
15 Best Islamic Classes for Children (Madrasah) in Singapore:
A Guide for Parents and Learners
Looking for a good weekend madrasah for your child? Read this article.
Finding the right Islamic classes in Singapore can be an important decision for parents and individuals looking to strengthen their understanding and practice of Islam. With options ranging from children's weekend madrasah and Quran classes to youth and adult Islamic studies, there are many pathways available.
For families looking for weekend Islamic classes in Singapore, it is useful to consider the programme structure, age group, subjects offered, location, teachers and the learning pathway available as students progress.
Here are some of the established options to consider.
1. Andalus & Cordova
Andalus & Cordova are established Islamic education centres in Singapore offering structured, part-time Islamic education for children, youths and adults.
Their programmes cover a wide range of age groups and learning needs, including preschool, primary and secondary education, youth programmes, adult Islamic classes, Quranic studies and higher Islamic studies. Programmes include Pre-Diploma, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes in Islamic Studies, as well as Quran and Iqra' programmes.
This breadth makes Andalus & Cordova particularly suitable for families looking for a long-term Islamic education pathway, rather than a programme limited to one age group.
Their programmes are offered through centres located across Singapore, with online options also available for selected adult and higher Islamic studies programmes.
Andalus has been providing Islamic education in Singapore since 1996. MUIS has also identified Andalus as one of the major Islamic Education Centres and Providers (IECPs) participating in the LearnIslam Festival, reflecting its role within Singapore's wider Islamic education landscape.
Suitable for: Preschool children, primary and secondary students, youths, adults and learners interested in progressing to formal Islamic studies.
2. MUIS Part-Time Islamic Education Programmes
MUIS provides several Islamic learning pathways for different stages of life.
For children and youths, the aLIVE (Learning Islamic Values Everyday) programme aims to develop Islamic values, knowledge and practice among learners aged 5 to 20. For adults, Adult Islamic Learning (ADIL) provides structured Islamic education for adult learners and is available in both English and Malay.
These programmes can be a useful option for learners looking for Islamic education through MUIS-supported programmes.
Suitable for: Children, teens, youths and adults looking for structured Islamic learning.
3. Masjid Kampung Siglap Darul Quran - Quran and Iqra' Classes
For families whose main priority is learning to read the Quran, improving Quranic reading or developing foundational Iqra' skills, a dedicated Quran or Iqra' programme may be more suitable than a broader Islamic studies programme.
When choosing a Quran class, parents may wish to consider:
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The learner's current Quran-reading level
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Whether classes focus on Iqra', Quran reading, tajwid or memorisation
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Class size and learning environment
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Teacher qualifications
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Weekend availability
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Location and accessibility
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Andalus & Cordova offer several Quran-focused options, including Integrated Iqra', Quran programmes, Adult Quran and Quran Clinic programmes.
4. Nur Insan – Free Weekend Madrasah
For families looking for free weekend Islamic classes in Singapore, Nur Insan offers a Weekend Madrasah for children and youths aged 5 to 17. Its physical madrasah has centres in Yishun, Geylang and Bukit Batok, with classes available in both Malay and English depending on the centre. Nur Insan also offers a fully online Cloud Madrasah.
Nur Insan's curriculum includes subjects such as Tauhid, Akhlaq, Fiqh, Sirah, Hadith, Tafsir and Al-Quran. The organisation was established with the aim of making Islamic education accessible to the community, particularly for families who may face financial challenges.
The Weekend Madrasah has no monthly fees, although annual book purchases may apply. Eligible families can also apply for assistance with book costs.
Suitable for: Families looking for free or highly accessible weekend madrasah and Islamic classes for children and youths.
5. Imad Perdaus
Imad Perdaus is the education arm of Perdaus, a Muslim organisation serving Singapore since 1964, and its weekend programme, Madrasah Perdaus, runs from kindergarten to secondary level.
Children aged 7 to 12 join the Primary 1 to Primary 6 classes on Saturdays, following the MOE term calendar, with a hands-on approach and ARS-certified teachers under MUIS's IECP framework. It also ran a 3-month after-school module, "Prayer Power 2.0" (ages 7 to 9, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 5 pm, $55 a month), which may return.
The centres are in Bukit Batok (Blk 364 Bukit Batok St 31 #01-259, tel. 6513 2300), the closest to Jurong West, and Bedok (tel. 6513 2315), and pre-registration is at madrasah.perdaus.org.sg. I couldn't find the current weekend fees or the language of instruction, so please confirm both with the centre.
6. Jamiyah Academy
Jamiyah Academy, formerly known as Jamiyah Education Centre, offers a structured weekend madrasah programme for children. The programme covers subjects such as Aqidah, Fiqh, Akhlaq and Sirah and has a long history of providing structured Islamic education from childhood through the teenage years. Jamiyah Academy also offers a range of other Islamic education programmes for students and adults.
7. DiscoverDeen
DiscoverDeen offers weekend madrasah programmes for children and youths from around 3 to 14 years old. The programmes combine Qur'anic studies, Aqidah, Fiqh, Sirah, du'a, adab and personal development. Classes are conducted in English and use a combination of conventional and contemporary learning approaches.
8. Naafein Academy
Naafein Academy provides part-time Islamic education, including programmes for children held in the evenings and on weekends. In addition to its Part-time Madrasah, the academy offers a part-time Hifzul Qur'an programme. Children from the age of five may apply and are assessed to determine the appropriate level within the academy's curriculum.
9. SimplyIslam
SimplyIslam offers a weekend madrasah for children aged 5 to 16. The programme covers Qur'an, Islamic History, Morals, Faith, Prayer and basic Arabic. Classes are conducted in English, with ARS-certified educators, and the programme currently operates across several locations in Singapore.
10. Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah
Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah is a full-time girls' madrasah. It is one of Singapore's longest-established Islamic educational institutions and provides an integrated education combining Islamic studies with mainstream academic education from primary through pre-university levels.
11. Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al-Islamiah
Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al-Islamiah is a full-time girls' madrasah. It combines Islamic studies, Arabic and mainstream academic subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, with an educational pathway extending to pre-university level.
12. Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah
Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah is a co-educational full-time madrasah. It offers education from primary through pre-university level, combining religious education with mainstream academic subjects.
13. Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah
Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah is a co-educational full-time madrasah serving students at primary level. It forms part of Singapore's integrated madrasah education system, providing both religious and academic foundations before students progress to secondary-level madrasah education.
14. Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah
Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah is a co-educational full-time madrasah offering secondary and pre-university education. It has a strong emphasis on Islamic studies and Arabic alongside mainstream academic education, and also provides an International Baccalaureate pathway for selected students.
15. Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah
Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah is a co-educational full-time madrasah offering secondary education. Students study Islamic subjects and Arabic alongside mainstream academic subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science.
What Should You Look For When Choosing Weekend Islamic Classes?
There is no single "best" Islamic class for everyone. The right programme depends on the learner's age, goals, schedule and preferred learning environment.
1. A structured curriculum
Look for a programme that progresses logically rather than simply covering unrelated topics each week.
2. Qualified teachers
In Singapore, MUIS's IECP framework requires registered providers to employ Islamic or Quranic teachers registered under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS), subject to the applicable requirements.
3. A suitable programme for the learner's age
A preschool child, secondary-school student and adult learner have very different learning needs. A good programme should be appropriate to the learner's stage of development.
4. A convenient location
Weekend classes work best when families can attend consistently. Choosing a centre near home, school or another regular destination can make a significant difference.
5. A pathway for continued learning
For families looking beyond basic religious classes, it can be useful to choose an institution that offers progression as the learner grows.
For example, a learner might begin with preschool or children's Islamic classes, progress to youth programmes and eventually continue with adult Islamic studies or formal Diploma-level Islamic education.
Finding the Right Weekend Islamic Classes in Singapore
Singapore has a diverse Islamic education landscape, ranging from mosque-based learning and Quran classes to structured programmes offered by established Islamic education centres.
For families seeking a structured weekend madrasah or part-time Islamic education programme, Andalus & Cordova are among the established providers worth considering, particularly for families looking for programmes that can serve different age groups and provide a longer-term learning pathway.
The best choice ultimately depends on what the learner needs — whether that is children's Islamic education, Quran and Iqra' classes, youth programmes, adult Islamic classes or more advanced Islamic studies.
For programme details, locations and registration information, prospective students and parents can refer to the official Andalus & Cordova websites.