KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 3: On Tuesday, May 28, at 9 AM GMT, the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) launched a groundbreaking English language textbook series with an Islamic perspective. The event, held at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre, was officiated by IKIM Chairman Prof. Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Nur Manuty.
Authored by Dr. Roase Mumtaz and published by Al Ameen Serve Holdings, the Holistic English book set includes a textbook, workbooks, a teacher’s guide, an audio library, and a pre-recorded online video training. These resources are specifically designed for Grade 1-6 Muslim students who are learning English as a second language.
While signing a commemorative poster for the book, Dato’ Dr. Manuty emphasized the long-awaited nature of this project, tracing its origins back to the 1980s. He congratulated Dr. Mumtaz and the publisher for realizing a vision that had been a dream for nearly four decades.
Expressing his gratitude to Allah the Exalted, his family, publisher Che Mazlan Saad, and chief editor Alifah Ab Aziz, Dr. Mumtaz highlighted the importance of the books.
“Most standard textbooks today teach the English language with a philosophy and value system that may differ from Islamic values,” he noted. He emphasized the necessity of developing textbooks that teach English through an Islamic lens.
In his speech, Dr. Mumtaz explained that standard English textbooks often view language learning solely as a means of communication. In contrast, the Islamic perspective sees it as a tool for conveying the concept of Tawheed (the oneness of God) in the best possible manner. Recognizing the complexity of Tawheed for primary learners, the concept is redefined in the books as Islamic Healthy Habits and Islamic Akhlaq (morals and ethics). The textbooks aim to teach English language skills within these themes, guiding students on how to communicate these principles effectively.
Holistic English has been reviewed by numerous scholars specializing in the integration of knowledge from an Islamic perspective and by experts in English language education. The books are currently used in about ten schools, with demand steadily increasing.
Dr. Roase Mumtaz, who holds a PhD in Education (Curriculum and Instruction), has extensive experience, including 14 years with Al Jazeera Media Network. Al Ameen Serve Holdings, led by Che Mazlan Saad, has a 25-year history of publishing children’s educational books, including textbooks for Arabic with an Islamic perspective, English reading and writing for kindergarten students, and materials for learning the Malaysian language and Quranic recitation.
