Islamic institutions.
It would follow this process:
a) Verification of performance and record of teaching experience.
b) Verification of knowledge and orientation.
c) Tests and interview applicants (if necessary).
d) Approval by the ARB.
e) Issuance of recognition to successful applicants.
BENEFIT SCHEMES
Benefits will be provided as part of this scheme. These include:
a) Intellectual Development Programme
As part of the Muis Asatizah Network Programme, a continuous series of intellectual development programmes will be organised to sharpen the thought and discourse skills of the asatizah. Presently, the programmes are in the forms of fortnightly 'mudarasah' (discussion) sessions, seminars and other sessions with scholars.
b) Training & Skills Development
Upgrading through training and development programmes will be conducted from time to time. Priority for participation will be given to the asatizah who are registered under this scheme. The objective of the programme is to upgrade the skills and experience of the asatizah so that they remain relevant when facing contemporary demands and challenges. A special training programme would also be designed for would-be asatizah or those whose applications were unsuccessful due to insufficient criteria.
c) Job-Matching
Job-matching will benefit new Islamic-educated graduates, in particular, asatizah who are seeking for opportunities.
d) Study Trips
Selected asatizah would also be invited to participate in study trips organised by the Muis' Asatizah Strategic Unit or other organisations recognised by Muis. This project is part of enriching their thinking processes and exposing them to contemporary developments.
FURTHER QUERIES
For further information on ARS, please call Secretariat (Ustazah Noreny) at 63469347 or email noreny@pergas.org.sg.
To download the ARS form, please click here >> ARS-RegnFormFinal.pdf