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Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Media releases

Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al-Islamiah marks 90 years of educating generations of Muslim women

19 September 2026

Anniversary marks nine decades of Islamic education, faith and service, with new publication and Legacy Programme carrying its founding mission forward

  1. On Saturday, 19 September, Madrasah Al-Ma’arif Al-Islamiah marked its 90th anniversary, celebrating nine decades of education generations of Muslim women and their contributions to the community and Singapore.

  2. Founded in 1936 by As-Syeikh Muhammad Fadhlullah Suhaimi, Al-Ma’arif was established at a time when educational opportunities for girls were far more limited. The Madrasah was founded on the belief that Muslim girls should have access to education that grounds them in their faith while equipping them with knowledge to contribute to society. Its early curriculum integrated religious learning with languages and academic subjects, reflecting the founder’s belief that faith and academic learning could complement one another.

  3. Over the past nine decades, generations of Al-Ma’arif alumnae have gone on to contribute in diverse fields, while carrying with them the values and grounding they gained from the Madrasah. These include education, healthcare, scientific research, religious and community leadership, public service and social sciences.

  4. Among them is Ustazah Dr Sukarti Asmoin, who returned to serve her alma mater and led Al-Ma’arif as Principal for two decades. Her contributions extended beyond the Madrasah to the wider religious and community sector and were recognised with MUIS’s Anugerah Jasa Cemerlang in 2018, its highest award for outstanding contributions to Singapore’s Muslim community.

  5. Dr Dinah Aziz took a different path, pursuing higher education at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where she obtained her PhD, and is now a researcher in biomedical science, with published research focusing on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery. Ustazah Amalina Abdul Nasir has also contributed across policy, technology and community leadership, alongside her involvement in the religious sector. A recipient of the MUIS Anugerah Belia Harapan in 2024 and recognised among Singapore’s 100 Women in Tech in 2023, she has led youth career-development initiatives through MENDAKI Club.

Preserving the Founder’s Intellectual Legacy

  1. As part of its 90th Anniversary, Al-Ma’arif also launched Muhammad: Icon of Liberation, the English translation of Muhammad: Pahlawan Merdeka, a work by the Madrasah’s founder, As-Syeikh Muhammad Fadhlullah Suhaimi. First published in 1957, the work presents the Prophet Muhammad as a liberator whose mission encompassed the comprehensive liberation of humanity from all forms of domination and oppression.

  2. The translation, undertaken by Ustaz Ubaidillah Md Khair and Ustaz Muhamad Syafiq Mardi, makes the founder’s work accessible to a wider and younger audience, while preserving an important part of Al-Ma’arif’s intellectual heritage for future generations.

  3. The publication reflects the Madrasah’s efforts to keep its legacy alive by enabling a new generation to engage with the ideas and scholarship that shaped its founder’s contribution to Islamic thought and education.

A Legacy of Giving

  1. Al-Ma’arif’s 90-year journey has also been sustained by generations of donors, volunteers and members of the community who have contributed their time, resources and support to the Madrasah.

  2. Building on this tradition, Al-Ma’arif will introduce the Ma'arif Legacy Programme, providing an avenue for individuals who wish to make a lasting contribution to Islamic education through planned giving.

  3. The programme carries forward a spirit of giving that has helped sustain Ma’arif across generations and seeks to ensure that future students can continue to benefit from the opportunities provided by the Madrasah.

  4. The anniversary also honoured the late Mdm Rithwana Abdullah, whose generosity continues to benefit Al-Ma’arif. Her contribution continues to benefit the Madrasah to this day, a testament to the lasting impact that a single act of giving can have across generations. Her family received a Legacy Recognition Award in appreciation of her contribution and its lasting impact.

  5. Her story reflects how a contribution made in one generation can continue to create opportunities for those who come after.

Looking Towards the Next Generation

  1. As Al-Ma’arif looks towards its centenary in 2036, it will continue to build on its founding mission of nurturing generations of Muslim women grounded in faith, knowledge and service.

  2. Its 90th anniversary is therefore not only a time to reflect on what previous generations have built, but also to consider what the present generation will pass on to those who come after.

  3. The 90th anniversary dinner brings together students, alumni, parents, educators, donors, community partners and supporters to celebrate the Madrasah’s journey and the generations who have contributed to it.

  4. The anniversary dinner also featured student performances, a commemorative video, the launch of Muhammad: Icon of Liberation, the introduction of the Ma’arif Legacy Programme and the presentation of the Legacy Recognition Award to the family of the late Mdm Rithwana Abdullah.