Media releases

MUIS strengthens safeguards to enhance confidence in Islamic religious education

3 October 2026

Expanded registration requirements for religious education providers and enhanced standards for asatizah will take effect from 2 Oct 2026.

From 2 October 2026, new provisions for Muslim religious schools will take effect under the Administration of Muslim Law (Amendment) Act 2024 (opens in new tab), which was passed in Parliament in February 2024. To operationalise these amendments, selected provisions under the subsidiary legislation – Administration of Muslim Law (Muslim Religious Schools) Rules 2016 – will also be amended. Together, these amendments will strengthen safeguards for Islamic religious education in Singapore, including online learning, and provide the Muslim community with greater assurance that Islamic instruction is delivered by qualified and recognised asatizah through registered providers.
Under the updated framework, persons or organisations that provide Islamic instruction to 10 or more individuals on a regular basis in Singapore must be registered with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) as a Muslim Religious School (MRS). This applies whether the instruction is conducted physically or online. MUIS officers will also be authorised to inspect registered MRS, including to attend Islamic instruction conducted physically or online. Around 50 individuals and organisations are expected to register as MRS under the updated requirements.

Registration requirements for Muslim Religious Schools

Who needs to register

Any person, organisation, or place that habitually provides Islamic instruction (i.e., at least once a month) to 10 or more individuals must register with MUIS as an MRS. This applies across different settings, whether instruction is conducted in person, at home¹, or online. Examples include full-time and part-time madrasahs, Quranic classes, Madrasah Entrance Test preparatory classes, and Umrah and Hajj preparatory classes conducted by travel agencies. The list of services that require registration with MUIS is in Annex C.
Existing registered MRS are not required to re-register under the updated framework and may continue operating under their current registration.
The updated requirements do not apply to the provision of Islamic instruction exclusively to family members, or the personal sharing of religious views with family and friends. They also do not apply to religious services that do not involve teaching, such as ruqyah, funeral services, tahnik, tahlil, korban, and badal umrah.

What registered providers need to know

Registered MRS must ensure that Islamic instruction is only delivered by ARS-recognised asatizah and that the Islamic curricula used are verified by MUIS. Members of the public may refer to: (a) the ARS directory (opens in new tab) to search for ARS-certified asatizah; and (b) MRS directory (opens in new tab) to verify whether a provider is registered.
Providers that meet the MRS definition but are not registered are given a grace period from 2 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 to submit their applications and may continue operating during the transition period. Providers are however encouraged to submit their application to MUIS ahead of the deadline.

Help with MRS registration

Registration opens from today on the MRS registration website (opens in new tab). MUIS stands ready to help with the registration journey. Members of the public can contact us for any help with the registration process. Those who require assistance with their registration may sign up for clinic sessions at MUIS via https://go.gov.sg/mrsclinics (opens in new tab), or contact the helpline at 6359 1199 or info@muis.gov.sg.

Enhancements to the Asatizah Recognition Scheme

Several enhancements to the ARS will also take effect from 2 October 2026 to strengthen the oversight of religious teachers in Singapore. These changes are part of MUIS's ongoing efforts to uphold the quality and professional standards of asatizah, and strengthen safeguards for Islamic education in Singapore, as the ways in which the community accesses religious learning continue to evolve.

These enhancements include:

New applicants for Tier 1 ARS recognition must hold at least a degree in Islamic Studies. This requirement will not apply to existing Tier 1 Asatizah, including those whose applications are due for renewal.
A one-year debarment period will apply for unsuccessful applicants, as well as whose recognition has been cancelled or not renewed, to encourage prospective asatizah to take the time to improve their competencies before they reapply. Asatizah who voluntarily cancel their recognition because they no longer intend to teach will not be subject to this debarment period.
MUIS will have greater flexibility to adjust the period of suspension where more time is required to complete investigations.

The public is encouraged to seek Islamic instruction and guidance from ARS-recognised asatizah and registered MRS. Qualified individuals who are capable and willing to provide Islamic instruction regularly are also encouraged to apply for ARS recognition.
For more information, visit ask.gov.sg/muis (opens in new tab), call 6359 1199, or email info@muis.gov.sg.

¹ Those conducting religious lessons at home and who meet the registration requirements would need to register themselves as MRS with MUIS.