International Journal of Islamic Studies Higher Education

Governance and Curriculum Adaptation in Kutubussalaf Education: A Case Study of Darussalam Islamic Boarding School

2026-05-14T08:50:15+00:00

This study investigates the governance and curriculum adaptation of Kutubussalaf education within Darussalam Islamic Boarding School, emphasizing how classical Islamic scholarly traditions are preserved while selectively responding to contemporary educational demands. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through direct observation, institutional document analysis, and in-depth interviews with 12 purposively selected informants, including the kyai, teachers, administrators, and students. Data analysis utilized the Miles and Huberman interactive model, enabling a comprehensive understanding of pesantren governance and curriculum practices. The findings reveal that governance is implemented through a traditional-participatory management model, with the kyai serving as the central authority in scholarly and strategic decision-making. Curriculum planning and implementation are not strictly based on formal documentation but are embedded in scholarly traditions, daily practices, and pesantren culture. Adaptation occurs contextually through adjustments in the depth of kitab content, flexible teaching methods, and the strengthening of scholarly forums such as bahtsul masail to address contemporary religious issues. The study concludes that Kutubussalaf governance enables the integration of classical kitab curriculum with flexible scheduling, teaching methods, and role distribution among educators, offering practical insights for other salafiyah pesantren in designing curriculum decision-making mechanisms and teacher management while maintaining classical scholarly structures.

The Implementation of Shadow Movement Games in Islamic Early Childhood Education for Developing Gross Motor Skills

2026-05-09T07:59:02+00:00

Gross motor development is a crucial aspect of early childhood growth related to the ability to perform physical movements such as coordination, balance, and agility. One approach that can be used to stimulate these skills is through movement-based games that directly involve visual experiences and physical activity. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of shadow movement games in developing gross motor skills in young children. This study employed a qualitative method using a case study approach. Data were collected from 15 children in Group B at an Islamic kindergarten through observation, interviews with classroom teachers, and documentation of learning activities. Research subjects were selected purposively, considering the children’s engagement in learning activities. The data obtained were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis technique to identify the children’s gross motor development. The results of the study indicate that the use of shadow movement games enhances children’s engagement and active participation in learning. Children demonstrated higher enthusiasm in imitating movements through body shadows, which positively contributes to gross motor development, particularly in the aspects of coordination, balance, and agility. The implications of this study suggest that shadow movement games can be utilized by early childhood educators as an innovative learning strategy to increase children’s physical activity in a targeted manner and to develop multisensory learning models that are more adaptable to the needs and learning characteristics of young children.

Integrating Local Wisdom into Moral Education: Development of an Akidah Akhlak E-Module

2026-05-09T12:25:51+00:00

Akidah Akhlak is an essential component of education, particularly in shaping students' character. However, challenges such as monotonous teaching methods and the lack of engaging digital learning resources reduce students' interest. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a local wisdom-based Akidah Akhlak e-module, using "Gelamai" as a source of inspiration for local cultural values. The e-module teaches commendable and reprehensible moral behavior linked to local cultural values relevant to students' daily lives. The study involved content validation of the e-module by experts, effectiveness measurements through comparisons of pre-test and post-test scores, and practicality evaluations based on feedback from teachers and students. The results indicate that the e-module is highly valid and effective, with significant improvements in students' test scores and positive N-Gain values. Teachers and students found the e-module practical and engaging. These findings demonstrate that a local wisdom-based e-module can enhance students' motivation and understanding of Akidah Akhlak, while contributing to the development of individuals with noble character and social responsibility. The e-module is expected to serve as a more engaging and relevant learning model for students, helping them face global challenges while preserving noble local values.

The Role of Teachers’ Microexpressions in the Internalization of Empathy in Early Childhood at Islamic Educational Institutions

2026-05-29T12:47:08+00:00

Empathy is a social-emotional skill that is important to develop in young children to help them understand others’ feelings, interact positively, and exhibit prosocial behavior. This study analyzes the role of teachers’ microexpressions in fostering empathy in young children using a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected from six teachers directly involved in the learning process using participant observation, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and documentation, and were subsequently analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis model. This study was conducted at an Islamic early childhood education institution in Indonesia, making the findings relevant to the context of Islamic education. The results revealed five dominant forms of teachers’ microexpressions: smiles, warm gazes, firm expressions, responses to children’s emotions, and enthusiastic or empathetic expressions. These microexpressions function as nonverbal stimuli that help children recognize emotions, understand social situations, and adjust their behavior through mechanisms of observation, imitation, and repeated interactive experiences. These findings confirm that teachers’ microexpressions play a crucial role in creating positive emotional experiences and fostering the internalization of empathy in young children.

An Analysis of Customer Perceptions of Service Quality in Islamic and Conventional Banks

2026-06-24T03:19:59+00:00

This study compares customer perceptions of service quality between Islamic and conventional banks and examines whether significant differences exist in the services provided by the two systems. The research is motivated by differences in operational principles and service approaches that may shape customer evaluations. A comparative quantitative method was employed, with data collected through questionnaires distributed to purposively selected respondents. Prior to analysis, validity, reliability, normality, and homogeneity tests were conducted, followed by an independent sample t-test. The findings reveal significant differences in customer perceptions: conventional banks are perceived as superior in service speed, operational efficiency, and technological utilization, reflecting their stronger performance in delivering fast and accessible services. In contrast, Islamic banks demonstrate strengths in compliance with Sharia principles and customer care, highlighting their commitment to ethical practices and personalized relationships. The discussion emphasizes that efficiency and ease of access are primary determinants of perceived service quality. In conclusion, both banking models possess distinct advantages that can be leveraged to design service improvement strategies tailored to customer needs and expectations. These insights provide practical guidance for bank management in enhancing customer-oriented services while reinforcing the competitive strengths of each system.

Authentic Character Construction: Buya Hamka’s Critique of Self-Commodification in Digital Personal Branding

2026-06-08T14:09:11+00:00

The digital era has encouraged young generations to construct identity through personal branding on social media, often leading to self-commodification and a crisis of authenticity. This study aims to critically analyze self-commodification in modern personal branding and to explore Buya Hamka’s ethical educational concept of personal as its antithesis. Employing a qualitative library research method with content analysis, the study draws upon primary sources from Hamka’s works on moral education and secondary literature on personal branding, commodification, and dramaturgical theory. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model comprising reduction, display, and verification combined with thematic coding to identify key categories such as authenticity, commodification, and moral integrity. Triangulation of sources and techniques was applied to strengthen validity. The findings reveal that personal branding commodifies identity as symbolic capital, contrasting with Hamka’s paradigm of inner integrity, spiritual freedom, and moral harmony. Synthesizing Hamka’s philosophy, Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, and the discourse of self-commodification, this research proposes a theoretical construct of “authentic character” as a pedagogical model for contemporary Islamic education. This construct emphasizes moral integrity and identity unity, offering a relevant response to the challenges of digital culture.

Implementation of Sharia Business Ethics in Ijarah Financing for Islamic Banking Sustainability

2026-06-24T03:18:07+00:00

The rapid expansion of Islamic banking underscores the need to integrate Sharia business ethics with sustainability principles, positioning ijarah-based financing as a pivotal mechanism for ensuring fairness and transparency in asset utilization. Despite its normative strength, a persistent gap exists between the conceptual framework of Sharia business ethics and its practical application. This study investigates the values of Sharia business ethics, explores the implementation of ijarah financing, evaluates the alignment between theory and practice, and examines the role of ijarah in advancing sustainability within Islamic banking. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research was conducted at the Medan-Serdang Branch Office of Bank Sumut. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Thematic findings reveal that institutional practices of honesty, fairness, transparency, and trustworthiness are embedded in ijarah financing, particularly through the ijarah muntahiyah bittamlik scheme. However, limited customer understanding of Sharia business ethics perpetuates a gap between normative ideals and practice. The study concludes that ijarah financing contributes to sustainability by fostering productive economic activities, expanding equitable access to financing, and strengthening public trust. These findings imply that enhancing Islamic financial literacy and internalizing ethical values are critical to optimizing the sustainability impact of Islamic banking.

Asy-Syura in Islam: Ethical-Political Foundations and Democratic Relevance in Tafsir al-Munir

2026-05-09T14:24:40+00:00

This study examines the concept of Asy-Syura (consultation) in Islam and its relevance to democratic values, with reference to Wahbah al-Zuhaili’s interpretation in Tafsir al-Munir. The research is motivated by the significance of consultation as a principle in building an Islamic civilization that is just, participatory, and respectful of human dignity as social beings. Employing a qualitative approach through library research, Tafsir al-Munir serves as the primary source, supported by secondary literature on Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic political thought, and democracy. The findings reveal that al-Zuhaili interprets Asy-Syura as a fundamental principle in Islamic law, functioning to regulate decision-making and prevent authoritarianism in governance. In his perspective, consultation embodies not only spiritual and social dimensions but also political implications that encourage participation and justice in societal management. Consequently, Asy-Syura can be understood as an ethical-political foundation that aligns with democratic values within the framework of Islamic governance.

Customer Trust and Profit Sharing Transparency in Enhancing Mudharabah Contract Growth

2026-06-25T02:35:41+00:00

This study investigates the influence of customer trust and profit-sharing system transparency on the growth of mudharabah contracts in Islamic banking. The research was motivated by fluctuations in customer participation and concerns regarding the clarity of profit-sharing mechanisms. Using a quantitative survey approach, data were collected from 100 customers through structured questionnaires. Instrument validity and reliability were tested, followed by classical assumption checks and multiple linear regression analysis to examine both partial and simultaneous effects of the independent variables. The findings reveal that customer trust (X1) significantly and positively affects the number of mudharabah contracts (Y), indicating that integrity and professional service strengthen confidence in sharia-compliant products. Likewise, transparency of the profit-sharing system (X2) exerts a significant influence, as accessible and clear reporting reduces uncertainty (gharar) and enhances customer security. Simultaneously, the synergy between trust and transparency accelerates contract growth. These results imply that strengthening transparency and customer trust is essential for sustainable mudharabah development. Practically, the study contributes to advancing Islamic financial literacy and reinforcing public confidence in mudharabah as a transparent, fair, and sharia-compliant financing instrument.

Reconstructing the Intellectual Biography and Contributions of Abdullah Ahmad to Islamic Modernism in Indonesia

2026-06-08T05:25:25+00:00

This study aims to reconstruct the intellectual biography, thought, and contributions of Abdullah Ahmad to the development of Islamic modernism in Indonesia. Previous scholarship has largely emphasized his role in Islamic educational reform, while his broader intellectual trajectory and multidimensional contributions remain underexplored. Employing a qualitative approach with content analysis, this research draws upon ten scholarly articles addressing Abdullah Ahmad, Islamic education, and Islamic modernism in Indonesia. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis using the framework of Miles and Huberman, encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal Abdullah Ahmad as a multifaceted figure scholar, educator, journalist, and Muslim intellectual whose thought integrated religious and secular sciences, modernized educational systems, introduced innovative teaching methods, utilized print media, and promoted a scientific culture. His major contributions include the establishment of the Adabiyah School as a pioneering model of modern Islamic education and the dissemination of reformist ideas through journalistic activities. The study concludes that Abdullah Ahmad’s legacy extends beyond educational modernization to the broader formation of Islamic modernism in Indonesia. The implications highlight the enrichment of Indonesian Islamic intellectual historiography by linking biography, thought, and reformist contributions within a comprehensive framework.