Fostering Halal Awareness in The National Pre-School Standard Curriculum in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study
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Abstract
Fostering halal awareness from an early age is crucial in Muslim society. However, the current education system primarily focuses on Islamic consumerism at higher education levels, resulting in a gap in knowledge and actions related to halal and haram. This article explores the application of the halal curriculum in the pre-school syllabus, addressing the need for comprehensive education on halal practices. The study adopts a qualitative approach, utilising observation, interviews and document analysis to understand the current implementation of the halal curriculum within the National Pre-school Standard Curriculum. The research findings indicate that the halal curriculum is incorporated within the pre-school curriculum, primarily focusing on teaching eating and drinking manners, as well as promoting healthy and nutritious eating habits. However, the curriculum lacks an in-depth exploration of halal and haram beyond the basic understanding of distinguishing permissible and forbidden foods. To enhance the halal curriculum in pre-school education, several improvements are suggested; explaining the aspects of tayyib in halal food, introducing halal food as real food, introducing Malaysia’s halal logo, diversifying learning activities and projects together, and collaborating with parents and the community. By incorporating these elements into the pre-school curriculum, children can develop a strong foundation in halal and tayyib principles, enabling them to make informed choices about their food and develop a lifelong appreciation for halal practices.
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