Islamic Studies Standardized Test (ISST) Standards and Competencies for Qur anic Studies ISST 1
STANDARDS Decoding and Reciting Arabic Text Standards and Competencies Qur anic Studies for Grade 2 GRADE LEVEL COMPENTENCIES 2.1.1 Recognize the letters of Arabic alphabets and say the corresponding sound of each letter. 2.1.2 Recognize and understand the sound and symbol of Harak (vowels) in the Arabic language. Memorizing and Reciting short Surahs of the Qur an. 2.2.1 Recall and recite Surahs memorized in Grade 1: 114, 113, 112, 111, 110, 109 2.2.2 Memorize and Recite Surahs 108 102 from the Qur an: Beginning to understand the significance of the Qur an. 108= Al Kawthr; 107= Al-Ma un; 106=A;-Quraish; 105=Al-Fil; 104=Al Humazah; 103=Al- Asr; 102=At-Takathur. 2.3.1 Understand that the Qur an is the last word of Allah swt and is known as a Wahi brought by Angel Jibril (as) 2.3.2 Recognize that Arabic is the language of the Qur an. 2.3.3 Realize that not a single word of the Qur an has been changed since its revelation. Beginning to understand the meaning of selected Surahs of the Qur an. 2.4.1 Recall that Surah Al-Fatiha is the first Surah and Surah An-Nas is the last Surah of the Qur an. 2.4.2 Understand the meanings of the Al- Fatihah and Al-Ikhlas. 2.4.3 Understand what it means when Muslims say that Allah swt is the most merciful and most compassionate. 2.4.4 Understand that Surah Falaq and An-Nas ISST 2
teach us that we must ask only Allah swt for protection, guidance and help. 2.4.5 Recall and relate the story of the Year of the elephant as mentioned in Surah Al-Fil. 2.4.6 Identify the names of the two Surahs in which we ask Allah s protection from evils. 2.4.7 Identify the names of the Surahs in which Allah swt talks about the importance of time. Understanding the importance of having Adab when reading the Qur an 2.5.1 Know and follow the etiquette of reading Qur an 2.5.2 Hold the Mushaf after Wudu. 2.5.3 Realize that one must sit in a quite clean place and stay pure and clean when reciting the Qur an. ISST 3
Standards and Competencies Qur anic Studies for Grades 3 and 4 STANDARDS Decoding and Reciting Arabic Text Develop the ability to decode the Arabic text of the Qur an and learn to recite the holy text fluently with Tajweed. Memorizing and Reciting Memorize and recite with Tajweed selected Surahs of the Qur an GRADE LEVEL COMPENTENCIES 4.1.1 Begin to recite the 7 th, 8 th,9 th,10 th, 11 th and 12 th Ajza. 4.2.1 Memorization of Surahs in Grade 3 101= Al-Qariayh; 100=Al-Adiyat; 99=A;-Zizalah; 98=Al-Bayyinah; 97=Al-Qadr; 96= Al Alaq; 95 = At-Tin; 94 = Al-Inshirah 4.2.2 Memorization of Surahs in Grade 4 93 =Ad-Duha ; 92 = Al-Lail; 91 = As-Shams; 90 = Al-Balad; 89 = Al- Fajr Recognize the importance of the Holy Qur an Identify some of the importance facts related to the revelation of the Qur an 4.2.3 Recite all memorized Surahs with tajweed. 4.3.1 Realize that Qur an is the Book of Allah swt and that it is written in His words. 4.3.2 Understand the meaning of Wahi, 4.3.3 Realize and follow the Qur an as the guidance from Allah swt, and understand that it is the true guidance for all mankind. 4.3.4 Define some of special qualities of the language of the Qur an. 4.3.5 Differentiate between Ayaahs, Surahs and Juz. 4.3.6 Explain how the Qur an was compiled. 4.3.7 Identify some of the early Huffaz. 4.3.8 Describe hwo the Qur an was Reveled. 4.3.9 Comprehend the universality of the Qur an and understand that its messages are for all of humanity. ISST 4
Understanding the Meaning of selected Surahs of the Qur an: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the selected Surahs by explaining their meanings. 4.4.1 Understand that some Surahs were revealed in Makkah and some in Madinah. 4.4.2 Detect the beauty and special linguistic features of the words of the Qur an. 4.4.3 Realize that Allah (swt) sometimes uses imagery, similes, and metaphors to emphasize a main point. Detect the imagery used to contrast the creation of Day and Night in Sarahs Al-lail and Surah As-Shams. 4.4.4 Understand that Surah Al-Bald teaches us that all power rests with Allah swt and that humans have limited power and limited knowledge of things. 4.4.5 Recall the stories of the people of Ad and Thamud. 4.4.6 Realize Surah AL-Ala, Al-Balad, AL Fajr, and Ad-Duha describe Allah s countless blessings on humans, the Qur an as a true guidance for all people, and that Muslims should try to follow Allah s Commands to practice patience, self restraint, and justice. Understanding our Obligations towards the Qur an: Learn the etiquettes of the Qur an and practice them all the time and recognize the five special obligations towards the Qur an. 4.5.1 Conceptualize that the words of the Qur an are from Allah swt. 4.5.2 Identify the main themes and teachings of the Qur an 4.5.3 Understand how to practice the guidance and teachings of the Qur an in every day life. 4.5.4 Understand the purpose of (Tabligh and Dawa h) and be able to clearly communicate the teachings of the Qur an to others. 4.5.5 Show humility when reading the Qur an. ISST 5
Standards and Competencies Qura nic Studies for Grades 5 and 6 STANDARDS Decoding and Reciting Arabic Text Reciting Arabic text of the Qur an with fluency and Tajweed. Memorizing and Reciting Selected Surahs: Memorize and recite selected Ayaah and Surahs of the Qur an. Recognizing Allah s (swt) Qur an as the final word. Understanding the revelation, preservation and compilation of the Qur an. GRADE LEVEL COMPENTENCIES 6.1.1 Recite fluently with Tajweed the 17 th, 18 th, 19 th, 20 th, 21 st and 22 nd Ajza of the Qur an 6.2.1 Memorize and Recite the following Surahs in grade 5 88 = Al Ghashiyah; 87 = Al- Ala; 86 = At-Tariq; 85 = Al-Buruj; 84 =Al-Inshiqaq; 83 = Al-Mutaffifin 6.2.2 Memorize and Recite the following Surahs in grade 6 82 = Al-Infitar; 81 = At-Takawir; 80 = Al- Abasa; 79= An Nazi at; 78 = An-Naba 6.3.1 Recall the different ways in which the messages of Qur an were remembered and transcribed. 6.3.2 Know the reasoning and process of compiling the messages of the Qur an into one book. 6.3.3 Recall that the compilation of Qur an was conducted Abu Bakr Ra and Uthman RA. 6.3.4 Determine the sounds and symbols of vowels and diacritical marks. 6.3.5 Distinguish between Makki and Madani Surahs. Understanding the meaning of selected Surahs that have been memorized in previous levels. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding Surah content. 6.3.6 Identify the Surahs which begin with one, two, or three letters. 6.4.1 Comprehend the meaning and themes of the Surahs 78 88 6.4.2 Recognize the linguistic qualities of the Qur an by studying Surahs such as Al- Infitar; At-Tawakir; Abasa ISST 6 6.4.3 Describe the condition of the world on the Day of Qiyamah by studying
Surahs Al-Infitar, At Takwir and An- Niziat. 6.4.4 Recognize that that Surah Abasa teaches us that human beings even Prophets can make mistakes but Allah swt corrects our mistakes and guides us to the right path. 6.4.5 Understand the concept that Allah (swt) does not like people to treat others based on their wealth and power in this world and Realize that the most important characteristic that one must attain is Taqwa. Recognizing the importance of ones Obligations and Adaab related to the Qur an: Know the etiquettes of the Qur an and practice them at all times. 6.4.6 Recall events from the Qur an such as the story of Prophet Musa and Pharoah, (who rejected the Truth) to recognize that Allah (swt) knows everything and that no one can escape Allah s laws. 6.5.1 Develop a sense of appreciation and respect for the Qur an and recognize the importance of asking for Allah s guidance while reading the Qur an. 6.5.2 Engage in the practice of Tazhakkar (remembering and reminding) and Tadabbar (reflection and analysis) of memorized and learned Ayaahs and Surahs of the Qur an. 6.5.3 Understand that Huyda li (a)n- Nas teaches us that the Qur an is a guidance from Allah (swt) for human beings and realize that everyone should try to model their lives and daily practices according to its teachings (Surah Nazi at). ISST 7
Standards and Competencies Qur anic Studies for Grades 7 and 8 STANDARDS Reciting Arabic Text with Tajwid. GRADE LEVEL COMPENTENCIES 8.1.1 Decode with fluency the 23-29 Ajza of the Qur an. 8.1.2 Recite the text of the Mushaf with Tajwid. Memorizing and reciting selected Surahs. Understanding the Ulum al-qur an (the Qur anic Sciences): Recognizing the division of Qur anic text, Identifying major translators, and understanding the importance of introduction to major Tafasir and its sources. 8.1.3 Understand the importance of studying and practicing the rules and art of Tajwid. 8.2.1 Memorize and recite with fluency and Tajwid all Surahs of Juz 30 th. 8.2.2 Memorize and recite with Tajwid Surahs Ar-Rahman and Yasin. 8.3.1 Explain how the Qur an is divided into Ayaah, Surahs, and Ajza. 8.3.2 Identify the major translators who decoded the Arabic text into English language. 8.3.3 Recognize the importance of the Tafsir and introductions selected Surahs. 8.3.4 Identify the sources of major Tafasir. Recognizing the importance of ones Obligations and Adaab related to the Qur an 8.3.5 Identify the names of the famous Mufassirun. 8.4.1 Understand the importance of performing Wudu and having the proper Niyah to recite Allah s (swt) words and seeking guidance from the text. 8.4.2 Recognize the importance of inviting others to read and understand the Qur an. 8.4.3 Develop a habit of reflecting upon the Ayaah recited in order to develop an understanding of the message. ISST 8
Understanding the meaning of selected Surahs that have been memorized in previous levels. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding Surah content. 8.5.1 Identify Surah Yasin as the 36 th Surah of the Qur an and know that this Surah is referred to as the Heart of the.qu ran. 8.5.2 Recognize that the recitation of the Surah Yasin in useful in times of difficulty and stress. 8.5.3 Comprehend that the theme of Surah Yasin explains the moral responsibility towards one self in regard to his or her faith and beliefs towards Allah swt and His Prophet (saw). 8.5.4 Differentiate between Tawhid and Shirk. 8.5.5 Understand the importance of reading, memorizing, and learning, the meaning of Surah Ar-Rahman, the 55 th Surah of the Qur an. 8.5.6 Comprehend the theme of Surah Ar- Rahman and analyze various phenomenon of nature mentioned in the Surah as signs of Allah s Creation, His Power and Laws. 8.5.7 Identify within Surah Ar-Rahman the period of revelation, the points of emphasis, the repetition of certain phrases and sentences. 8.5.8 Conceptualize the Allah s (swt) attributes of creation, power, and Rahmah as strong signs of His Presence. 8.5.9 Recall from Surah Ar-Rahman the ayaahs that discuss how Allah (swt) has created a balance among his various creation to ensure the universe remain in perfect order. 8.5.10 Understand the importance of thanking Allah swt for His blessings and kindness. ISST 9