Administration of Muslim Law (Muslim Religious Schools) Rules 2016

No. S 730

Administration of Muslim Law Act

(CHAPTER 3)

Administration of Muslim Law
(Muslim Religious Schools) Rules 2016

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 87(9) of the Administration of Muslim Law Act, the Majlis Ugama Islam, Singapura, with the approval of Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, who is charged with the responsibility for the portfolio of the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth as regards Muslim affairs, makes the following Rules:

PART 1

PRELIMINARY

Citation and commencement

1.  These Rules are the Administration of Muslim Law (Muslim Religious Schools) Rules 2016 and come into operation on 1 January 2017.

Definitions

2.  In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires —

“basic Islamic instruction” means the teaching of Quranic recitation, Quranic literacy, tajwid (rules of recitation) or fardh ‘ain (basic knowledge of Islamic creed and practice);

“family member”, in relation to an individual, means any of the following relations of the individual:

(a) a spouse;

(b) a child, including an adopted child or a stepchild;

(c) a parent;

(d) a father-in-law or mother-in-law;

(e) a sibling;

(f) any other individual who is related by blood or marriage to, and who is living in the same household as, the individual;

“Islamic teacher” means an individual who provides in a Muslim religious school Islamic instruction in any subject or field to one or more students none of whom are family members of the individual;

“proprietor”, in relation to a Muslim religious school, means the person conducting the school or, if there is more than one such person —

(a) all of them, in the case of rules 7(2)(e), 9(1) (except sub‑paragraph (b)(i)), 10(1), 11(4), (5) and (6), 15 and 28(1)(b); or

(b) all or any of them, in the case of any other provision;

“Quranic teacher” means an individual who provides in a Muslim religious school only basic Islamic instruction to one or more students none of whom are family members of that individual;

“recognised Islamic teacher” means an individual who is recognised as a recognised Islamic teacher under rule 17, subject to rule 22(9);

“recognised Quranic teacher” means an individual who is recognised as a recognised Quranic teacher under rule 17, subject to rule 22(9);

“registered Muslim religious school” means a Muslim religious school that is registered under rule 7, subject to rule 11.

Fit and proper criterion

3.—(1)  In determining, for the purposes of rules 7(2)(e), 10(3)(b)(ii) and 11(2)(b)(ii), whether a person is a fit and proper person to conduct a Muslim religious school, the Majlis —

(a) must take into account any conviction (whether in Singapore or elsewhere) of the person for any offence involving dishonesty, moral turpitude, violence or harm to children; and

(b) may take into account any other matter it considers relevant.

(2)  In determining, for the purposes of rule 17(2)(b) (including that provision as applied under rules 20(1)(a) and 22(2)(b)), whether an individual is a fit and proper individual to teach at a Muslim religious school, the Majlis —

(a) must take into account —

(i) any conviction (whether in Singapore or elsewhere) of the individual for any offence involving dishonesty, moral turpitude, violence or harm to children;

(ii) if the individual is or has been recognised as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, whether the recognition has been suspended or cancelled; and

(iii) any behaviour of the individual that does not satisfy a standard of behaviour generally expected of a teacher at a Muslim religious school, or is otherwise disgraceful or improper; and

(b) may take into account any other matter it considers relevant.

Code of Ethics

4.—(1)  In these Rules, “Code of Ethics” means the Code of Ethics for the Provision of Islamic Instruction set out in the Schedule.

(2)  The Majlis may issue explanations for the provisions of the Code of Ethics, in such form and manner as it considers appropriate, to all recognised Islamic teachers and recognised Quranic teachers.

PART 2

REGISTRATION OF MUSLIM RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

Muslim religious schools must be registered

5.—(1)  A person must not conduct a Muslim religious school unless it is registered by the Majlis.

(2)  A person who contravenes paragraph (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

Application for registration

6.—(1)  A person who wishes to conduct a Muslim religious school must apply to the Majlis to register the school in such form and manner as the Majlis determines.

(2)  The Majlis may require the applicant to furnish such information and documents as the Majlis considers necessary for the purpose of considering the application.

Grant of application

7.—(1)  The Majlis may, after considering an application under rule 6 and after making such inquiry as it may consider necessary, and if satisfied that the requirements for registration are met, register the Muslim religious school.

(2)  The requirements for registration are as follows:

(a) the curriculum offered by the school (including the framework and the principles on which the curriculum is based) meets the curriculum requirements specified by the Majlis;

(b) the learning materials of the school meet the requirements for learning materials specified by the Majlis;

(c) the school has appropriate policies, facilities and equipment for —

(i) the curriculum offered by it; and

(ii) the safety and welfare of its students;

(d) every proposed member of the teaching staff of the school is either a recognised Islamic teacher or a recognised Quranic teacher;

(e) the proposed proprietor of the school is a fit and proper person to conduct a Muslim religious school.

(3)  The registration of a Muslim religious school —

(a) is subject to the conditions in rule 9, and such other conditions as the Majlis may impose in the particular case; and

(b) is for 3 years if not earlier cancelled or suspended under rule 11.

Refusal of application

8.—(1)  Despite rule 7(1), the Majlis may refuse to grant an application under rule 6 if —

(a) any requirement for registration in rule 7(2) is not met;

(b) the proposed proprietor of the school has (when a proprietor of the same or another Muslim religious school) contravened any provision of these Rules;

(c) the school has previously been refused registration or its registration has been cancelled;

(d) the proposed school premises are unsafe or unsuitable for use as a school;

(e) the Majlis is satisfied that the application or any document given in support of the application contains information that is false or misleading in a material particular, or there is a material omission from such application or document;

(f) the Majlis is of the view that the name under which the school is to be registered is undesirable;

(g) the Majlis is of the view that the school is likely to be used for an unlawful purpose or for a purpose that is prejudicial to the public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore; or

(h) the Majlis is of the view that it is against the public interest or the interest of the students of the school to register the school.

(2)  To avoid doubt, section 88G(a) of the Act applies to a refusal of the Majlis to grant an application under rule 6.

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

Conditions of registration

9.—(1)  The registration of a Muslim religious school is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the proprietor of the school must provide the Majlis with such information concerning the conduct or funding of the school as the Majlis may from time to time require, within the time specified by it;

(b) the proprietor of the school must inform the Majlis of any of the following events, within 14 days after the date of the event occurring:

(i) a change of proprietor of the school;

(ii) a change to the name or address of the school;

(iii) the cessation of operation of the school.

(2)  Paragraph (1) does not affect the power of the Majlis to impose other conditions under rule 7(3)(a).

Renewal of registration

10.—(1)  The proprietor of a registered Muslim religious school may, no later than 3 months before the expiry of its registration or such later date as the Majlis may permit in any particular case, apply to the Majlis to renew the registration of the school in such form and manner as the Majlis determines.

(2)  Rules 6(2), 7(1) and (3) and 9 apply with the necessary modifications to an application to renew the registration of a Muslim religious school, and the renewal of such registration, as those provisions apply to an application to register a Muslim religious school and its registration.

(3)  The Majlis may refuse to grant an application to renew the registration of a Muslim religious school if —

(a) any of the requirements for registration in rule 7(2)(a), (b) and (c) is no longer met;

(b) the proprietor of the school —

(i) is contravening or has contravened any provision of these Rules; or

(ii) is not a fit and proper person to conduct a Muslim religious school;

(c) any member of its teaching staff is not a recognised Islamic teacher or a recognised Quranic teacher;

(d) a condition of the registration of the school or the renewal of its registration (as the case may be) is being or has been contravened;

(e) the school premises are unsafe or unsuitable for use as a school;

(f) the Majlis is satisfied that the application or any document given in support of the application contains information that is false or misleading in a material particular, or there is a material omission from such application or document;

(g) where the name of the school has been changed to one that the Majlis considers undesirable, and after the Majlis has directed the proprietor to change that name within the time and in the manner specified by the Majlis, the proprietor fails to do so;

(h) the Majlis is of the view that the school has been, is or is likely to be used for an unlawful purpose or for a purpose that is prejudicial to the public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore; or

(i) the Majlis is of the view that it is against the public interest or the interest of the students of the school to renew the registration of the school.

(4)  To avoid doubt, section 88G(a) of the Act applies to a refusal of the Majlis to grant an application under paragraph (3).

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

Cancellation of registration, etc.

11.—(1)  The Majlis may take any of the following actions in relation to a registered Muslim religious school on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraph (2):

(a) cancel its registration;

(b) suspend its registration for not more than 6 months.

(2)  The grounds are —

(a) any of the requirements for registration in rule 7(2)(a), (b) or (c) is no longer met;

(b) the proprietor of the school —

(i) is contravening or has contravened any provision of these Rules; or

(ii) is not a fit and proper person to conduct a Muslim religious school;

(c) any member of its teaching staff is not a recognised Islamic teacher or a recognised Quranic teacher;

(d) a condition of the registration of the school or the renewal of its registration (as the case may be) is being or has been contravened;

(e) the school premises are unsafe or unsuitable for use as a school;

(f) the Majlis is satisfied that the application or any document given in support of the application for the school’s registration or the renewal of its registration (as the case may be) contains information that is false or misleading in a material particular, or there is a material omission from such application or document;

(g) where the name of the school has been changed to one that the Majlis considers undesirable, and after the Majlis has directed the proprietor to change that name within the time and in the manner specified by the Majlis, the proprietor fails to do so;

(h) the Majlis is of the view that the school has been, is or is likely to be used for an unlawful purpose or for a purpose that is prejudicial to the public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore; and

(i) the Majlis is of the view that it is against the public interest or the interest of the students of the school for the school to remain registered.

(3)  The Majlis may, instead of taking any action under paragraph (1), take one or more of the following actions:

(a) shorten the period of registration of the Muslim religious school;

(b) censure its proprietor;

(c) impose conditions on its registration, whether in addition to the existing conditions of its registration or in substitution of any of those conditions.

(4)  The Majlis must, before taking any action under paragraph (1) or (3), serve on the proprietor of the school a notice in writing of its intention to do so.

(5)  The proprietor may, within 14 days after the date of receipt of the notice under paragraph (4), show cause to the Majlis why it should not take action under paragraph (1) or (3).

(6)  If, after the proprietor has shown cause or the time to do so has expired, the Majlis decides to take the action, the Majlis must give notice to the proprietor of its decision.

(7)  To avoid doubt, section 88G(a) of the Act applies to a decision of the Majlis under paragraph (6).

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

(8)  The suspension or cancellation of the registration of a Muslim religious school, the reduction of the period of its registration, or a condition imposed under paragraph (3)(c), does not take effect until the expiration of 14 days after the date the Majlis served the notice under paragraph (6), and has effect despite any appeal which may be made to the Minister under section 88G(a) of the Act.

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

(9)  Where the Minister allows an appeal under section 88I(4)(b) of the Act, and unless the Minister otherwise decides or directs —

(a) if the appeal is against the suspension or cancellation of the registration of the school, its registration is restored as from the date the appeal is allowed;

(b) if the appeal is against the reduction of the period of registration of the school, the original period of its registration is restored as from that date; or

(c) if the appeal is against the imposition of conditions on the registration of the school, its registration is no longer subject to those conditions as from that date.

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

Register of Registered Muslim Religious Schools

12.—(1)  The Majlis must maintain a register called the Register of Registered Muslim Religious Schools.

(2)  The Register must contain the name, date of registration and such other particulars as the Majlis may determine of every registered Muslim religious school.

Publication of list of registered Muslim religious schools, etc.

13.—(1)  The Majlis may publish, in such manner as it may determine —

(a) a list of the names of all registered Muslim religious schools;

(b) the courses offered by those schools; and

(c) such other information of those schools as the Majlis may determine.

(2)  The Majlis may also publish, in such manner as it may determine, the fact that any action has been taken under rule 11(1) or (3) in relation to a Muslim religious school.

Teaching staff of registered Muslim religious schools

14.—(1)  The proprietor of a registered Muslim religious school must not deploy an individual to provide at the school any Islamic instruction that is not basic Islamic instruction, unless —

(a) the individual is a recognised Islamic teacher; and

(b) the proprietor has notified the Majlis, in such form and manner and at least 14 days before the date of the first deployment of that individual for this purpose, of the particulars of the individual that the Majlis specifies to the proprietor.

(2)  The proprietor of a registered Muslim religious school must not deploy an individual to provide basic Islamic instruction at the school unless —

(a) the individual is a recognised Islamic teacher or a recognised Quranic teacher; and

(b) the proprietor has notified the Majlis, in such form and manner and at least 14 days before the date of the first deployment of the individual for this purpose, of the particulars of the individual that the Majlis specifies to the proprietor.

(3)  The proprietor of a registered Muslim religious school must not deploy a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher to provide Islamic instruction at the school in a particular subject or field if the proprietor knows or has reason to believe that such provision contravenes any condition mentioned in rule 17(4)(a) concerning the subjects or fields that the teacher may provide Islamic instruction in.

(4)  The Majlis may at any time by notice in writing direct the proprietor of a registered Muslim religious school not to deploy, or to stop deploying, any individual to provide Islamic instruction at the school starting from a date specified in the notice, and the proprietor must comply with the direction.

(5)  The Majlis may make the direction under paragraph (4) if the Majlis is satisfied that —

(a) any information given in an application under Part 3 or in a document in support of the application contains information in relation to that individual that is false or misleading in a material particular, or there is a material omission from such application or document;

(b) the individual is contravening or has contravened any condition of his or her recognition as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher; or

(c) it is against the public interest or the interests of the students for the individual to continue providing Islamic instruction.

(6)  A person who contravenes paragraph (1), (2), (3) or (4) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

Majlis may direct remedial measures

15.—(1)  If it appears to the Majlis that any provision of these Rules or condition of registration has not been complied with in relation to any registered Muslim religious school, the Majlis may, by notice in writing addressed to its proprietor, direct the proprietor to take such measures and within such time as may be specified in the notice, at the proprietor’s cost, to enable that provision or condition to be complied with.

(2)  The proprietor must comply with the notice.

(3)  A person who contravenes paragraph (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

PART 3

RECOGNITION OF ISLAMIC TEACHERS AND QURANIC TEACHERS

Application to Majlis for recognition

16.—(1)  Any individual who wishes to be a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher may make an application to the Majlis.

(2)  The application must be made in the manner and form determined by the Majlis and be accompanied by —

(a) such documents and information as the Majlis may require; and

(b) a fee of $10 in respect of each applicant payable to the Majlis, which is not refundable.

[S 687/2022 wef 17/08/2022]

Recognition of applicant

17.—(1)  The Majlis may, after considering an application under rule 16 and after making such inquiry as it may consider necessary, and if satisfied that the requirements for recognition are met, recognise the applicant as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, as the case may be.

(2)  The requirements for recognition are as follows:

(a) the applicant is satisfactorily trained to teach at a Muslim religious school;

(b) the applicant is a fit and proper individual to teach at a Muslim religious school.

(3)  In determining whether the applicant is satisfactorily trained to teach at a Muslim religious school, the Majlis may take into account all relevant matters, including —

(a) if the application is for recognition as a recognised Islamic teacher, whether the applicant —

(i) has a degree or diploma in any discipline of Islamic studies (including, but not limited to, law, theology and sacred texts) from a tertiary institution; and

(ii) is competent in the Arabic language;

(b) if the application is for recognition as a recognised Quranic teacher, whether the applicant has a certificate or diploma in the teaching of Quranic recitation; and

(c) if the applicant does not have the qualifications mentioned in sub‑paragraph (a) or (b), whether the applicant has the knowledge and practical experience in providing Islamic instruction at a Muslim religious school necessary to be an Islamic teacher or a Quranic teacher, as the case may be.

(4)  Each recognition —

(a) is subject to the conditions in rule 19 and such other conditions as the Majlis may impose in the particular case, including a condition that the applicant may only provide Islamic instruction in a specified subject or field; and

(b) is valid for 3 years if not earlier cancelled or suspended under rule 22.

(5)  Upon recognising the applicant, the Majlis must issue to the applicant a letter of recognition.

Grounds for refusal to recognise applicant

18.—(1)  The Majlis may refuse to recognise an applicant as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher if —

(a) any requirement for recognition in rule 17(2) is not met;

(b) the Majlis is satisfied that the application or any document given in support of the application contains information that is false or misleading in a material particular, or there is a material omission from such application or document; or

(c) the Majlis is of the view that it is against the public interest or the interests of students to recognise the applicant.

(2)  To avoid doubt, section 88G(a) of the Act applies to a refusal of the Majlis to recognise an applicant as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher.

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

Conditions of recognition

19.—(1)  The recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the individual must at all times comply with the Code of Ethics when providing Islamic instruction;

(b) if the individual is a recognised Quranic teacher, the individual must not provide any Islamic instruction in a Muslim religious school other than basic Islamic instruction;

(c) the individual must not provide any Islamic instruction in a Muslim religious school in contravention of any condition of his or her recognition mentioned in rule 17(4)(a) concerning the subjects or fields in which he or she may provide Islamic instruction;

(d) the individual must provide the Majlis with such information relating to his or her provision of Islamic religious instruction as the Majlis may from time to time require, within the time specified by it;

(e) the individual must give a written notice to the Majlis of each of the following events in accordance with paragraph (2):

(i) the withdrawal or cancellation of the individual’s qualification mentioned in rule 17(3)(a) or (b) (if applicable);

(ii) the individual obtains any qualification mentioned in rule 17(3)(a) or (b), or other qualification relevant to the provision of Islamic instruction.

(2)  The notice under paragraph (1)(e) must be given within 14 days after —

(a) in the case of paragraph (1)(e)(i), the date the individual receives notice of the withdrawal or cancellation of the qualification; or

(b) in the case of paragraph (1)(e)(ii), the date the individual obtains the qualification.

(3)  Paragraph (1) does not affect the power of the Majlis to impose other conditions under rule 17(4)(a).

Renewal of recognition

20.—(1)  Upon the expiry of the period of recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, the Majlis must renew the recognition if —

(a) the individual continues to satisfy the requirements for recognition in rule 17(2);

(b) the individual satisfies the professional development requirement, unless the Majlis waives this requirement in his or her case; and

(c) the Majlis is of the view that the renewal of the recognition is not against the public interest or the interests of students.

(2)  Rules 17(4) and (5) and 19 apply to the renewal of the recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, as those provisions apply to the recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher.

(3)  If the Majlis does not renew the recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, the Majlis must give written notice of this to him or her.

(4)  To avoid doubt, section 88G(a) of the Act applies to a refusal of the Majlis to renew the recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher.

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

Professional development requirement

21.—(1)  For the purpose of rule 20(1)(b), a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher satisfies the professional development requirement if —

(a) in the period of 3 years before the date of expiry of the recognition, he or she participated for a total of not less than the following number of hours in one or more of the activities, courses and programmes mentioned in paragraph (2):

(i) 30 hours if he or she is a recognised Islamic teacher;

(ii) 10 hours if he or she is a recognised Quranic teacher; and

(b) his or her participation and performance in those activities, courses and programmes meet the requirements specified by the Majlis.

(2)  The Majlis must designate and maintain a list of activities, courses and programmes that are relevant for the professional development of Islamic teachers and Quranic teachers.

Suspension or cancellation of recognition

22.—(1)  The Majlis may take any of the following actions in relation to an individual who is a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraph (2):

(a) cancel the recognition;

(b) suspend the recognition for not more than 6 months.

(2)  The grounds are as follows:

(a) the individual does not or has ceased to provide Islamic instruction at a registered Muslim religious school;

(b) any requirement for recognition in rule 17(2) is no longer met;

(c) the Majlis is satisfied that the individual has contravened any condition of the individual’s recognition;

(d) the Majlis is satisfied that the individual’s application for recognition, or any document given in support of the application, contains false or misleading information in a material particular, or there is a material omission from such application or document;

(e) the Majlis is of the view that it is against the public interest or the interests of students for the individual to remain as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher.

(3)  The Majlis must, before taking any action under paragraph (1), serve on the individual concerned a notice in writing of its intention to do so.

(4)  The individual concerned may, within 14 days after the date of receipt of the notice under paragraph (3), show cause to the Majlis why the Majlis should not take the action under paragraph (1).

(5)  If, after the individual has shown cause or the time to do so has expired, the Majlis decides to take the action, the Majlis must give notice in writing to the individual concerned of its decision.

(6)  To avoid doubt, section 88G(a) of the Act applies to a decision of the Majlis under paragraph (5).

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

(7)  The suspension or cancellation of the recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, does not take effect until the expiration of 14 days after the date the Majlis served the notice under paragraph (5), and has effect despite any appeal which may be made to the Minister under section 88G(a) of the Act.

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

(8)  Where the Minister allows an appeal under section 88I(4)(b) of the Act against the suspension or cancellation of the recognition of an individual as a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher, the recognition is restored as from the date the appeal is allowed, unless the Minister otherwise decides or directs.

[S 648/2025 wef 01/10/2025]

(9)  An individual is not a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher for the time that recognition is suspended under this rule.

Publication of list of recognised Islamic teachers and Quranic teachers, etc.

23.—(1)  The Majlis must publish and maintain at all times on its Internet website a list of the names of all recognised Islamic teachers and recognised Quranic teachers.

(2)  The Majlis may also publish, in such manner as it may determine, the fact that any action has been taken under rule 22 against a recognised Islamic teacher or recognised Quranic teacher.

 

Made on 29 December 2016.

MOHAMMAD ALAMI BIN MUSA

President,
Majlis Ugama Islam,
Singapura.

[MCCY 122-005-009-3; AG/LEGIS/SL/3/2015/4 Vol. 1]