Can I use the Safar syllabus for home schooling?
Yes, absolutely. The Safar Islamic Studies series is used by thousands of home educating families around the world and is designed to be accessible without a formal teaching background. The content in every textbook is written in a clear and straightforward way so any adult with a good grasp of English can pick up the books and teach confidently from them.
What do I need to get started?
For most families, the core setup is a textbook and workbook for each child. Start with the book that matches your child's age and level:
- Primary series: Textbooks and Workbooks 1 to 6, for ages 5 to 11 (roughly Kindergarten to Grade 5 for US families)
- Secondary series: Textbooks and Workbooks 7 and 8, for ages 11 and above (roughly Grade 6 and above)
Not sure which book to start with? Use the age and level guide or contact the team for a recommendation.
How do I plan lessons without a teaching background?
The Teacher's Guide for each textbook is specifically designed to take the planning pressure off. It provides lesson-by-lesson guidance including learning objectives, activity ideas and flexible delivery notes you can adapt to your schedule and your child's pace. You do not need a teaching qualification to use it effectively. It is written to be practical and accessible for parents as well as classroom teachers.
Are there digital tools to support home learning?
Yes. Journey2Jannah is Safar's online learning platform and is an excellent companion to the primary series (Textbooks 1 to 6) at home. It includes animated video lessons, quizzes and interactive activities that reinforce what your child is learning from the books. It works on any device and a free 14-day trial is available at safarpublications.org/journey2jannah.
The Duʿās and Surahs app is also available for iOS and Android as a companion to the Learn by Heart series.
Is the teacher training relevant for home educators?
Yes. All Safar training courses are fully online and self-paced, so you can work through them in your own time from anywhere in the world. The Teaching Islamic Studies course in particular will help you get the most out of the books and give you practical techniques for making lessons engaging and effective, even if you have never taught formally before. Explore training at training.safarpublications.org.