Religious Education Research Articles

‘Justice before god’: critical Islamic education based on the work of Tariq Ramadan

ABSTRACT The field of Islamic education has traditionally focused on devotional practices that emphasise rote memorisation and adherence to established doctrines. However, increasing demands for educational frameworks that prepare students for life in multicultural and secular societies, prompt interest in critical Islamic religious education (CIRE). The work of controversial Swiss-born scholar Tariq Ramadan offers significant contributions to this discourse, providing theoretical foundations and practical insights to support CIRE. This paper examines Ramadan’s use of concepts like jihad, umma, ijtihad, maslaha and maqasid to develop an approach which balances faith with criticality and social context, focusing on the potential contributions of Ramadan’s work to curriculum development, pedagogical practices and the theoretical underpinnings of Critical Islamic Religious Education.

Powers of knowledge in secondary religious education curricula of Sweden, England and Finland

ABSTRACT What might the powers of knowledge in religious education (RE) be; what knowledge and abilities does RE provide to pupils in lower secondary education? These questions are asked through this study of curriculum contexts in England, Sweden and Finland. The three iterations of the subject are similar enough to compare—yet different enough for the character of each to emerge when they are juxtaposed and ‘mirrored’ in each other. This comparative approach allows us to explore what kinds of powers RE, represented in written curricula, aims to foster in each context. This is simultaneously an exploration of the nature and raison d’etre of RE as a school subject. The purpose of RE is examined via analysing lower secondary curriculum documents with the theoretical lens of powerful knowledge. Overall, the curricula focus mostly on providing information about religions and worldviews. However, this knowledge is used for developing powers that were identified as having different emphasis in each context. The Finnish curriculum emphasizes students’ personal and ethical development, the English curriculum has the strongest weight on academic knowledge and the Swedish curriculum concentrates on developing students’ intercultural competence and understanding of societies.

Awareness of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Paying Zakat: Case Study of Borneo Palm Oil Plantations Samudera Langkon, Marudu, Sabah Malaysia

Zakat is a fundamental obligation for Muslims, as one of the five pillars of Islam. Therefore, every Muslim must pay zakat annually during the holy month of Ramadan. This research aims to explore the awareness of Indonesian migrant workers regarding the payment of zakat. This study primarily examines the extent of awareness among migrant workers regarding their zakat obligations. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews and participatory observations with migrant workers across various industries in Malaysia. The findings reveal that most respondents exhibit a strong awareness of their zakat obligations as a religious duty. Factors such as religious education, personal experiences, and the social environment at the workplace significantly influence the level of awareness. The implications of these findings offer insights for relevant institutions to develop educational and promotional programs aimed at enhancing awareness and compliance with zakat payments among Indonesian migrant workers. This study concludes that religious education, personal experiences, and the social environment at the workplace play a crucial role in shaping migrant workers' awareness of their zakat obligations, and understanding these factors can help design more effective interventions.

Understanding and cultivation of nature connectedness in China: An analysis of national moral education school textbooks for primary students

ABSTRACT Most of the research about nature connectedness has been conducted in Western countries and is characterised by dualism between humans and nature. This article examines how China understands and attempts to foster children’s connection to the natural world. Analysis of the current moral education primary school textbooks in China reveals that the principal way in which the relationship between humans and nature is portrayed is that humans are seen as an intimate part of nature. Nature is seen as beautiful, living, mysterious and wise. The textbooks do not advocate, as Western scholars often do, taking children outdoors to experience and connect with wilderness. Instead, they guide children to ‘discover nature’ within their own living environment, even within human-made objects, fostering an understanding that nature is omnipresent and integral to human existence. They assert that the improvement of human life and of nature are not in tension but intricately linked.

Development and Usability of Children Electric Kit for Investigation Projects (CEKFIP)

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Religious, Arts and Mathematics (STREAM) education in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is one of the strategies to nurture 21st century learning skills mainly on critical and creative thinking skills. Now a days, we are lacking of complete Teaching & Learning (T&L) kits or materials that meet National Preschool Standard Based Curriculum 2017 which emphasizes STEM / STEAM / STREAM elements, lacking of T&L kits that focuses on a particular theme especially electrical theme and transportation theme and also time constraints of teachers in preparing special kits according to the specific theme. Thus, this study aims to develop a complete T&L kit that focuses on electric theme and transportation theme through STEM / STEAM / STREAM approaches. This kit is named as Children Electric Kit for Investigation Projects (CEKFIP). This kit is suitable for pupils Ages 5+, consists of 16 projects in 1 Kit (Electric Theme and Transportation Theme), suitable for exploration and investigation projects, can enhancing knowledge, enjoyable with new experience of learning, support STEM, STEAM and STREAM education program, safety materials, easy to use, attractive and cost effective.

Dini Savadsızlıqla Mübarizə Üsulları

The stability of every society is closely tied to the proper establishment of its ideological foundations. In this context, religious education is of great importance, especially today, when conflicts are widespread. A lack of religious education and growing ignorance often lead to the rise of religious radicalism and extremism. The ideological, political, economic, and spiritual damage caused by these forms of extremism is profound. Religious ignorance is a key factor contributing to this issue. However, the teachings of our religion, promote peace, mercy, consideration, and moderation. The social organization of religion and establishment of religious institutions make great contributions to promoting religious ideas in a healthy way and allows people to be religiously more educated. Therefore, the Quran, Islamic tradition, and the wisdom of intellectuals emphasize the significance of religious education in numerous instances. The main purpose of writing this article is to partially explore the methods of combating religious ignorance. Although the topic is new, it addresses one of the most important issues of modern times. Based on the conducted research, emphasizing the importance of religious education, organizing secondary and higher religious education, valuing education as a moral virtue, preparing sound religious literature, learning lessons from the harm caused by religious ignorance, and encouraging specialists working in the field of religious education are considered some of the most important and effective methods in the fight against religious ignorance. This article has been studied in a descriptiveanalytical manner and based on content analysis. Additionally, it is considered an interdisciplinary study, as it encompasses the subjects of religious education, history, sociology, and the Quran.

Out of Balance: Moving Beyond Anti-Racist & Anti-Oppressive Education

ABSTRACT Debates over the nature of social work education are not new. What is new, however, comes from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) injection of critical pedagogy into social work education through “anti-racist” and “anti-oppressive” competencies laid out in the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). As a result, social work classrooms have become dedicated to fostering moral directives at the cost of practical skills. Students’ hard-earned money is now thrown away as they sit through lessons of stereotyped, pessimistic “moral education” rooted in “luxury beliefs,” leaving them unprepared for the complexities of practice and failing thousands of clients across the United States in the process. I speak from experience: I am part of the first cohort of MSW students educated under the new 2022 EPAS framework. Indeed, I neither close my eyes to the grave realities and suffering associated with social disadvantage, nor do I deny the enduring realities of racial difference in the United States. However, I hope this paper illuminates how my MSW education was hollowed out at a state university. I also offer several recommendations to rebalance anti-racist and anti-oppressive education, grounding future training in principles of cognitive liberty, adversarial collaboration, and substantive tolerance.

Reconstruction of Islamic Religious Education Curriculum in Building Moderate Student Character in the Digital Era

Reconstruction of Islamic Religious Education Curriculum in Building Moderate Student Character in the Digital Era

The enduring entertainment and moral applications of myths in Antigone and The Magic Lotus Lantern

Myths are more than just entertainment; they serve as vehicles for moral education and cultural connection. This study examines the enduring relevance of myths by analyzing Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Antigone alongside the Chinese folktale “The Magic Lotus Lantern.” Although rooted in distinct historical and cultural contexts, these myths share universal themes, such as the tension between natural and civic laws, the importance of filial piety, and the resilience of their protagonists in confronting moral dilemmas. The article explores how myths engage audiences across mediums, fostering collective joy, emotional resonance, and cultural engagement while providing a foundation for moral reflection. Additionally, it highlights how the universal values embedded in these myths— such as courage, justice, and love—bridge cultural divides, promoting empathy and cross-cultural understanding. By comparing Antigone and “The Magic Lotus Lantern,” this study reveals the multifaceted roles of myths as both sources of entertainment and moral exemplars. These timeless stories continue to shape human behavior and ethical reasoning, imparting lessons that resonate across generations and societies.

KH. Ahmad Dahlan and the Muhammadiyah Movement

KH. Ahmad Dahlan, born Muhammad Darwis in 1868 in Yogyakarta, was a scholar, educator, and reformer who founded Muhammadiyah in 1912. He was concerned with education and religious understanding among Indonesian Muslims, who were lagging. Muhammadiyah aimed to advance education, health, and social welfare by establishing schools that integrated religious and secular knowledge. Before Muhammadiyah, education in Indonesia was dominated by traditional pesantren and madrasah, with less relevant methods to contemporary developments. KH. Ahmad Dahlan introduced modern teaching methods that encouraged critical thinking and understanding. This study employs a literature review method to explore the contributions of KH. Ahmad Dahlan and the Muhammadiyah movement are transforming education in Indonesia. Data were collected from academic journals, books, conference papers, and credible online sources discussing the history, philosophy, and influence of KH. Ahmad Dahlan and Muhammadiyah. The research findings indicate that KH. Ahmad Dahlan and Muhammadiyah brought significant changes to Indonesian education by integrating religious and secular education, using the Indonesian language as the medium of instruction, emphasizing character education, and promoting gender equality. Muhammadiyah also introduced modern teaching methods and holistic social services. These contributions have enhanced access to and quality education, strengthened national identity, and influenced national education policies. This study provides a deep understanding of the pivotal role of KH. Ahmad Dahlan and Muhammadiyah, in educational reform, offer valuable lessons for the future development of the education system.

Development of a church education module for childless marriages

The purpose of this study was to produce a module for Christian marriages that do not yet have children. This research is a development study using the Rowntree model. The product testing stage begins with validation by material experts, design experts, and language experts. After revisions, the product was tested on a number of Christian married couples who do not yet have children, specifically 3 respondents for individual trials and 25 people for field trials. The results of the study showed an average score from material experts of 4.06, indicating that the product was considered very good; from design experts, 4.46, also indicating that the product was considered very good; and from language experts, 4.45, which means that the product was considered very good. At the trial stage, the average result at the individual test stage was 4.84, indicating that the product was considered very good, and at the field trial stage, 4.41 was also considered very good. Based on interviews with pastors, very good results were obtained with an average score of 4.5. This Christian Religious Education Module in the Church for Christian couples who do not yet have children is worth using.

Theoretical Implications for the Core Knowledge of Islamic Religious Education in the Disruptive Era

Theoretical Implications for the Core Knowledge of Islamic Religious Education in the Disruptive Era

Islamic religious education and state school policies in France and Senegal

ABSTRACT This article examines the proponents of Islamic education in the daaras of Senegal and private Muslim schools (PMSs) in France, with a particular focus on government education reforms in the early 2000s. Empirical data was gathered through interviews with association leaders, headmasters, and teachers of Islamic Religious Education in both the daaras and PMSs. This was complemented by an analysis of educational policies through a socio-historical lens, exploring the intersection of the State-led modernisation project of the daaras in Senegal with the emergence of PMSs in France. This approach highlights the challenges faced in two education systems shaped by the conflicting legacies of French colonial school policies. Additionally, the study focuses on the various forms of mobilisation by Islamic stakeholders. It examines how these actors operate in contexts of tension with the State. The analysis places particular emphasis on their engagement in favour of Islamic religious education within national education systems.

The Impact of the Internet Era on Ideological and Political Education for College Students and Countermeasures

The rapid development of the internet era has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to ideological and political education for college students. The internet not only enriches information sources and broadens students' access to knowledge but also enhances ideological and cultural diversity and openness, allowing students to freely express and share their thoughts. However, the virtual and anonymous nature of the internet also leads to complex information environments and diversified moral values, posing severe challenges to the stability and authority of traditional ideological and political education. This paper deeply analyzes both the positive impacts of the internet on ideological and political education, such as enhancing ideological interaction, promoting autonomous learning, and driving innovative educational models, as well as its negative effects, including the spread of misinformation, cyber violence, and moral degradation. Based on this analysis, the study identifies the major difficulties and bottlenecks faced by ideological and political education today. Accordingly, countermeasures and suggestions are proposed, including: building a more comprehensive online ideological and political education platform, promoting the digitalization and interactivity of educational content; improving teachers' internet application skills to strengthen their guiding role in the online environment; fostering students’ autonomous learning ability and participation awareness in the online context, enhancing their ability to discern and select online information; and strengthening online moral and legal education to regulate students' online behavior. This paper aims to provide valuable references and insights for the innovation of ideological and political education in the new era.

The Principal's Role in Improving the Quality of Islamic Religious Education in Junior High Schools/MTs

This study aims to analyze the role of the school principal in efforts to improve the quality of Islamic religious education at SMP PGRI 2 Selagai Lingga. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that the principal plays a significant role as an educator, supervisor, and manager through programs such as Quranic reading sessions, dhuha prayer, and religious sermons designed to improve student morality. Additionally, the principal involves the teaching council in supervision and skill enhancement, including the use of technology in learning. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of the principal's role in creating a conducive and integrated educational environment based on Islamic principles.

The Sociological Impact of Youth Restiveness on Christianity in Mushin, Lagos State

Youth restiveness is a significant issue in 21st-century Nigeria, impacting national growth and development. It manifests in immoral behaviours like cultism, prostitution, sexual assaults, street violence, gambling, looting, drug addiction, and child trafficking. This menace has impacted the Mushin environment of Lagos State, posing threats to the physical and spiritual development of Christianity in the local government and affecting life, properties, religious organisations, and corporate existence in the area. This research utilised participant observation and archival search methods to study youth restiveness, especially its effects on Christianity in the Mushin Local Government of Lagos State. A study involving 1,000 parishioners of Holy Trinity Anglican Church and United African Methodist Church in Mushin, Lagos State, with the distribution of 500 questionnaires, found that youth restiveness is influenced by factors such as lack of parental upbringing, unemployment, poverty, corruption, gangs, and ecclesiastical negligence. This leads to depletion in church membership, cultism, sexual discrepancies, extortion, family breakdown, drug abuse, human trafficking, and a bleak leadership future. The research advocates for comprehensive programs, including physical and spiritual ones, to address youth restiveness and its sociological concerns. It suggests parents as role models and the church as a catalyst for policy shaping and evangelization. The Nigerian government should prioritise education, research, and empowerment, including moral education and civic engagement. School administrators should adopt appropriate managerial styles to curb restiveness and immoral acts. The church should also enhance youth and women's status.

Religious Education and the Development of Individual Subjectivity from the Perspective of Neo-Thomistic Philosophy of Education

education, with religious education representing a significant dimension of this process. The current analysis aims to problematise the relationship between religious education and the development of individual subjectivity. This analysis is conducted through the lens of the neo-Thomistic philosophy of education, which facilitates the formulation of the concept of human subjectivity and its development. To this end, three distinct concepts of religious education, derived from three general educational paradigms, are identified. The analysis leads to the conclusion that confessional education, which focuses on fostering relationships between maturing individuals and God, provides a reference point for decisions that may oppose social structures that undermine the dignity of their participants.

Improving the Quality of Islamic Education for Early Childhood through the Role of the Family

This research aims to analyse the role of the family in improving the quality of Islamic religious education for early childhood. Through a qualitative approach with a literature study method, this research examines how parents and other family members form an environment that supports early learning of Islam. The researcher collected information and data from various relevant written sources, such as books, journal articles, research reports, and other sources related to this topic. The results show that the role of the family in Islamic religious education is very significant, especially in providing examples, habituation, and the introduction of Islamic values from an early age. With parents' active involvement in teaching daily worship and guiding morality according to Islamic teachings, children tend to show a better understanding of religious values and Islamic behaviour. This study suggests the need for a mentoring programme for families in early childhood religious education to strengthen the synergy between families and educational institutions.

Філософія довіри К. Е. Льоґструпа як основа морального виховання в освітньому середовищі

The article is dedicated to the exploration of the philosophy of trust by the Danish thinker and theologian Knud Ejler Løgstrup (1905–1981) as a founda­tion for moral education in the educational environment. The author emphasizes key concepts proposed by K. E. Løgstrup, such as the “ethical demand” and trust, which are considered not only as interpersonal phenomena but also as funda­mental components of moral formation. Particular attention is given to the role of trust in the teacher-student relationship, which contributes to the development of moral consciousness, empathy, and responsibility. The article's author emphasizes the relevance of the ideas of the Danish philosopher, who remains relatively unknown to Ukrainian readers, as well as their significance for contem­porary Ukrainian pedagogy, particularly in the context of shaping a humanistic educational space where trust serves as a prerequisite for ethical education. The article also highlights the practical application of K. E. Løgstrup’s philosophical ideas in the educational process, specifically in fostering interdependence and moral responsibility among participants in the educational process. In this con­text, the philosophy of trust takes a central place, stressing the unconditional na­ture of the “ethical demand” and the necessity of assuming responsibility for the Other. The philosophy of trust in education plays a vital role in the development of life skills such as critical thinking, social interaction, and moral maturity. It fos­ters the creation of conditions for the conscious formation of individuals capable of navigating contemporary challenges and contributing to the construction of a just and sustainable society. Thus, the phenomenon of trust is not only a theoreti­cal concept but also a practical tool for enhancing a unique educational existence in the modern world. Trust is a social reality that cannot be reduced merely to a phenomenon, as it emerges from human relationships and intertwines with our actions and daily lives.

Peran Lagu Islami pada Perkembangan Spritual Anak Usia Dini di RA Arafah Sipolu-Polu Kecamatan Panyabungan Kabupaten Mandailing Natal

This study aims to determine the role of Islamic songs in the spiritual development of early childhood in RA Arafah Sipolu-polu, Panyabungan District, Mandailing Natal Regency. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method. The data used in this study include observations, interviews and documentation. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. The results of the data analysis show that Islamic songs have a role in helping early childhood in introducing the concept of divinity and religion, understanding and values of Islam, increasing love for Allah and the Messenger, getting used to worship from an early age, providing peace of mind to those who listen to it, and helping in the formation of character and morals in early childhood. Supporting factors include the active involvement of teachers and parents, the use of appropriate media, and a supportive learning environment. Conversely, inhibiting factors include a lack of support from parents, limited access to appropriate songs, and a lack of understanding of the importance of songs in early childhood learning. Islamic songs contain various spiritual values that help children understand and practice religious teachings. Some of the spiritual values contained in Islamic songs include: Faith Education, Worship Education and Moral Education