Islamic Studies: International General Certificate of Secondary Education IGCSE
The online Islamic Studies lnternational General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) course is ideal for females aged 14-16 years (exam optional). Applications for younger students and mature students 16+ are also welcome. Applications for September 2024 are now open. Limited places.
Days: Sundays, inshā’-Allāh, and you can enrol at any time.
Time: 11 am to 1 pm (UK time), please adjust to your local time.
WhatsApp: +447921023041 for more details
Or email: DrNaheedAnwar@researchingsalafism.com
1. The Course: International GCSE in Islamic Studies (Online)
This online International GCSE in Islamic Studies is an intermediate-level course designed specifically for female students aged 14–16. It offers a solid foundation for those wishing to progress to A-Level Islamic Studies in the future. The exam at the end of the two-year course is optional, though strongly encouraged for those seeking a formal qualification.
If you’ve always wanted to study Islam in a structured and authentic way, taught in clear English, then this course is ideal for you. Students who choose to sit the exam will gain a qualification that is globally recognised by colleges and universities.
What makes this course unique is that it is based on bespoke material developed by Shaykh Abu Khadeejah, grounded firmly in the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and the understanding of the early scholars (Salaf). There is currently no known equivalent in the English-speaking world.
Students receive access to hundreds of pages of specially prepared study notes, and attend interactive audio lessons online via Google Classroom. Lessons are delivered in a friendly, accessible style with regular opportunities for students to ask questions and participate in discussions.
Enrolment Information
Can students join the course at any time during the year?
We accept enrolments from September to December each academic year. The course is structured so that each weekly lesson can stand alone—prior knowledge is not required, though it may be beneficial.
This programme is open to female students only, and fees have been kept affordable considering the depth of content, personal teaching style, and custom-designed materials.
2. When Can I Begin?
Registration and Course Structure
📅 When can I register?
You may register at any time during the year, with payment made in advance every 3 months. However, the ideal start time is September, when a new cohort begins and the full two-year cycle commences.
💳 Payment options:
- Every 3 months in advance until course completion (2 academic years), or
- One full year in advance
Course Overview
The IGCSE Islamic Studies course spans two academic years and is made up of:
- Three key sections
- One final exam paper, typically taken at the end of the course
Sitting the exam is optional. Students who choose to take it will do so under the Pearson Edexcel exam board, an internationally recognised qualification body.
🖥️ New update: Edexcel now allows students to sit the exam digitally using a device, rather than on paper, making the process more accessible for international learners.
The course is taught using hundreds of pages of custom study notes developed by Shaykh Abu Khadeejah. It is delivered by Dr Umm Abdillah (Naheed Anwar) and designed to ensure students complete the full syllabus over two years, regardless of when they join:
- Year 1: Section A and the first half of Section B
- Year 2: Second half of Section B and Section C
📌 Since topics are taught in a continuous circuit, students can join in either year—as long as they complete the full two years, they will cover all the required material, inshā’Allāh.
Certification
For students who do not sit the formal exam, a Certificate of Completion and Success may be issued by Dr Umm Abdillah, with the approval of Shaykh Abu Khadeejah, provided the following conditions are met:
A Salafi character reference is provided
Completion of at least 80% of homework
The student is known to be upon the Sunnah
3. Course Specification
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Islamic Studies (4IS1) is an internationally recognised qualification, awarded to students who successfully pass the exam.
4. The Course Duration
⏰ This 2-hour class [with a short 10 minute break in between] takes place every Sunday between 11 am and 1 pm (UK time). There will be approximately 36 of these lessons per annum over three terms, broadly following British and US school term times. That means vacations throughout the year (including ʿEids). Course duration is two years beginning in the second week of September every year.
5. Course Lecturer
Dr Umm Abdillāh (Naheed Anwar), BA Hons., MA, PhD.
6. Course Name
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Islamic Studies (4IS1). This is an internationally recognised qualification (for whoever passes the exam).
7. Syllabus Overview
The International GCSE in Islamic Studies is designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of Islam in historical and contemporary contexts, through a range of key topics and the texts of both the Qur’an and Hadith. It will enable students to develop their skills of analysis and interpretation, in the context of questions and issues that affect Islam and the lives of Muslims today.
About this specification
This specification includes the following key features:
Structure
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Islamic Studies is a linear qualification. It consists of one examination with questions designed to differentiate students of all abilities to be taken at the end of the course of study. The content is relevant, engaging and up-to-date. The course is structured to encourage independent learning, critical-thinking skills, historical and contemporary issues.
Qualification aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of this qualification are to:
- develop students’ knowledge and develop understanding of the religion, history, and culture of Islam, and to engage with questions concerning contemporary and historical issues within Islam
- develop students’ ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced, and structured written arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of Islamic Studies
- understand the influence of factors previously and currently affecting individuals, communities, and societies
- challenge students to reflect on and develop their own understanding of what they have learned and contribute to their preparation for adult life in a global community.
The Course is divided into three key sections
Section A: The life, teachings and achievements of the Prophet Muhammad
- The Personal Aspects of the Prophet’s Life
- The Revelation of the Qur’an
- The Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
- Opposition and Hijrah
- The Sunnah of the Prophet
- Teachings & Examples of the Prophet on Specific Issues of Justice & Equality
- Battles Fought by the Prophet
- The Prophet’s Final Acts and his Achievements
Section B: The key beliefs, practices and features of the early Muslim community founded by the Prophet
- The Nature of Belief in Allah
- Risālah
- The Holy Books of Islam
- Al-Qadr
- Akhirah
- Malaikah
- Shari’ah
- Islamic Etiquette, Attitude and Manners
- The Early Muslim Leaders of the Muslim Community
Section C: Living the Muslim life today
- Shahāda
- Salah
- Sawm
- Zakah and Khums
- Hajj
- Jihād
- Islamic Festivals
- Marriage and Family
- Muslim Citizenship & Religious and Political Leadership
8. Approach and Methodology
Inshā’ Allāh, this course will be taught from the perspective of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah—those who follow the path of the Prophet ﷺ and remain firmly upon the way of his noble Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Our teaching is rooted in the methodology of the early scholars of Ahlul-Ḥadīth, who prioritised authentic narrations over personal reasoning or later scholarly opinions.
We aim to deliver the syllabus with depth and critical engagement. Rather than accepting concepts at face value, students will be encouraged to analyse key texts, theories, and assumptions presented in the curriculum. These will be examined in light of the ʿAqīdah (Creed), Manhaj (Methodology), and Fiqh (Jurisprudence) of the Salaf as-Ṣāliḥ—the Companions, their followers, and the early generations of scholars.
The course prepares students for the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Islamic Studies exam, but our greater focus is on nurturing sound understanding and academic growth. As with any IGCSE-level programme, students are expected to undertake additional reading and revision beyond the weekly two-hour sessions.
Dr Umm Abdillāh Naheed will teach the course in a thorough, interactive, and engaging manner—explaining concepts clearly, answering questions, and supporting students throughout their learning journey, inshā’ Allāh.
9. Previous knowledge
Previous knowledge of Islam is not a requirement to join this course (as stated by Edexcel in their syllabus). Please download and read the complete syllabus here.
10. Exam Entry
Candidates will be responsible for submitting entries for exams at the relevant exam centres locally or internationally. You should research whether you are able to reach an examination centre before enrolling on this course. Visit: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/understanding-our-qualifications/where-can-i-take-edexcel-exams.html
If you’re still interested in studying and taking the exam, then please read the Edexcel Islamic Studies Syllabus thoroughly as this course will require commitment.
11. Course fees
The fee will be £40 GBP per week per student (based on two hours of direct learning each week), to be paid 3 months in advance—discounts will be offered for those who pay a year in advance. You can pay by Debit Card from anywhere in the world.
You will need to send the 3-monthly payments at least 7 days before the first lesson for each 3-month period. You will be notified when the payment is due. Any delay in payment will result in denial of access to the classes.
You will not be reinstated into the class until the full monthly payment is received, even if this results in you missing some lessons.
Payments are taken every three months or once a year (as you prefer):
Three months covering 12 lessons: GB Pounds £480
For the whole year covering 36 lessons: GB Pounds £1,440
You can also pay in US Dollars:
For 12 lessons (3 months): $655
For 40 lessons (12 months): $1,966
See below for how to pay.
IMPORTANT: Please add the student’s name alongside your payment—that allows us to track the source of all payments. Email us a screenshot (or by WhatsApp) once you have made the payment as confirmation that it has been received from our side. Please remember that there are no refunds offered once you’ve enrolled and paid. So, make sure this course is for you! May Allah bless you.
Note: You can leave the course at any time you choose without penalty (or hard feelings) but let us know at least one week before the next payment is due. Once the fee is paid, no refund will be given, so it would be advisable to complete the lessons for that period.
If you are unwell, busy at work or on holiday, the fees will not be refunded, nor carried over into the next month or months. We will expect students to catch up on any missed work—and they are welcome to contact us via WhatsApp or email if they need any help.
You will not be charged during term or half-term holidays or for teacher absences. So, you only pay for the actual lessons.
Please remember throughout, this is IGCSE level, so students must take their studies seriously, it requires commitment.
Places are limited so early application is advised.
12. Online Classroom: How it Works
Live interactive online audio classes with a female tutor, Dr. Umm Abdillāh Naheed
See below for further details.
13. Application Form and Fee Payment
If you are interested please complete the form below:
📌 Fill in the Application (Agreement) Form:
After filling in the Application (Agreement) Form, follow the payment links below.
Follow this link for official linkedin information.
14. Methods of Secure Payment
Please pay straight after submitting the Application (Agreement) Form otherwise you will not be enrolled in the course.
GP Pounds: £480 for 3 months (12 lessons) or £1,440 for the year (36 lessons).
US Dollars: $655 for 3 months (12 lessons) or $1,966 for the year (36 lessons).
💷 If you have a UK BANK ACCOUNT, you can pay by bank transfer:
Beneficiary: ANWAR EDUCATION LTD
Account number: 68068972
Sort code: 04-29-09
➡️ Please add the student’s name and ‘IGCSE’ when paying (e.g.,Aisha Smith/IGCSE)
Please email us after you have made payment: drnaheedanwar@researching.com
If you have any further questions, please Whatsapp us:
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