Toward a Culture of Tolerance: An Exploration of United Arab Emirates Secondary School Islamic Education Curriculum

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Abstract

This paper examines the themes of tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) senior secondary Islamic Education curricula. The UAE is a nation composed of more than 200 nationalities with various religious and ethnic communities. In light of these realities, tolerance is essential for fostering a cohesive and peaceful society. This paper engages in a textual analysis of Islamic Education textbooks, combined with classroom observations, and interviews of Islamic Education teachers. Preliminary data collection from textbooks suggests that these themes are relevant components in the grade 10 and 12 Islamic Education curricula. In particular, tolerance is formulated as essential for curbing extremist thought and is a natural part of human existence that should no be resisted.

Authors

• Mariam Alhashmi, Zayed University

• Naved Bakali, Tabah Foundation