Challenges on Learning Islam among Deaf Muslim in an Indonesian Context: Deaf Teachers Perspective

Abstract

Optimal learning facilitation is the most helpful support for deaf people to learn Islam. However, due to lack of knowledge on how to teach Islam, parents tend to let these children grew up without giving appropriate facilitation on learning Islam. The aim is to investigate issues and problems related to learning Islam among deaf Muslim from the perspective of deaf teachers in an Indonesian context. The method is semi-structured, in-depth FGD using a sign interpreter. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes. Eight deaf teachers in Islamic special school voluntary participated in this project. Findings are divided into problems and solutions themes. Three problems revealed from the participants; limited sign language skills and sign interpreter during Islamic teaching; limited literacy skills as the only mode of communication to hearing people; and discouragement of learning Islam from the society. Three themes as a solution to the problems revealed from the participants include accessible information through Muslim organization and deaf foundation, visual learning through internet and hearing peers, parents’ and society adjustment by learning sign language. Although hearing loss may impact on understanding Islamic concept, providing sign language, interpreters, accessible educational information as well as society adjustment to deaf people, can help them learn Islam optimally in an Indonesian context.