SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Imaam 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103264  Occupational Certificate: Imaam 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - QCTO (HUMAN) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  455  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2021-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare the learner to operate as an Imaam. An Imaam administers, manages and leads the congregation by guiding them towards living an ideal Islamic life and attending to their needs.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Foster a sound relationship with the Creator.
  • Instil consciousness regarding the rights and responsibilities towards fellow man (HUQOOQUL IBAAD).
  • Administer, manage and direct the affairs of the congregation.
  • Empower the congregants with life skills.
  • Execute the duties of a Hafiz.

    Rationale:
    Formally recognised religious qualifications in South Africa have been limited to those for the formal Christian religious denominations. These qualifications exist mainly in institutions of higher learning.
    Currently there are no formally recognised qualifications for practitioners within the Islamic faith.

    The suite of proposed qualifications for Muslim practitioners will close this gap and provide redress for the past imbalances. It covers a sizeable spectrum of occupations that is currently in need for the Muslim community.

    The training of religious practitioners is currently conducted through several Islamic learning institutes. These institutes take in learners from across the globe. The introduction of the proposed qualifications will facilitate appropriate standardisation across the various learning organisations and will enhance the ability of the institutes to contribute towards the overall professionalisation of the occupations. Learners will gain the professional skills that will enable them to serve the diverse needs of the community and contribute towards the moral regeneration of the nation.

    This qualification is part of a suite of three qualifications focusing on Islamic religious practitioners, namely Muallim, Imaam and Aalim. The Islamic faith uses the services of persons from religious practice as practitioners for a range of duties within the community. In the case of the Imaam, qualifying persons will be able to work as congregational leaders of a mosque, facilitate community development, assist in dealing with a range of social issues, practice as Halaal Quality assurers and promote good lessons in the Darul Ulooms.

    The Islamic faith is a fast-growing faith, locally and globally. The Imaam practices as the congregational leader for the Islamic faith, leading the congregants in the appropriate practice of the faith in their daily lives and interactions with the various communities. In this capacity, the Imaam serves as a community leader and is often required to interface with various socio-economic aspects of the community. The appointment of appropriately trained and qualified people in this context of an Imaam will enhance the practice of the faith and will support the important role that faith communities play within the nation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for Access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    The entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Level 4 with Communication. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory Knowledge Modules, Practical Skill Modules and Work Experience Modules at Level 3, 4 and 5 totalling 455 Credits.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Knowledge, 263601-000-00-00-km-01, Islamic Studies, Level 5, 32 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 263601-000-00-00-km-02, Islamic Congregational Dynamics, Level 5, 13 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 263601-000-00-00-km-03, Fundamentals of Islamic Counselling, Level 5, Credits.
  • Knowledge, 263601-000-00-00-km-04, Fundamentals of Islamic Congregational Administration and Management, Level 4, 14 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 263601-000-00-00-km-05, Islamic Food Hygiene, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 263601-000-00-00-km-06, Fundamentals of Calling to Prayer, Level 3, 7 Credits.
  • Knowledge, 263601-000-00-00-km-07, Embedding the Text of the Noble Quran, Level 3, 32 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 126.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-01, Deliver Sermons (Khutbah), Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-02, Officiate Religious Rites, Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-03, Mobilise the Community towards Social Service and Interaction, 5 Level, 9 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-04, Develop Congregants as Responsible Leaders and Members of their Family Units, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-05, Provide Visionary Direction to the Congregation, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-06, Discharge Financial Responsibilities Entrusted with Integrity, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-07, Provide Halaal Quality Assurance Services, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-08, Execute the Duties of a Muezzin (Caller to Prayer), Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-09, Empower Congregants in a Pro- active Manner, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-10, Empower Congregants to Deal with Psycho-social Challenges, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • Practical, 263601-000-00-00-PM-11, Memorising the Noble Quran, Level 3, 60 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 127.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • Work Experience, 263601-000-00-00-WM-01, Foster Adherence to the Articles of Faith, Level 5, 42 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 263601-000-00-00-WM-02, Apply the Processes to Instil an Enhanced Consciousness and Facilitating the Concerted Efforts of Congregants to Respect the Rights of Fellow Man and Live out Responsibilities towards all People, Level 5, 32 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 263601-000-00-00-WM-03, Facilitate Processes to Ensure a well Organised and Effectively Functioning Congregation, Level 4, 22 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 263601-000-00-00-WM-04, Exposure to the Processes of Halaal Quality Assurance, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 263601-000-00-00-WM-05, Execute the Duties of the Muezzin, Level 3, 26 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 263601-000-00-00-WM-06, Empower the Congregants with Pro-active and Reactive Life Skills, Level 4, 16 Credits.
  • Work Experience, 263601-000-00-00-WM-07, Execute the Duties of a Hafiz, Level 3, 48 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 202. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Foster a sound relationship with the Creator.
    2. Instil a consciousness regarding the rights and responsibilities towards fellow man (HUQOOQUL IBAAD).
    3. Administer, manage and direct the affairs of the congregation.
    4. Conduct Halaal quality assurance.
    5. Call congregants to prayer.
    6. Conduct basic counselling.
    7. Preserve and embed, and commit to memory the content of the Holy Quran it its entirety. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Align the structure and framework of sermons with the requirements of the specific tradition and identified needs of the congregation.
  • Identify appropriate sources for research to determine authenticity and alignment with the principles of the Islamic faith.
  • Valid interpretations of various segments in the Noble Quran and Ahaadith are contextualised appropriately to drive home the importance of developing a sound relationship with the Creator.
  • Describe and illustrate the importance of role modelling as a method to build a personal relationship with the Creator with relevant examples from the Noble Quran and Ahaadith.
  • Demonstrate religious rites indicating spiritual virtues and merits to enhance a sustained relationship with the Creator.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Describe the processes of mobilising the Muslim community within the context of a multi-faith contemporary context using appropriate scriptural examples.
  • Identify actual and potential conflict within the community and its causes.
  • Identify missionary opportunities and implement actions to capitalise on these opportunities according to the Noble Quran and Ahaadith.
  • Demonstrate the processes for conducting home visits and overcoming the challenges of such visits within different family contexts according to the principles of Islamic faith.
  • Demonstrate the processes and legal requirements for dealing with individuals who require reformative and rehabilitative counselling in terms of the type of deviant behaviour.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Define short-medium and long-term objectives for specific congregational contexts according to the appropriate professional management practices to align with fundamental Islamic faith principles.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate financial accountability principles within the Islamic congregational context through the application of sound accounting practices.


    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Describe the significance of Islamic laws relating to food and hygiene according to the requirements of the Noble Quran and Ahaadith.
  • Conduct food inspections according to the traditions and edicts of the Islamic faith.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Execute calls to prayer using the correct and accurate verbalisation according to the correct time schedule.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Identify and describe the purpose, processes and legal requirements for a full range of counselling situations according to professional and religious requirements.
  • Execute counselling interactions according to accepted professional practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
  • Select appropriate sections of the Holy Quran for specific religious events.
  • Recite accurately.
  • Use correct pronunciation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The Skills Development Provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner, is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    For the purposes of international comparability, a comparison was done with recognised qualifications in Pakistan and accepted practices in the United Kingdom.

    Pakistan:
    In Pakistan, Imaams are trained at Islamic Higher Institutions of learning and Darul Ulooms. The training normally forms part of a larger qualification for the Aalim.

    The Aalim Qualification is equivalent to the Sadisa or Dora Qualification which is recognised by the Madaaris Federation of Pakistan. This Federation is a regulatory body which administers the assessment of learners who undertake tuition at hundreds of provider institutes throughout Pakistan. The learning is registered as a national qualification and graded as follows:
  • Mutawassita.
  • Aamah.
  • Khaassah.
  • Aaliyah.
  • Aalimiyah.

    Conclusion:
    As highlighted above, the Occupational Certificate: Imaam compares well with international standards and practice outlined above. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • Higher Certificate in Islamic Studies, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Aalim, Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.