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: Aalim 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104798  Occupational Certificate: Aalim 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - HWSETA (Social Work) 
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  549  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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 a learner to operate as an Aalim.

An Aalim closely study the interpretation of the traditional and classical Islamic sources, oversee the effective application of Islamic Laws and practices and diagnose diversions to safeguard the authenticity and availability of Islamic knowledge.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Closely study and impart authentic traditional Islamic sources to keep the traditions alive within society and accessible to the general community.
  • Facilitate the creation of a pool of scholars to continue the legacy of the authentic Islamic tradition through teaching, guiding, coaching and mentorship.
  • Identify and deal with deviations from authentic traditional Islamic sources.
  • Participate in policy and decision-making structures and processes.

    Rationale:
    Currently there are no formally recognised qualifications for the practitioners within the Islamic Faith.

    The suite of qualifications for Muslim practitioner will close this gap and provide redress for the past imbalances. It covers a sizable 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 (Darul Uloom's). 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 professionalization 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 focussing on the Islamic religious practitioners (Muallim, Imaam, Aalim). Within the Muslim community these occupations are a major source of job creation. The community use persons who are recognised as religious practitioners for a range of duties within the community.

    The Islamic faith is a fast-growing faith locally and globally. The Aalim is an essential Occupation within the Islamic Community. Aallim's are entrusted with the task of ensuring the ongoing relevance, validity and authenticity of the religious practices. The Aalim serves as a mentor to the Imam's and play a significant role in the governance structures. At various forums, it is the Aalim that takes the leadership, they are also tasked with the building of cross religious and cross-cultural tolerance and therefore are key in developing social harmony within diverse communities. As custodians of the authenticity of the various religious practices they guard against unacceptable religious practices. 
    		•

    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 result 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:
    Occupational Certificate: Imaam, Level 5. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 263601-000-00-00-KM-01, Level 6, 257 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-KM-02, Conflict resolution, Level 6, 49 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 306.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 263601-000-00-00-PM-01, Impart the interpretations derived from the Islamic sources using formal and informal methods, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-PM-02, Research and engage in ongoing study the authentic Islamic sources, Level 6, 3 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-PM-03, Teach a structured syllabus in Islamic traditions and sources, Level 7, 32 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-PM-04, Mentor potential scholars, Level 6, 12 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-PM-05, Use appropriate strategies methods steps and media to deal with identified diversions (Practical implementation to eradicate diversions), Level 6, 32 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-PM-06, Execute the duties of arbitration and mediation to resolve a range of conflicts within the Muslim community, Level 6, 24 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 115.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 263601-000-00-00-WM-01, Keep the Islamic traditions alive within society (Continue the legacy) and making the message of the Authentic Traditional Sources accessible to the general community, Level 6, 32 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-WM-02, Ensure the availability of an ongoing pool of scholars to continue the legacy of the authentic Islamic tradition, Level 6, 32 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-WM-03, Identify diagnose and correct deviations from authentic traditional Islamic sources, Level 6, 32 Credits.
  • 263601-000-00-00-WM-04, Participate in the policy and decision making within the Islamic community, Level 7, 32 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 128. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Read, analyse and interpret classical Arabic text to impart the authentic Islamic sources within religious and general life settings.
    2. Keep the fundamental Islamic beliefs alive within society.
    3. Authentic, traditional Islamic principles are kept alive within the Muslim community.
    4. Use Islamic history within contemporary life situations to keep the Islamic principles alive and relevant.
    5. Identify and deal with deviations from authentic traditional Islamic sources.
    6. Facilitate the creation of a pool of scholars to continue the legacy of the authentic Islamic tradition through teaching, guiding, coaching and mentorship.
    7. Participate in policy and decision-making structures and processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Classical Arabic texts are analysed, and the appropriate use of literary and grammatical principles is demonstrated.
  • Classical Arabic texts are translated into English making use of professional translation rules and techniques.
  • The comprehension of classical Arabic texts is demonstrated using comparative analysis techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analysis and explanations of the fundamental beliefs of the Islamic faith is grounded on the authentic sources and provides appropriate guidance to people in various contemporary life situations for living according to the fundamental faith requirements.
  • The origins of the fundamental beliefs are substantiated with the appropriate references to the Noble Quran and Ahaadith.
  • Deviations and heresies are identified and appropriately managed according to scripturally appropriate processes, within various contemporary contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Selected texts from the Noble Quran are translated and explained within the framework of classical exegeses.
  • The application of the sciences and principles of interpretation of Quranic text is demonstrated through the critical analysis of selected verses from the Noble Quran and their respective commentaries.
  • Selected Ahaadith is accurately and precisely translated.
  • The meaning of selected Ahaadith is accurately and precisely explained within the framework of classical commentaries of Ahaadith.
  • The reasons for the grading of Ahaadith is explained according the scientific principles for grading of Ahaadith.
  • Reflections on the appropriate use of Ahaadith is relevant to different contemporary and classical contexts and contributes towards building a broad understanding of the traditional Islamic belief systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Lessons from various significant Islamic historical events are appropriately applied to a range of contemporary situations.
  • The causes for defining moments in the History of Muslims are identified and applied to contemporary situations.
  • Lessons from the life of the Prophet (PBUH) are accurately identified and related to contemporary events.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analysis of legal decisions clearly identify and describe the legal basis that was used to determine them and accurately classify them per the accepted Islamic legal classifications.
  • Islamic legal advice given in response to various life situations are appropriate per the Islamic Jurisprudence rules.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The mentor/mentee relationship is described and explained by giving examples of the key characteristics of effective mentors, the benefits of effective mentoring and the consequences of inappropriate mentoring.
  • Examples of personal mentorship experiences indicate personal shortcomings regarding the required skills and characteristics that support effective mentoring.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The ability to execute effective arbitration relating to situations within the Islamic community is demonstrated through accurate descriptions of the appropriate arbitration processes.
  • Evaluation of various arbitrations are accurate and indicate deficiencies in the decisions made and processes followed.
  • Policy proposals are analysed and comments on the proposed policies take all the relevant principles from the Islamic perspective into consideration.

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

    Pakistan:
    In Pakistan Imams are trained at Islamic Universities and Darul Uloom's. The training normally forms part of a larger qualification for the Aalim.

    The Aalim Qualification will be comparable 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.
  • Sania.
  • Rabia.
  • Sadisa.
  • Dora.

    United Kingdom:
    In the United Kingdom, training is provided at unaccredited Darul Uloom's to complete the various subjects and modules. Thereafter they complete on job practical training allowing them to serve as Imams in the community.

    Conclusion:
    As articulated above the Occupational Certificate: Aalim compares well with international standards and practice outlined in the two countries. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibility:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Social Development, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts: Islamic Studies, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for trades and occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code are:
  • Aalim: 263601-000-00-00.

    Encompass Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD):
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Derived Qualification Related to The Occupational Certificate: Aalim.
  • 263601-000-00-00, Occupational Certificate: Islamic Arbitrator, Level 6, 105 Credits. 
    		•

    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.