Islamic Studies Research Articles

A Metamodern Paradigm for Islamic Studies Scholarship: Evaluating and Extending Shahab Ahmed's Theorization of Islam and the Islamic

This article explores the theorization of Islam developed by the late Shahab Ahmed in his major work What Is Islam? The Importance of Being Islamic, where he develops his thesis of Islam as hermeneutical engagement with the Pre-Text, Text, and Con-Text of Revelation to Muḥammad. I show how Ahmed’s approach to Islam displays many features of metamodern scholarship avant la lettre, which is evidenced by his treatment of the human and historical phenomenon of Islam as a process social kind. Further, through putting Ahmed in conversation with the ideas of Jason Ānanda Josephson Storm as developed in Metamodernism: The Future of Theory, Ahmed’s theorization of Islam can be further clarified and extended. Storm’s formulation of the anchoring processes of social kinds and his hylosemiotics are particularly instructive in this regard. Ahmed’s thinking itself may also make some constructive contributions to metamodern theorizing, particularly through his sensitivity to the dynamics of spacialization, which produce coherent contradiction in and as Islam. Through a careful reading of Ahmed’s work, and by developing and clarifying it through recourse to Storm’s ideas, one obtains a helpful example of the contours of metamodern scholarship within a particular field—here, Islamic studies.

Exploring Bilingual Dynamics

This paper delves into the perspectives of students regarding the integration of bilingualism in Islamic Studies (IS) classrooms across English and Arabic medium international schools in Malaysia. Through the analysis of six focus group interviews, themes emerged elucidating the importance and benefits of utilizing both English and Arabic languages in IS education. Participants emphasized the significance of bilingualism for enhanced comprehension, communication, and engagement in IS learning. The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating both languages to cater to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students and to facilitate a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings.

For a History-Oriented Approach to Islamic Studies

For a History-Oriented Approach to Islamic Studies

Genre and Genesis: Locating Covenants in the Qurʾān and the Bible

The present article considers the intersection between genre and covenant in scripture in order to locate historical covenants and to trace their complex textual boundaries. Standing on the shoulders of Smith, Wellhausen, and Gunkel, the joint legacy left behind by Martin and Albrecht Noth is equally significant for both Biblical and Islamic studies. Nothian scholarship laid solid foundations for reconstructing the history of tribal traditions. Both of them together created a common frame of reference for studying primary and secondary themes (Themen), literary and documentary forms (Formen), introductory and concluding formulas (Formeln), and theological and political perspectives (Tendenzen), in addition to geographical, transitional, and framing devices (Schemata). In spite of this shared scholarly heritage, it appears that both Biblical and Qurʾānic studies have either been talking at cross-purposes or have reached a critical crossroads, as has happened in the case of covenant. All things considered, genre and tradition criticism allow us to move forward beyond the Methodenstreit in covenant studies.

Islam, Purity, and Modernity

From the 1930s to the 1950s, the Mzab region in the north of the Algerian Sahara, then under French rule, was shaken by controversies over the consumption and lawfulness of European goods. Historians typically analyze these debates as a form of cultural resistance to colonization or as a sign of the allegedly difficult adaptation of “Islam” to “modernity.” They single out two types of reaction: that of self-proclaimed “reformist” scholars and that of “conservatives,” caricatured as shoring up a barren tradition. Based on the case of the Mzab and on a wide range of Islamic legal documents, this article opens up a new perspective on the relations between Islam, modernity, and colonialism, demonstrating that other logics were also at work. For the Islamic scholars involved, the most important issue at stake was the purity of their community and its preservation in a context of cultural and political uncertainty. Using the tools of Islamic law, both advocates and detractors of these “innovations” shaped a particular vision of their community and its boundaries. By bringing together colonial and Islamic sources, and drawing on both colonial and Islamic studies, this article challenges a reading of the modern history of Islam based on notions such as modernity and reform, which were essentially instrumental in these debates. It also moves away from a historiography that is blind to the internal complexity of these societies, drawing attention to the multiple rationales at work in colonized North Africa.

Examining the Implications of Islamic Teacher Education and Professional Learning: Towards Professional Identity Renewal in Islamic Schools

Teachers in Islamic schools are often required to navigate complex identities. They balance personal and/or school-based religious obligations with contemporary secular-based commitments to meet organisational demands for institutional compliance. Behaviourally, the motivations and attitudes of teachers play a vital role in shaping a learning environment that fosters a sense of community and caters to the needs of students. However, recent studies on Islamic education suggest a real struggle in managing such complexities. Consequently, scholars have called for specialized programs to counter such issues, focusing on the need for schools to renew their commitment to promoting educational values, principles and practices that are rooted in the Islamic tradition. Several higher education institutions have responded to this call by establishing programs in Islamic studies and Islamic education. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge of the organisational and behavioural significance of such programs on the professional identity of teachers. Using semi-structured interviews, this article presents findings from four teachers who had completed a postgraduate qualification in Islamic education at an Australian university. The six-phase thematic data analysis, informed by Muslim identity and an Islamic worldview, revealed that secular teacher education provided participants with ‘a license to teach’ but lacked in ‘nurturing a purpose for teaching’. The findings also revealed a distinct connection between Islamic teacher education, professional learning and professional identity, whereby Islamic-based pedagogies ‘enlightened and empowered’ teachers toward becoming ‘faith-centred’ in their professional practice. While the study was limited to four teachers, it contributes knowledge to the Islamic education, organizational and behavioural fields of inquiry in two ways, by underlining that (i) the professional identities of Muslim teachers are shaped by a knowledge-seeking mindset, and (ii) Islamic teacher education and professional learning create pathways towards the renewal of teachers’ professional identities in Islamic schools.

Exploring the foundations of Islamic moral economy: a return to substantive morality

Purpose This paper aims to explore the general flaws in the theorization of Islamic economics, particularly its failure to incorporate substantive morality into its framework. Since a considerable number of Islamic economic studies remain within the bounds of instrumental morality, this paper seeks to propose an alternative understanding of Islamic economics by emphasizing the essential role of Islamic moral economy (IME) through substantive morality. Design/methodology/approach The study critically examines the theorization of Islamic economics through a discursive methodology. The adopted method and strategy allow for the discursive evaluation of conceptual developments within the field of modern Islamic economics. It proposes an authentic definition of IME by outlining its paradigmatic framework of political economy, value system, axiomatic approach and operational principles. Findings Islamic economics has been theorized in a reactive and reflexive manner, aiming to provide an alternative to the neoclassical hegemonic discourse. However, it has largely neglected its inherent moral dimension, focusing instead on instrumental morality and failed to embed substantive morality into its system. By introducing an alternative reading of Islamic economics, this study presents IME as a distinct economic model that centers substantive morality in its theorization. Originality/value This paper contributes to the existing literature by offering a novel perspective on Islamic economics that challenges the prevalent instrumental approach and emphasizes the importance of substantive morality. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding IME as a distinct economic model, thereby enriching the discourse on Islamic economics with an authentic and morally grounded paradigm.

University Students ‘Attitudes toward the Use of Moroccan Arabic and/or Standard Arabic as a Language of Instruction in the Moroccan Educational System Mohammed Rezzaki

The language of instruction is a very debatable issue in Morocco. It is rooted in the Moroccan history since colonization period .It has been controversial during the arabization process which has promoted Standard Arabic (SA) as a language of instruction .In recent years, many voices have risen either to question this process in or to support it. Many attitudes have been raised owing to the historical and current factors that surround this issue. The majority of these attitudes are based on theoretical framework, which has become inadequate way of scientific study, especially in a topic like the langue of instruction. This paper tries to cast light on these attitudes and attempts to construct the grounds from empirical fieldwork trough the use of observation and a questionnaire. The informants are 80 university students of English studies and Islamic studies. The main findings lie in the gap between theoretical and empirical research, the necessity of SA use as a language of instruction in many fields, such as: Islamic studies, the possibility of using reduced Arabic in other domains.

Analisis Hubungan antara Penguasaan Ushul Fiqh dan Tingkat Pemahaman Materi Fiqh di Semester VII Ma’had Aly Imam Bukhari

This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the mastery of Ushul Fiqh and the level of understanding of Fiqh among seventh-semester students at Ma’had Aly Imam Bukhari. Ushul Fiqh is a crucial discipline in Islamic law studies, as it serves as a foundation for understanding and applying Islamic legal rulings. Therefore, the aim of this research is to determine whether mastery of Ushul Fiqh significantly contributes to a deeper understanding of Fiqh. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with several seventh-semester students studying both Fiqh and Ushul Fiqh. Thematic analysis was used to explore the relationship between mastery of Ushul Fiqh and the understanding of Fiqh. The results show a significant relationship between the mastery of Ushul Fiqh and the understanding of Fiqh. Students with a strong grasp of Ushul Fiqh were able to understand Fiqh terms more easily and had better analytical skills in evaluating various scholarly opinions. In conclusion, the mastery of Ushul Fiqh positively contributes to a better understanding of Fiqh. Thus, improving the teaching of Ushul Fiqh is expected to enhance students' comprehension of Fiqh and improve the quality of Islamic education in academic institutions.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dan Peningkatan Kualitas Pendidikan Serta Optimalisasi Potensi UMKM Lokal melalui Produk dan Pemasaran di Desa Besar II Terjun

Independent Community Service (KKN) in Desa Besar II Terjun by students of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra aims to improve the quality of education and optimize MSMEs. Through an in-depth survey, the author identified four main problems: the use of chemicals in agriculture, inappropriate educational curriculum, and less than optimal innovation and marketing of MSME products. The implementation method involves face-to-face (on the spot training) with coordination of village officials, as well as the use of chemical raw materials and promotional media to support marketing. The results of the activity show that the author understands the importance of effective communication in building relationships with the community and gaining valuable experience outside the classroom. MSME actors feel helped by the support of students, while the community feels a more lively village atmosphere. This activity is expected to provide significant benefits for the community of Desa Besar II Terjun and be the first step in sustainable empowerment.

“Neither of the East nor of the West”

What does it mean to do Islamic Studies within Religious Studies? Taking the cue from Thomas A. Tweed's intervention, this article discusses new theoretical and methodological approaches in Religious Studies and their relevance to researching Islam. Such approaches cross geographical, disciplinary, and intellectual boundaries while equally being emplaced in particular socio-cultural contexts that inform their perspectives. In order to overcome statist, normative, and essentialist understandings of Islam, the article explores three key themes: ambiguity, multi-locality, and aesthetics. When we approach the intellectual history of Islam, not only its diversity and plurality become obvious but also its culture of ambiguity, which is at ease with contradictions and inconsistencies. Recent reflections on diaspora religions decentre Islamic Studies from the Middle East and allow for exploring the multiple transnational connections between Muslim minority and majority contexts. Such approaches illustrate the multi-locality of Islam. Finally, the article explores what it means to approach Islam as an aesthetic formation in which rituals as embodied experiences and material sensory culture are central in forging and articulating Muslim individual and collective identities.

Dialektika Pernikahan Anak Perspektif Fiqh dan Undang Undang No. 1 Tahun 1974

The institution of marriage is God's grace in order to maintain the dignity, dignity and dignity of human beings in order to ensure the continuity of human regeneration as a caliph on earth, and in Islamic studies, that a marriage that is the shari'a of God, then in its implementation must be in accordance with the provisions of Islamic teachings, namely it must be in accordance with the terms of marriage, and in the context of social life of the community, the state is present to ensure public order and order social, therefore a law was drafted that discussed marriage, and in the context of Indonesia, there is Law No. 1 of 1974. The existence of marriage rules in the review of shari'i, following the drafting of the Marriage Law, naturally there are differences in some rules that often cause controversy in the midst of social life, for example in the case of early marriage, therefore in this research, we will explore what exactly is the terminology of marriage and early marriage. This research also questions the law of early marriage from the perspective of Islamic fiqh, and also questions the results of the dialectic of al-Islam fiqh and law. No. 1 of 1974 as rules that are present in the midst of the Indonesian Muslim community.This study is a literature research using content analysis techniques to get answers from several references relevant to the title of this study, either references classified from primary sources or from secondary sources

Facilitating Students’ Pronunciations on Plosive Consonant Sounds Through Sephonics Software

This research was about facilitating students’ pronunciations on plosive consonant sounds through Sephonics software. It was done at 3rd semester students of ELT Department of Walisongo State Institute for Islamic Studies in the academic year of 2011/2012. The background of this research was the difficulty in learning pronunciation. This research was aimed to responding the following questions; (1) How was the implementation of using sephonics software for teaching pronunciation (plosive consonant sounds) at third semester students of ELT Department, State Islamic Institute of Walisongo, Semarang? (2) Was there any improvement of students’ pronunciation of plosive consonant sounds after being taught using sephonics software? The participant of this research was the 3rd semester students of ELT Department of Education Faculty, Walisongo State Institute for Islamic Studies, Semarang that consisted of 28 students. It was a classroom action research that had two cycles. They were pre-cycle, cycle 1, and cycle 2. The use of sephonics software was used in cycle 1 and cycle 2. The methods of data collection were test and observation in all cycles. The test form was reading aloud that asked students to pronounce some words that contained plosive consonant sounds. Then, the result of test scores was analyzed by using mean to determine whether there was an improvement in each cycle. This study showed that: (1) the first thing that the teacher needed to do to use this software as a teaching aid was that he or she must conduct the class in a language laboratory. If it was not possible, the teacher could conduct the class in a regular classroom by providing several computers or laptops. Then, the students must be grouped based on the number of the computers. The second thing was that this was CALL learning based; the teacher might explain how to use the software in order that the students could practice by themselves outside of class schedule. (2) After collecting data, the result was found that the average (mean) of pre cycle test was 69. Then, it had very significant improvement in cycle 1 and cycle 2. It became 98.7 from cycle 1 test and 99.6 from cycle 2 test. It meant that the research was successful to improve the students’ pronunciation abilities. In conclusion, Sephonics software was successful to facilitate students’ pronunciations on plosive consonant sounds.

Improving Student Accessibility and Engagement with Applications as Learning Media in the Digital Era

This research aims to improve student accessibility and engagement in Islamic religious education through the development of a mobile application named AGAMIS (Aplikasi Gawai Mahir Agama Islam). The study was conducted at the Department of Business Administration, Politeknik Negeri Samarinda, focusing on Generation Z students who are highly accustomed to digital technologies. Using the ADDIE model for instructional design, the research adopted a Research and Development (R&D) approach to create an interactive platform offering features such as learning materials, quizzes, and discussion forums. After implementation and testing, the results showed a significant increase in student participation, motivation, and understanding, with 70% of the students demonstrating improved comprehension of the course content. This suggests that AGAMIS is an effective tool for enhancing student engagement in religious education. The findings contribute to the ongoing efforts in integrating technology in education, especially in the context of Islamic studies, and provide a foundation for future research in developing digital learning media.

Karakteristik Fisik Arsitektur Islam pada Bangunan Masjid di Kecamatan Curup Tengah Kabupaten Rejang Lebong

This study explores the characteristics of Islamic architecture in Curup Tengah, an area with geographic, cultural, and traditional contexts distinct from the origins of Islamic architecture in Arabia. This study focuses on the adaptation of Islamic architecture to local contexts and community needs, as well as its influence on the appication of Islamic architectural elements in mosques. This study aimed to analyze and describe the characteristics and implementation of Islamic architectural elements, including domes, minarets, calligraphy, geometry, floral motifs, prayer halls, mihrabs, pulpits, porticos, ablution areas, study spaces, ventilation and natural lighting. The methodology employed is qualitative research with a descriptive comparative approach, utilizing data collection through observations, interviews, questionnaires, and relevant literature reviews. The finding indicate that mosques in Curup Tengah generally lack minarets and instead optimize doors and windows for natural ventilation, avoiding the use of artificial cooling systems. The application of Islamic architectural elements in these mosques remains limited, with only eight to twelve of the total thirteen elements being implemented. This research enhances the understanding of how Islamic architectural elements are applied and offers valuable insights for future mosque design in Curup.

Strategi Guru dalam Membina Akhlak Mulia pada Siswa di Sekolah

This research aims to map the strategies used by teachers in fostering noble morals in students at Negeri 74 Bandung Junior High School, especially to overcome the problem of juvenile delinquency which often occurs. This research approach is qualitative using the case study method. Data collection techniques used include observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation analysis. Primary data was obtained through interviews with teachers and related parties, while secondary data was collected from various relevant literature. To analyze the data, this research applies steps such as data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions, and verification which ensures the validity of the findings. The data validation technique used is triangulation. The results of this research show that the moral development strategies implemented in schools include: The five-minute movement program for reading the Al-Qur'an before studying, extracurricular reading and writing of the Al-Qur'an, the habit of doing dhuha prayers in congregation, express Islamic boarding schools, Islamic studies, connecting lesson material with good morals, as well as providing rewards and coaching. The strategies through these programs are quite effective in dealing with various forms of student delinquency. These findings highlight the importance of the proactive role of teachers and close collaboration between schools and parents in creating an educational environment that is conducive to the development of better student morals

Strategi Komunikasi Pondok Pesantren dalam Menyosialisasikan Moderasi Beragama: Persepsi Masyarakat Aceh Singkil terhadap Upaya Deradikalisasi

As a religious country, Indonesia recognizes 6 (six) religions and provides the right and equal position in the law to carry out their respective beliefs, Besides that, Indonesia which adheres to Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is not all understood by the community in all aspects, so that there is a potential for conflict or conflict. understood by the community in all aspects, so that the potential for conflict or grouping each other into a problem in grouping each other into a problem in the territory of a unitary state, for this reason, religious moderation activities that are promoted by the government become an important activity and even this activity is also carried out by the government. important activities and even this activity is also carried out in the Islamic boarding school by displaying various traditions from Christianity. by displaying various traditions from Christianity. Research with the Title Socialization of religious moderation in Islamic boarding schools in the view of the Aceh Singkil community. Aceh Singkil is a qualitative research, aims to find out how the community views the Religious Moderation Socialization activities socialization activities carried out in Islamic boarding schools, which in fact have been understood as the center of Islamic studies. as the center of Islamic studies. From the results of the research conducted at least can be conclusions can be drawn (1) Religious Moderation Socialization activities are good activities to unite the Indonesian nation (2) Religious Moderation Socialization activities carried out in the Indonesian nation (2) Religious Moderation Socialization activities in Islamic boarding schools are not a problem because they support the policies of the Islamic Boarding School. Pesantren is not a problem because it supports Government Policy (3) Appearances and Cultures that violate Islamic Sharia and Special Traditions for other religions are seen as less beautiful in the Islamic Boarding School. Other religions are considered less Appropriate to be displayed in Islamic Boarding Schools.

The Integrative Paradigm of Sufi Psychology

The ontology and epistemology of Sufism are key elements in Islamic studies. Sufi psychology, as part of Sufism, essentially falls within the framework of Islamic psychology. This research aims to explore Sufi psychology and explore how these concepts can be integrated into modern psychological approaches. This research uses a qualitative method, with data collection through a literature study. The collected data were then analyzed through three stages: reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results show that in logic, this relationship is known as the correlation between particularity and universality (al-Umum wa al-Khusus Mutlaqan). However, in its development, Sufi Psychology focuses more on esoteric aspects, perennialism, and inclusivism. Unlike Islamic psychology in general, Sufi Psychology has been developed by scholars outside the Islamic tradition, such as figures in transpersonal psychology, including Robert Frager (Chairman of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology), Lynn Wilcox, James Fadiman, and Arthur Deikman. They develop the concept of tasawwuf by integrating Sufi knowledge with empirical contributions from modern psychology, resulting in a holistic approach to psychology, both in terms of ontology, axiology, epistemology, and methodology.

Preparing Adaptive Graduates, Islamic and Professional in the Era Society 5.0

Abstract. The evolution of Society 5.0, characterized by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), necessitates that Islamic higher education institutions adapt to these changes. General Background: The Faculty of Islamic Studies at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) aims to produce graduates who possess both Islamic values and professional competencies, particularly in AI. Knowledge Gap: However, there is a lack of curricula that effectively integrate AI with ethical considerations rooted in Islamic teachings. Aims: This paper proposes a development plan to enhance curricula, faculty competencies, and the responsible integration of AI. Results: The findings emphasize the need for graduates to collaborate effectively with AI while maintaining ethical standards. Novelty: This study introduces a strategic vision for 2032, focusing on innovative curriculum design and faculty development in line with Islamic principles. Implications: By equipping graduates with the necessary skills and ethical awareness, this framework ensures the relevance of Islamic education in a technologically advanced society, preparing them for future challenges with integrity and competence. Highlights: Curriculum Integration: Emphasizes the need for curricula that blend AI skills with Islamic ethical teachings. Graduate Competence: Aims to prepare graduates for collaboration with AI technologies while upholding professional integrity. Strategic Vision: Proposes a framework for 2032 focused on innovation and adaptability in Islamic higher education. Keywords: Profesional, Islamic Value, Adaptation, Era Society 5.0, Artificial Intelligence, Curriculum Development

FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ CHOICE OF ISLAMIC STUDIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

The purpose of the study was to find out what factors influence students' decisions to study Islamic studies in secondary schools in Ilorin, Kwara State. The researchers choose to use the descriptive research method. A questionnaire was utilised to gather data. The study's population consisted of 20 students who were picked from 10 schools using the simple random selection technique. The validity of the instrument was determined by experts in Islamic Studies, measurement, and evaluation. The gathered data was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage were employed to present the demographic data of the respondents, answer research question one and ANOVA was also employed to address the research hypotheses that were formulated. The study findings indicate that parental influence, teachers' attitude, teaching techniques, and the use of technology (instructional media) are the elements that determine students' selection of Islamic studies in secondary schools in Ilorin. The study also found that gender had no impact on students' views of the factors that drive their choice of Islamic studies. Consistent with the findings of the study, parents were recommended to actively promote and inspire their children to opt for Islamic education. Teachers are strongly encouraged to continue using effective teaching methods and providing support to their pupils, while also having a positive and friendly relationship with them.