In pursuance of national education reforms and to strengthen value‑based learning in higher education, the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) has been facilitating faculty development programs for the effective implementation of Fehm‑e‑Quran as a compulsory component in undergraduate and graduate degree programs across Pakistan. These programs aim to equip university faculty with the pedagogical understanding and academic orientation required for uniform and effective delivery of the subject.
Background
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) notified the incorporation of Fehm‑e‑Quran as a mandatory two‑credit‑hour subject in undergraduate and graduate programs offered by universities and degree awarding institutions in Pakistan. In order to support smooth implementation of this policy, NAHE initiated a series of structured faculty training programs across major academic hubs of the country.
Policy Background
In recognition of the vital role of Quranic education in shaping ethical, intellectual, and spiritual development and pursuant to a virtual consultative meeting with Vice Chancellors on March 20, 2025 and subsequent recommendations of National Curriculum Review Committee on Islamic Studies made in its consultative session held on March 24, 2025, all HEC-recognized universities and degree-awarding institutes are - on this 27th day of Ramadan, the very day on which the Holy Quran was revealed around 1400 years ago - advised to incorporate two courses, namely "Understanding of Holy Quran - I/ Fehm-e-Quran - I" and "Understanding of Holy Quran - II/ Fehm-e-Quran - If" each of 1 (0-1) credit hours, in their undergraduate (NQF Level 5-6) and graduate (NQF Level 7-8) degree programs for Muslim students only. Model courses are designed and enclosed herewith for reference.
At the undergraduate level, these courses will be considered part of the general education component, increasing general education credit hours from 32 to 34, thereby raising the minimum degree completion requirement from 122 to 124 credit hours and the maximum degree completion requirement from 146 to 148 credit hours. For NQF Level 7 qualifications, the minimum degree completion requirement will increase from 30 to 32 credit hours, while for NQF Level 8 qualifications, the coursework requirement will increase from 18 to 20 credit hours.
Foregoing in view - and in supersession of HEC' s advisory issued vide letter No. HEC/CURR/SR-533/2023/4520 dated March 27, 2023 regarding the mandatory incorporation of a non-credited course on the Holy Quran - all universities are advised to ensure timely incorporation of these courses in curricula and make necessary arrangements for their rollout with effect from Fall 2025 (new intake). HEC remains available for guidance and support in this regard, and, through National Academy of Higher Education, HEC will also be offering training programs for faculty in Arabic/Islamic Studies to support universities in this endeavour.
Consultant
Dr. Ubaid Ur Rehman Bashir, Assistant Professor, International Islamic University, Islamabad has been on the disposal of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) w.e.f 14-05-2025 for a period of two years on attachment basis, to assist in conducting future workshops, training programs and conferences related to Understanding of Quran course.
