Tag: Articles

  • Strategies of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Implementing Students’ Noble Character

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    This study aims to analyze the strategies employed by Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in implementing students’ noble character (akhlak mulia), describe the implementation of affective learning in fostering students’ moral development, and identify the supporting and inhibiting factors encountered in the process at MTs Al Qodiri IV Jember. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving the principal, Islamic Religious Education teachers, homeroom teachers, and students. The collected data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings reveal that PAI teachers implement noble character education through exemplary behavior (uswah hasanah), religious habituation, advice (mau’idzah hasanah), and persuasive supervision. The implementation of affective learning reflects Thomas Lickona’s three dimensions of character education, namely moral knowing, moral feeling, and moral action, which are integrated into classroom instruction and religious school culture. Supporting factors include the pesantren-based environment, teachers’ commitment, and religious habituation programs, whereas inhibiting factors consist of digital media influence, peer pressure, and students’ diverse family backgrounds. This study contributes to the development of character education by presenting an adaptive strategy for integrating affective learning with Islamic values in a pesantren-based formal school, thereby enriching the discourse on Islamic character education in the digital era.

  • Visual-Based Information Technology as a Predictor of Islamic Religious Education Learning in the Merdeka Curriculum

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    Digital technologies are increasingly used to support student-centered instruction under Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum, yet quantitative evidence from Islamic Religious Education (IRE) remains limited. This study examined the association between visual-based information technology and IRE learning. A cross-sectional explanatory survey involved 40 participants (33 students and 7 IRE teachers) purposively selected from one public junior secondary school. Two eight-item questionnaires used a four-point Likert scale, and internal consistency was acceptable for visual-based information technology (Cronbach’s ? = 0.799) and IRE learning (? = 0.778). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, assumption tests, a two-tailed Pearson correlation with 5,000-sample bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrapping, and simple linear regression. Mean scores were 23.80 (SD = 5.85) for visual-based information technology and 24.15 (SD = 5.66) for IRE learning. Regression residuals were normally distributed (W = 0.959, p = 0.150), and no significant deviation from linearity was detected, F(16, 22) = 1.545, p = 0.170. A strong positive correlation was found, r = 0.861, p < 0.001, BCa 95% CI [0.764, 0.929]. Visual-based information technology significantly predicted IRE learning, B = 0.833, SE = 0.080, ? = 0.861, t = 10.454, p < 0.001, explaining 74.2% of the variance (R² = 0.742). The findings indicate a substantial association, but causal interpretation is limited by the single-school, cross-sectional, self-report design.

  • A Comparative Study of Al-Farabi’s and Immanuel Kant’s Epistemology on Rationality

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    Rationality is a central theme uniting Islamic and Western philosophical traditions, although the two proceed from different metaphysical frameworks. This paper aims to comparatively examine the epistemology of Al-Farabi (d. 950 CE), known as the “Second Teacher” after Aristotle, and Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), the founder of critical philosophy, regarding the source and limits of human rationality. A qualitative-descriptive library research method with a philosophical comparative approach was used, drawing on primary translated texts and recent scholarship (Abbaszadeh, 2017; Masykur, 2025; P. Müürsepp et al., 2024). The findings show that Al-Farabi views rationality as a graded faculty of the soul that reaches perfection through emanation from the Active Intellect, situating reason within a hierarchical, metaphysically optimistic cosmos in which philosophy and religion converge on the same truth (Suleimenov, 2019; Zeraoui & Gonzalez Uresti, 2021). Kant, conversely, views rationality as the subject’s own structuring activity, organizing experience through a priori forms and categories while critically confining theoretical reason to the realm of phenomena, leaving the noumenal realm beyond its reach (Anderson, 2022; Katrechko, 2023). Both place reason as the primary source of certainty not derived solely from sense experience, yet differ fundamentally in their metaphysical orientation: Al-Farabi’s emanative-cosmic model versus Kant’s critical-transcendental model. This comparison is expected to enrich contemporary Islamic epistemological discourse in dialogue with modern Western philosophy.

  • Guided Inquiry Learning and Students’ Achievement in Islamic Religious Education: A Correlational Study in an Indonesian Islamic Junior High School

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    Guided Inquiry Learning has been widely recognized as a learner-centered instructional approach that promotes active knowledge construction, critical thinking, and meaningful learning. However, empirical evidence regarding its relationship with students’ academic achievement in Islamic Religious Education (IRE) remains limited, particularly within Indonesian Islamic junior high schools. This study aimed to examine the relationship between Guided Inquiry Learning and students’ examination-based achievement in Islamic Religious Education. A quantitative correlational design was employed involving 43 seventh-grade students at SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Boyolali Program Khusus, Indonesia, selected using total sampling. Data on Guided Inquiry Learning were collected through a 25-item validated and reliable questionnaire, while students’ academic achievement was measured using official Islamic Religious Education examination scores. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, assumption testing, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. The findings revealed that Guided Inquiry Learning was not significantly associated with students’ examination-based achievement (? = 0.088; t = 0.568; p = 0.573), explaining only 0.8% of the variance in academic achievement (R² = 0.008). These findings suggest that examination scores may not fully capture the broader educational outcomes fostered by Guided Inquiry Learning, such as critical thinking, conceptual understanding, inquiry skills, and reflective learning. The study contributes to the growing literature by extending Guided Inquiry research to the context of Islamic Religious Education through a correlational approach using examination-based academic achievement as the primary outcome measure. Future studies are encouraged to incorporate broader indicators of learning outcomes and more comprehensive analytical models to better understand the educational contributions of Guided Inquiry Learning.

  • Waqf as an Instrument of Islamic Governance: Advancing Social Justice, Conflict Resolution, and Sustainable Human Development

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    Waqf has been among the most stable institutions in Islamic civilization, used in funding diverse services such as education, health care, social assistance, and public services and administration throughout Muslim societies. Despite this rich legacy, scholarship to date has primarily analyzed Waqf from legal, historical, and financial perspectives, with relatively little emphasis on the role of waqf as a form of governance and a tool for achieving sustainable public policy. This article conceptualizes Waqf as a tool for Islamic governance that can be leveraged to advance social justice, support conflict prevention processes, and achieve sustainable human development. Using a qualitative conceptual research design through an integrative review of literature, the study integrates Classical Islamic Political thought, maqasid al-Shariah, Institutional Governance theory, social capital theory, and Sustainable Development discourse into a multidimensional framework of analysis. This yields the Waqf Governance for Sustainable Development (WGSD) Framework. The study demonstrates how ethically governed waqf institutions can operationalize Islamic governance principles into demonstrable outcomes on human development through investments in such areas as education, health care, entrepreneurship, environment conservation, legal services, social security and community mediation. By reframing waqf from a philanthropic endeavor to a governance institution that complements existing states institutions, while addressing issues of social justice, equity, participation and public benefit, the article provides a new dimension to the waqf literature. The study concludes that reforming waqf governance, professionally managing it, leveraging new technologies and integrating waqf policy into broader public policy creates a potent mechanism for inclusive and sustainable development and lasting peace in Muslim societies.

  • From Political Philosophy to Peace Architecture: Revitalizing Waqf within Islamic Political Thought for Community Security and Conflict Transformation

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    In view of the chronic growth of conflicts, community insecurities, political instabilities, forced displacement, and socioeconomic inequalities in most Muslim societies, there has been a growing interest among academia and policymakers on the capabilities of indigenous governance institutions for sustainable peace and inclusive development. Despite the preponderance of state-centered approaches, liberal peace approaches, and humanitarian interventions in current peacebuilding agendas, much less attention has been paid to the constructive role of Islamic endowment (waqf) institutions as sustainable community security mechanisms and conflict resolution tools. Historically, waqf institution served not only as an institution for public charities but as one of the most robust institutions of Islamic political governance, which financially supports the implementation of policies aimed at developing education, health facilities, administration of justice, construction of public amenities, poverty alleviation, and social welfare thus contributing to social harmony and political stability. However, the waqf governance and conflict transformation functions remain understudied by the contemporary scholarship. This paper presents a conceptual framework that recontextualizes the role of waqf in the broader stream of Islamic political philosophy as an adaptive device in constructing lasting peace architecture. It employs a qualitative conceptual research design drawing from Islamic concepts of Siyasah Shar’iyyah, Maqasid al-Shariah, institution governance theory, and conflict transformation theory to explore this question based on a thorough review and synthesis of classical Islamic jurisprudence, modern scholarly works, and international policy documents. It finds out that Waqf has a great potential institutional capacity to address root causes of conflicts in a peaceful manner through equity-based wealth redistribution, social development, social protection, economic empowerment, mediation, and inclusive governance. The study presents a new model namely: Waqf Peace Architecture Framework (WPAF) that integratively links Islamic political philosophy and modern peace building strategy. It argues that reconstituting waqf as a governance institution rather than just as a charitable institution can foster community resilience, address social inequity, promote social trust and build up social capacity that transforms conflicts sustainably. The research ends with proposing recommendations for comprehensive policy reforms, institutional restructuring, and capacity development initiatives including institutional innovations and Waqf 2.0 in order to bring waqf institution into the current global peace architecture.

  • Rebuilding Communities through Waqf: Restoring Ethical Values and Social Cohesion in Contemporary Muslim Societies

    » Perwakilan: Journal of Good Governance, Diplomacy, Customary Institutionalization and Social Networks

    In the context of present-day challenges in the Muslim world such as erosion of social cohesion, growing moral decay, loss of public confidence, family disruption, disengagement among youth, and widening socio-economic disparities, while much attention has been focused on waqf as an institution to fight poverty, expand education, promote healthcare, and economic empowerment, relatively little work has been done on its function as a civilizational vehicle to reinstate morality and rekindle social bonds. This article, therefore, puts forward an argument for viewing the waqf not as just a pious endowment but as a resilient institutional form that can serve to restore the ethical values and rebuild social solidarity in Muslim communities. Through an extensive library research of classical literature on Islamic history of waqf, and its contemporary research on Maqasid al-Shariah, social capital, community building, etc, this study establishes that waqf has throughout Islamic history been utilized to enhance education, strengthen families, build trust among the general public, reinforce a sense of citizenship, preserve the environment, strengthen collective identity, etc, beyond mere economic well-being. The article then outlines a Value-Centred Waqf Framework to position waqf as a multi-dimensional tool for reinculcating values, rekindling social ties, enhancing public service, and contributing to sustainable development of Muslim communities. Ultimately, this article concludes that a regeneration of waqf by its higher objectives in the Shariah provides a viable practical approach for strengthening Muslim communities from the bottom-up so they can better navigate the social challenges they face in the current global era.

  • The Integration of The Two-Dimensional Pancasila and The Transcendental Values of The Qur’an as A Philosophical Roadmap Towards Golden Indonesia 2045

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    This research is motivated by the realisation that Indonesia is currently navigating a crucial phase on the path to ‘Golden Indonesia 2045’, a pivotal moment that demands not only material progress but also the strengthening of the nation’s ideology, morality and spirituality. Pancasila, as the philosophical foundation of the state, faces serious challenges in practice, where its values are often reduced to mere formal symbols lacking any real transformative power. In this context, the two-dimensional integration of Pancasila with the transcendental values of the Qur’an is viewed as urgent, serving as a philosophical roadmap to guide national development that is just, civilised, and dignified. Qur’anic values such as tawhid, justice, brotherhood, consultation, and trustworthiness provide an ethical-spiritual foundation that is in harmony with the principles of Pancasila, whilst also serving as a pillar in responding to the challenges of globalisation, technological disruption, and moral crisis. The research method employed is qualitative, utilising a library research approach, through the examination of primary and secondary literature comprising the Qur’an and relevant academic studies. Research findings indicate that the integration of the two-dimensional principles of Pancasila and the transcendental values of the Qur’an can strengthen national practice, making Pancasila not merely a political consensus, but also a robust ethical and spiritual guide. This philosophical roadmap guides national development towards Golden Indonesia 2045 so that it is not solely oriented towards economic growth, but also towards the formation of outstanding, just, principled, religious, and globally competitive Indonesian citizens.

  • The Tradition of Ma Anta Do’a in the Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday from the Perspective of Islamic Law Sociology in Ganggo Hilia Village, Bonjol District

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    The Ma Anta Do’a tradition is a local form of celebration of the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) practiced by the Muslim community in Ganggo Hilia Village, Bonjol District, Pasaman Regency. This tradition involves each family’s obligation to bring a jamba (food dish) to the mosque and the restriction of women’s entry after the procession. This study aims to analyze the implementation of this tradition from the perspective of the sociology of Islamic law. The study used a qualitative approach with field research, while data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that this tradition serves as a means of strengthening social solidarity, preserving local culture, and expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, several practices within this tradition raise normative issues, particularly regarding the obligation to bring a jamba and the restriction of women from entering the mosque. From the perspective of Receptie Exit, customary practices must remain in line with Islamic law. Within the concept of ‘urf, the obligation to bring a jamba can be categorized as ‘urf sahih as long as it does not burden the community, while restricting women from entering the mosque has the potential to be ‘urf fasid’ because it contradicts the principle of justice in Islam. This research emphasizes the importance of reconstructing religious traditions while maintaining harmony between local culture and Islamic legal values.

  • Legal Analysis of the Implementation of Government Regulation Number 10 of 1983 in conjunction with Government Regulation Number 45 of 1990 on Divorce Permits for Government Employees with Employment Agreements (PPPK) in Religious Courts

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    Divorce for Government Employees with Employment Agreements (PPPK) often faces controversy regarding the requirement for a superior’s permission letter, although this is not explicitly regulated in national legislation. This study aims to identify and analyze the existence of a superior’s permission letter for PPPK in divorce cases and to analyze judges’ perspectives on the application of this requirement at the Panyabungan Class II Religious Court. This study used qualitative methods with a field research approach. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with five judges (including Chief Justice Dr. Mirwan), court clerks, registration officers, and eighteen PPPK litigants. Secondary data were obtained from official documents such as Chief Justice’s Decrees, service brochures, case summaries, and related regulations. Data analysis was conducted using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion-drawing techniques, while data validity was ensured through source triangulation. The results indicate that court policy requires a superior’s permission letter for PPPK at the registration stage as an administrative requirement. However, in court practice, the majority of judges do not consider this a barrier. Of the 18 PPPK cases from 2021 to September 11, 2025, only one case involved a judge actively requesting a permit. There is a sharp difference in the judges’ perspectives between the analogy with civil servants and the principle of public welfare versus the principle of legality and the protection of individual civil rights. Normatively, a permit for PPPK is merely an internal administrative policy that is not binding as a legal or formal requirement for litigation. This finding reveals a lack of synchronization between policy and practice, as well as potential legal uncertainty. The study recommends the establishment of clear and uniform national regulations to balance the orderliness of civil servant administration with the right of access to justice for PPPK.

  • The Effectiveness of Critical Thinking-Based Learning on the Development of Critical Reasoning of Students at the An-Nur Banjarejo Islamic Boarding School, Blora Regency

    » AL-IMAM: Journal on Islamic Studies, Civilization and Learning Societies

    This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of critical thinking-based learning on the development of students’ critical reasoning skills in the learning of Hadith Arbain Nawawi at An Nur Islamic Boarding School, Banjarejo, Blora Regency. The study was motivated by the urgency of strengthening critical thinking skills in Islamic education amid contemporary educational challenges that require analytical, reflective, and argumentative competencies. This research employed a quantitative approach using a posttest-only control group design. The research sample consisted of 46 MTs-level students divided into an experimental class of 26 students and a control class of 20 students. Data collection was conducted through critical reasoning tests in the form of argumentative essays and HOTS-based case studies related to Hadith Arbain Nawawi materials. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, Levene homogeneity test, and independent sample t-test with a significance level of 0.05. The findings revealed that the hypothesis test obtained a significance value of < 0.001 with a t-value of 4.453. These findings indicate a significant difference in critical reasoning skills between the experimental and control classes. This study concludes that critical thinking-based learning is effective in developing students’ analytical, argumentative, and reflective reasoning skills in the learning of Hadith Arbain Nawawi within the Islamic boarding school environment.