التأريخ History
التأريخ (Islamic & Nigerian History)
Raodotul Irshad wal Is’ad Arabic and Islamic Studies School, Nigeria
Our History curriculum illuminates the rich tapestry of Islamic civilization and its profound impact on Nigeria, blending global narratives with local heritage to foster critical thinking, cultural pride, and ethical leadership. Students explore how historical forces have shaped Muslim societies, drawing actionable lessons for contemporary challenges in Nigeria’s socio-religious landscape.
Core Curriculum
Islamic Civilizational History
- Formative Era: Revelation to the Prophet ﷺ, the Rashidun Caliphs, and the spread of Islam across Asia/Africa.
- Golden Age: Contributions in science, philosophy, and governance under Abbasids, Umayyads, and Andalusian dynasties.
- African Islamic Legacy: Kingdoms of Mali, Songhai, and Kanem-Bornu, emphasizing scholarship in Timbuktu and Sokoto.
Nigerian Islamic History
- Pre-Colonial Epoch:
- Sokoto Caliphate: Jihad of Usman dan Fodio, legal reforms, and educational systems.
- Borno Empire: Kanuri scholarly traditions and trans-Saharan trade networks.
- Colonial Resistance: Roles of figures like Ahmadu Bello and Nana Asma’u in preserving Islamic identity against British rule.
- Post-Independence: Islam in modern Nigerian politics, interfaith dynamics, and the rise of Islamic NGOs.
Contemporary Global History
- Decolonization: Reassessing Eurocentric narratives through Islamic historiography.
- Modern Movements: Pan-Islamism, Islamic finance, and digital da’wah in the 21st century.
Teaching Methodology
- Primary Source Analysis: Studying chronicles like Tarikh al-Sudan and oral histories from Nigerian griots.
- Fieldwork: Visits to heritage sites (e.g., Gobarau Minaret, Kano Ancient Walls) and archives.
- Digital Projects: Creating interactive timelines of Nigerian Islamic history using tools like Knight Lab.
Unique Features
- Local Synergy:
- Hausa/Yoruba Resources: Translating Arabic manuscripts on Borno’s history into local languages.
- Community Archiving: Partnering with elders to document oral traditions of Sufi orders (Qadiriyya, Tijaniyya).
- Critical Engagement:
- Debates: Re-evaluating colonialism’s impact on Sharia implementation in Northern Nigeria.
- Ethical Lessons: Extracting governance principles from the "Madinah Charter" for Nigerian leadership.
Learning Outcomes
- Cultural Literacy: Connect Islamic universal values to Nigeria’s ethnic diversity.
- Analytical Skills: Critique sources and challenge historical biases.
- Civic Responsibility: Apply historical insights to advocate for justice and unity.
Admission & Certification
- Eligibility: Open to all students; no prerequisites.
- Assessment: Research papers, documentary projects, and public presentations.
- Pathways: Prepares graduates for roles in education, cultural preservation, or policy analysis.
Vision: To nurture custodians of history who leverage the past to inspire Nigeria’s future — rooted in faith, informed by evidence, and committed to progress.
Join Us: Unearth the stories that shaped our world and harness their wisdom to lead with insight.
Curriculum integrates emerging scholarship and student-led research initiatives annually.
