Mafatih Journal of Islamic Studies (MJIS)
Mafatih Journal of Islamic Studies (ISSN 3109-9300) is a peer-reviewed and open access journal published by Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Tarbiyah Miftahul Ulum Bangkalan. The journal is published twice a year, always placing Islamic studies as the main focus of academic inquiry. The journal covers a variety of subjects, ranging from eight main topics: (1) the Qur’an and hadith (2) Islamic Law (3) Islamic Theology (Kalam) (4) Islamic Philosophy (5) Islamic Psychology (6) Islamic Mysticism (Tasawwuf) (7) Islamic Education (8) Islamic Communication and Propagation (Dakwa) and (9) Islamic Politics, to modern and contemporary developments including such issues as democracy, gender, and human rights as well as social and cultural practices in the Muslim world and societies.
Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Tarbiyah Miftahul Ulum Bangkalan
The Qur’anic Paradigm of Organizational Culture: A Thematic-Hermeneutic Study of Surah al-Fātiḥah
This study explores Surah al-Fātiḥah as a Qur’anic paradigm for constructing a spiritually grounded and ethically robust model of organizational culture. The purpose of this research is to reinterpret al-Fātiḥah through a thematic–hermeneutic approach, uncovering seven interrelated Qur’anic values that can serve as the foundational framework for contemporary organizational culture within an Islamic worldview. The research integrates classical tafsīr sources—such as Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-‘Aẓīm by Ibn Kathīr, Tafsīr al-Marāghī by Aḥmad Muṣṭafā al-Marāghī, and the modern interpretation Tafsīr al-Mishbah by M. Quraish Shihab—with modern organizational theories proposed by Edgar H. Schein and Stephen P. Robbins. Findings indicate that al-Fātiḥah contains seven Qur’anic pillars - God Awareness, Self Awareness, Giving Awareness, Vision, Purpose & Mission, Values, and Behavior each corresponding to one dimension of organizational culture. These pillars represent an integrated structure linking spirituality, ethics, and professionalism in a balanced form. The research concludes that al-Fātiḥah provides a holistic moral epistemology for developing organizational culture, reconciling faith-based principles with modern management paradigms. The originality of this study lies in its development of a Qur’anic Organizational Culture Framework, an integrative model that unites theological depth with practical management relevance, offering a new paradigm for leadership and organizational development rooted in divine consciousness.
Qur’anic values; organizational culture; al-Fātiḥah; Islamic management; hermeneutics; value-based leadership; spirituality at work
Copyright (c) 2026 Mafatih Journal of Islamic Studies (MJIS)
Focusing on Ideological Transmission: Religious Ideology Transmission in Indonesian Islamic Schools: Mechanisms, Actors, and Social Consequences
Islamic educational institutions in Indonesia face growing pressures as competing religious factions transform learning environments into arenas of doctrinal struggle. This research sought to investigate the channels through which religious ideologies are conveyed within school settings, evaluate the pedagogical elements involved, and examine the consequences arising from factional competition. Using a qualitative methodology that combined phenomenological and sociological lenses, data were gathered from school administrators, educators, students, and members of local communities. The research employed in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis across three geographically distinct regions: Aceh, West Sumatra, and Yogyakarta. Findings reveal that educational institutions transmit religious teachings through formal classroom instruction, organized curricula, and teaching materials. Beyond the classroom, ideological transmission takes place through religious rituals, extracurricular programs, institutional regulations, and organizational culture. This process of ideological propagation generates divergent scriptural interpretations among students and fosters denominational divisions between various factions, thereby intensifying theological polarization across broader society. The doctrinal rivalry embedded within Indonesia's Islamic schooling system constitutes a pressing challenge that demands immediate attention to safeguard educational quality and support the holistic development of learners and their communities.
Religious Ideology, Islamic Educational Institutions, Dissemination, Contestation
Comparative and Critical Analytical Studies of the Application of the Priority Rules of Tafsir bi al-Ma'tsûr to Tafsir bi al-Ijtihâd in the Classical and Contemporary Tafsir Tradition
This study examines comparatively and analytically the application of the principle of "priority of tafsir bi al-ma'tsûr over tafsir bi al-ijtihâd" in classical and contemporary tafsir traditions. This rule is one of the important methodological principles in the interpretation of the Qur'an which emphasizes the authority of history as the main source. The research uses a qualitative approach with literature studies and comparative analysis of three representative books of tafsir: Jâmi' al-Bayân by al-Ṭhabari (classical), Tafsîr Al-Qur'ân Al-'Azhîm by Ibn Kathir (medieval classic), and Al-Tafsîr al-Munîr by Wahbah al-Zuhaili (contemporary). The results of the study show that this rule is not absolute, but rather an epistemological principle that is recommended. The classical mufasir placed the tafsir bi al-ma'tsûr as the main foundation, but still made room for rational ijtihad. In contemporary traditions, its application is more flexible by integrating linguistic, historical, and maqâshidî approaches. The main finding of this study is the formulation of a new rule: "It is permissible to take precedence over tafsir with al-ijtihâd as long as it does not contradict it, even if there is a history that interprets it." This rule emphasizes that the relationship between the two approaches is complementary, not dichotomous.
tafsir bi al-ma'tsûr, tafsir bi al-ijtihâd, methodology of tafsir, classical tafsir, contemporary tafsir
The Concept of Harmonious Family in the Qur'an: Comparative Study of Interpretation by M. Quraish Shihab and Amina Wadud
This study examines the concept of harmonious family in the Qur'an through a comparative study of the interpretation of M. Quraish Shihab and Amina Wadud. The research focuses on the analysis of family verses that are often debated, especially the concepts of qiwâmah and nusyûz, which in classical interpretation are often seen as gender-biased. Using the library research method with a thematic interpretation approach (maudhu'i) and comparative analysis (muqârân), this study shows that the classical interpretation of ath-Thabarî and al-Qurthubî displays a pattern of hierarchical relations born from patriarchal contexts. In contrast, contemporary interpretations offer a different alternative: Shihab interprets qiwâmah as a moral mandate by emphasizing the principles of sakînah, mawaddah, wa rahmah and deliberation, while Wadud deconstructs hierarchical structures and defines nusyûz as a mutual disharmony. The research synthesis formulates four main indicators of a harmonious family: egalitarian reciprocal relations, ethical-participatory leadership, deliberation in decision-making, and transcendental spirituality as the foundation.
Harmonious Family, Classical Interpretation, M. Quraish Shihab, Amina Wadud, Gender Equality
Prophethood of Maryam in the Qur'an: Comparative Study of Tafsīr Al-Mīzān with Tafsīr Al-Mishbāh
This study examines the issue of Mary's prophethood in the Qur'an through a comparative approach between Tafsīr Al-Mīzān by Sayyid Muhammad Husain Thabāthabā'ī and Tafsīr Al-Mishbāh by M. Quraish Shihab. Prophethood is one of the principles in Islam, including the issue of female prophethood that continues to squirm in the world of interpretation. The scholars responded to this issue by producing two different attitudes: some were in favor and some were rejected, each with its own arguments. This research aims to discuss the existence of the issue of women's prophethood in the intellectual tradition of Islamic scholars, then explore how the issue of the prophethood of Maryam is present in the two interpretations, and identify the reasons why this issue is accommodated by the two Indonesian mufassir. The methods used are maudhū'ī (thematic) and critical-comparative analysis methods with a philosophical-qualitative approach. The results of the study show that there are two camps in responding to this issue. The camp that rejected Mary's prophethood was represented by Ibn Katsir, Fakhruddin al-Razi, al-Ash'ili, and al-Qusyairi, while those who accepted it were represented by al-Qurthubi, Ibn Hazm al-Andalusi, Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani, and Abu Bakr al-Tujibi al-Qabri. The issue of Mary's prophethood is contained in Tafsīr Al-Mīzān and Tafsīr Al-Mishbāh, especially when discussing Surah Āli-'Imrān/3: 42. This study confirms that Mary was not a prophet in the conventional sense of nubuwwah, although she had prophetic categories such as revelation, maksuman, and extraordinary privileges.
Prophethood of Maryam, Tafsīr Al-Mīzān, Tafsīr Al-Mishbāh, Gender Equality, Revelation, 'Ishmah
Poverty Alleviation Solutions in the Qur'an: Perspective of Tafsir al-Ibrîz by KH Bisri Musthofa
This research aims to examine the concept of poverty in the Qur'an through the perspective of Tafsir al-Ibrîz by KH Bisri Musthofa, as well as the solutions offered through the interpretation of verses related to poverty. The research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods and library research based on thematic interpretation (maudhu'i). The primary data source is Tafsir al-Ibrîz li Ma'rifat Al-Qur'an Al-Azîz by KH Bisri Musthofa, while the secondary source includes various literature related to poverty, interpretation, and Islamic socio-economic studies. The results of the study show that Islam does not justify a person choosing poverty as a way of life in the name of religious teachings. The Qur'an through the perspective of Tafsir al-Ibrîz offers eleven solutions to poverty alleviation, which include positive commandments in the form of: increasing human resources, working hard, helping, deliberating, feeding, infak, issuing zakat, and distributing ghanimah and fai'; and prohibitions in the form of: usury, monopoly and hoarding of wealth, as well as extravagant behavior. The relevance of this interpretation is very significant in the Indonesian context, considering the high poverty rate faced by the majority of Indonesian Muslims and the need for a contextual and solution-based approach based on Qur'an values.
Poverty, Al-Qur'an, Tafsir al-Ibrîz, KH Bisri Musthofa, Poverty Alleviation
Criticism of the Interpretation of the Lenyepaneun Scriptures on the Practice of Sea Alms in the Context of the Purification of the Sundanese Faith
This article examines the criticism of the interpretation of the Lenyepaneun Scriptures by Moh. E. Hasim on the practice of the sea alms tradition in the context of the purification of the faith of the Sundanese people. The tradition of sea alms is an expression of local culture that has been firmly rooted and inherited from generation to generation, but in practice it often contains symbolic elements that have the potential to contradict the principles of monotheism. This research aims to analyze the views of Lenyepaneun's interpretation of the tradition and its implications for strengthening the Islamic faith of the Sundanese people. The research method used is qualitative-descriptive with a library research approach, through the analysis of Lenyepaneun tafsir texts, Qur'anic verses related to faith, and literature review about the tradition of sea alms. The results of the study show that the Lenyepaneun interpretation emphasizes the importance of purifying the faith through the affirmation of the value of monotheism and the rejection of ritual practices that contain elements of shirk, superstition, and superstition. However, this interpretation also opens up space for cultural approaches by reinterpreting traditions to be in harmony with Islamic values without eliminating local cultural identity. This study emphasizes that the purification of the faith does not always require the elimination of traditions, but can be done through a process of education, transformation of meaning, and wise da'wah in accordance with the socio-cultural context of the Sundanese people.
Purification of faith, Interpretation of the Scriptures, The tradition of sea alms, the Sundanese Society, The Local Wisdom of Islam
Strategies for Fostering Students' Learning Behavior in the New Normal Period at SMP PGRI 1 Ciputat, South Tangerang
The new normal period after the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes in the learning system and learning behavior of students in Indonesia. The shift from conventional face-to-face learning to an online, then hybrid learning model, requires a thorough adaptation from all education stakeholders, including schools, teachers, learners, and parents. This study aims to describe the strategy of fostering students' learning behavior during the new normal period at SMP PGRI 1 Ciputat, South Tangerang. The research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving school principals, teachers, and students as informants. Data analysis uses the Miles and Huberman model through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion/verification. The results of the study show that the strategy of fostering students' learning behavior is carried out through three phases: pre-pandemic (face-to-face learning with moral development based on religious activities), pandemic period (online learning with strengthening the role of parents and teachers as motivators), and the new normal period (limited face-to-face learning with health protocol discipline). The main strategies implemented include the application of school discipline, habituation of positive behavior through religious activities, providing motivation to learn, strengthening the role of teachers as role models, and cooperation between schools and parents. These strategies have been proven to help students adapt to changes in the learning system and improve discipline and learning responsibility. This study recommends that learning behavior coaching needs to be carried out in a sustainable, integrated, and inclusive manner so that the goals of national education can be achieved optimally in the new normal era.
Learning behavior coaching, new normal, learners, educational strategies, COVID-19
Qur’an’s Solutions to Sexual Harassment and Handling in Islamic Educational Institutions: An Ethical, Legal, and Character Education Approach
Sexual harassment in the educational environment is a serious problem that threatens human dignity, the psychological safety of students, and the noble goals of Islamic education. Ironically, these cases also occur in educational institutions based on Islamic values. This paper aims to analyze the solutions of the Qur’an in efforts to prevent and handle sexual harassment in Islamic educational institutions through three main approaches, namely Qur’anic ethics, Islamic law, and character education. This research uses a library research method with a thematic approach (maudhu’ī) to the verses of the Qur’an and hadith related to self-respect, social manners, and justice. The results of the study show that the Qur’an lays a strong foundation in the form of the protection of honor (ḥifẓ al-’irḍ), control of views and orgasms, the prohibition of approaching adultery, and the command to uphold justice. These values must be integrated into the curriculum, institutional policies, and school culture through character education that emphasizes piety, shame (ḥayā’), and moral responsibility. Thus, the Qur’an not only serves as a normative source, but also as a practical guideline in realizing a safe, dignified, and protection-oriented Islamic educational environment.
Qur’an; sexual harassment; Islamic education; Qur’anic ethics; Islamic law; character education
Analysis of Ikhtiyār in Qiraat: Its Relevance to the Originality of the Qiraat of the Qur’an
This study concludes that ikhtiyār in Qiraat is an important concept related to the selection process of scholars in determining a recitation of the Qur’an. Ikhtiyār has two opposing sides. On the positive side, it functions as a validation instrument in determining the acceptance or rejection of a reading, so that it becomes an important mechanism in maintaining the authenticity of the Qur’an while maintaining the diversity of Qiraat that is inherited from generation to generation. However, on the other hand, ikhtiyār also has the potential to cause misunderstandings, especially when it is considered to show a difference between Qiraat mutawātir. The interesting thing about this Thesis is an in-depth explanation of how the mechanism of Ikhtiyār can shape the legitimacy of a Qiraat, as well as what implications it has on the sustainability of the science of qiraat itself. Thus, this study not only examines the technical aspects of Ikhtiyār, but also photographs its role in maintaining the purity of the Qur’anic reading. In addition, this research is also directed to respond to various accusations of orientalists who often view the variety of qiraat as a weakness in the transmission of the Qur’an. Through this study, it is shown that the difference in Qiraat is actually a wealth of reading traditions based on scientific authority, not weaknesses as perceived by outsiders. The findings in this study show that the variety of Qiraat al-Qur’an has an authentic source, namely from Allah Swt., not the result of engineering or creation of Qiraat scholars. This is in line with the view of the majority of scholars who affirm that differences in Qiraat are part of the diversity of history that is revealed mutawātir through the path of authentic narration. This view differs fundamentally from the argument of some orientalists who consider that the diversity of Qiraat only arises due to the role of Qiraat scholars in creating variants of reading. According to them, the main source of the difference is solely due to the form of the initial mushaf that has not been equipped with harakat and dot marks, thus opening up space for reading interpretation. Methodologically, this study uses a qualitative approach with a library research method combined with grounded theory design. Through this approach, various classical and contemporary literature on Qiraat and ikhtiyār are examined, and then a framework of understanding that emerges from the data itself is developed.
Qur’an, Ikhtiyâr, Qiraat, Orientalist, Islam
Copyright (c) 2025 Mafatih Journal of Islamic Studies (MJIS)
The Effectiveness of Headmaster Communication in Improving Teacher Performance Motivation in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah
Communication is a fundamental element in educational leadership that plays a strategic role in shaping organizational culture and improving institutional performance. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of communication of school principals in increasing teacher performance motivation in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Effective communication is seen as a strategic instrument in educational leadership because it plays a role in building mutual understanding, trust, and commitment to teachers' work. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection techniques were carried out through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The research informants included school principals, senior teachers, and junior teachers of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah who were selected purposively. Data analysis was carried out with the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing following the Miles and Huberman model. The results of the study show that open, persuasive, and participatory communication by school principals is able to increase teacher performance motivation, which is reflected in increasing discipline, responsibility, and quality of learning implementation. The communication patterns used include vertical and horizontal communication with a dialogical approach. In addition, effective interpersonal communication between principals and teachers contributes to creating a conducive and harmonious work climate. The findings of the study indicate that the frequency of communication, information openness, and responsiveness of school principals are positively correlated with the level of teachers' work motivation. This study concludes that the effectiveness of communication principals has a significant role in increasing teacher performance motivation in Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, which in turn has an impact on improving the quality of learning.
Communication of school principals, motivation of teacher performance, educational leadership, madrasah ibtidaiyah, effectiveness of communication.
Analysis of the Impact of Spin-Off Policies on the Financial and Operational Performance of Sharia Life Insurance Companies in Indonesia
The sharia life insurance industry in Indonesia has undergone a significant transformation since the enactment of the spin-off policy through Law Number 40 of 2014 concerning Insurance and POJK Number 11 of 2023 which requires Sharia Business Units (UUS) to separate from conventional parent companies. This study aims to analyze the impact of spin-off policies on the financial and operational performance of Islamic life insurance companies in Indonesia. The research method uses a quantitative approach with panel regression analysis and multiple linear regression on financial statement data for the 2017-2024 period from 29 sharia life insurance companies. Financial performance variables are measured through Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and asset growth, while operational performance is measured through gross contribution, operating expense, and revenue. The results of the study show that spin-off policies have a non-uniform impact on company performance. In the short term, spin-offs cause increased operational costs and pressure on efficiency due to the need to fulfill new capital, infrastructure, and human resources. However, in the medium to long term, companies that have good structural and managerial readiness are able to take advantage of the spin-off momentum to increase profitability and asset growth. Case studies on Allianz Life Syariah and Prudential Sharia Life Assurance confirm that internal company factors such as management strategy and resource readiness are more decisive for post-spin-off success than external factors. This research provides theoretical contributions in enriching the sharia economics literature related to the effectiveness of spin-off policies, as well as practical implications for regulators in refining supporting policies and for companies in designing adaptive strategies to face industry competition.
Spin-off, Sharia Life Insurance, Financial Performance, Operational Performance, Regulation, ROA, ROE
Educating and Protecting Children with the Qur’an
This article examines the values of the Qur’an related to the protection of children through the approach of tafsir maudhu’i. This research identifies Qur’anic terms related to children such as ibn, walad, bint, shabi, thifl, and gulam to uncover the concept of child protection in Islam. The Qur’an describes human development through several stages from sulalat min al-thin, nuthfat, alaqat, mudhgat, iksa al-lahm, to the period of birth, childhood, adulthood, and old age. From this disclosure, elements related to the basic needs of children were obtained, including physical-biological, psychological, sociological, and religious needs. The research uses the method of maudhu’i interpretation and critical-comparative analysis with a philosophical-qualitative approach. The results of the study show that the Qur’an strongly emphasizes the importance of maintaining children’s lives and maintaining their survival through the fulfillment of physical and non-physical needs. The Qur’an provides a progressive view by removing discriminatory practices against girls that occurred during the period of jahiliyah. Girls get their rights on par with boys including the right to inheritance, education, and a decent life. The emphasis of the Qur’an is awareness in the household as the initial environment for children’s growth and development, the role of society in nurturing and respecting children, and the responsibility of the state in protecting children’s rights as a fulfillment of Allah’s commands.
Child protection, Qur’an, tafsir maudhu’i, children’s rights, Islamic education
Intrapersonal Communication Based on Qur’an Values in Managing Stress
Stress is a psychological condition that is often experienced by individuals due to the pressures of personal, social, and professional life, and has the potential to disrupt mental and spiritual balance. One approach that can be used to manage stress is intrapersonal communication, which is the process of an individual’s internal dialogue in understanding and responding to their life experiences. This article aims to examine intrapersonal communication based on Qur’anic values as an approach to managing stress. This study uses a qualitative method with a library research approach through thematic analysis of Qur’anic verses related to self-control, patience, dhikr, tafakkur, and tawakal, and supported by psychology and communication literature. The results of the study show that the internalization of Qur’anic values in intrapersonal communication plays an important role in forming a positive mindset, increasing self-awareness, and helping individuals manage emotions and stress adaptively. Intrapersonal communication based on Qur’anic values also contributes to creating inner peace, strengthening psychological resilience, and maintaining mental-spiritual balance. As such, this approach is relevant as a holistic and contextual stress management strategy in dealing with the challenges of modern life.
Intrapersonal communication, Qur’an values, stress management, mental health, Islamic psychology.
Who Speaks on Behalf of God in Law? Critical Reflections on Maqāṣid and Wasiat Wājibah for Non-Muslim Heirs in Indonesia
This study investigates how divine authority within Indonesian Islamic law is being reconstituted through a critical epistemological lens that combines maqāṣid principles with Derridean deconstructive methods and Foucault's analysis of power-knowledge relationships. Moving beyond traditional frameworks that conceptualize divine authority as an unchanging, timeless quality inherent in legal scripture, the research contends that assertions of authority within Islamic jurisprudence emerge through discursive construction and institutional bargaining shaped by particular historical and political circumstances. With Indonesia as its focal point, the study explores the mediating role of fatwā-issuing bodies and Religious Courts in articulating legal authority within a context marked by plural legal systems and increasing expectations for meaningful justice. This epistemological approach is applied to analyzing the reinterpretation of wasiat wājibah (obligatory bequest) as it pertains to non-Muslim inheritors—a doctrinal evolution that illustrates Indonesia's unique approach to Islamic law within its religiously diverse society. Employing qualitative textual examination and genealogical methodology, the research reveals how deconstructive analysis dismantles fixed dichotomies including divine/human authority and text/context, while maqāṣid al-sharīʿah furnishes normative guidance for ethical reformulation centered on justice (ʿadl), public welfare (maṣlaḥah), and human dignity (karāmah). Results indicate that Indonesian Islamic legal application, especially judicial creativity in inheritance matters, represents a fluid and contextually responsive balancing act between doctrinal commitment and societal conditions. By conceptualizing Islamic law as a developing ethical conversation rather than immutable divine prescription, this research makes theoretical contributions to Islamic legal philosophy and empirical contributions to comprehending contemporary Islamic legal transformation in Indonesia. The study provides insights relevant to fatwā development, judicial interpretation, and wider discussions concerning Islamic law, pluralism, and governance throughout Southeast Asia.
Critical–Maqāṣid Epistemology, Derridean deconstruction, Foucauldian power, Wasiat wājibah, Islamic legal reform
Islamic Education and Stunting Prevention: Integration of Parenting, Nutrition, and Child Protection
In Indonesia, the challenge of stunting among children under five years of age continues to pose a critical threat to national development, as this condition severely hampers both physical growth and cognitive development. Through the lens of Islamic educational principles, researchers have undertaken a comprehensive examination of how stunting prevention and child welfare protection can be addressed more effectively. Using phenomenological research methods, this investigation employed qualitative techniques including comprehensive interviews and documentary analysis, with particular focus on academic perspectives from lecturers at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. The research methodology was designed to capture and analyze the complex social dynamics surrounding stunting issues within Indonesia’s cultural and religious context. The research findings paint a concerning picture: Indonesia’s stunting rates continue to exceed those of comparable middle-income nations, creating cascading effects that include compromised intellectual development, elevated health vulnerabilities, and reduced potential for future economic contribution. These outcomes underscore the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies. The study’s conclusions emphasize that combating stunting and protecting children’s welfare must be treated as interconnected national priorities requiring coordinated implementation approaches. This integration is essential for safeguarding children’s futures and upholding their fundamental right to quality education. From an Islamic educational standpoint, the research demonstrates that these prevention efforts align naturally with Islamic teachings, which stress the fundamental importance of providing appropriate care and ensuring access to halal, nutritious food sources. This religious framework recognizes that such provisions directly support both physical health and psychological development in children. The research ultimately advocates for incorporating Islamic educational principles into national stunting prevention policies, arguing that this integration would promote more comprehensive child development outcomes.
Application of Communicative Methods to Improve the Istima’ Skills of Students in the Arabic Language Education Study Programme
The ability to istima’ (listen) is a fundamental skill in learning Arabic that requires a proper methodological approach. This study aims to analyze the application of communicative methods in improving the istima’ ability of Arabic Language Education Study Program students. This study used a quasi-experimental design method with a quantitative approach involving 60 third-semester students who were divided into experimental groups and control groups. The research instruments include istima’ ability tests, learning observations, and student response questionnaires. The data were analyzed using a t-test to find out the significant differences between the two groups. The results showed that the application of the communicative method had a significant positive impact on improving students’ istima’ abilities with a t-count value (4,852) > t-table (2,001) at a significance level of 0.05. The experimental group that used the communicative method showed an average score increase of 23.5% from pre-test to post-test, while the control group only increased by 8.3%. Further analysis revealed that communicative methods are effective in improving contextual understanding, auditory response speed, and student learning motivation. The implications of this study suggest the application of communicative methods as the main alternative in learning Arabic in higher education.
Majlis Taklim as a Bridge of Da’wah: Promoting Moderate Islamic Values in Australia’s Multicultural Society
This study analyzes the role of majlis taklim as a bridge of da’wah in carrying moderate Islamic values in the midst of Australia’s multicultural society. Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, the study was conducted in three major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth) through phenomenological and ethnographic methods. The findings of the research show a significant transformation in the da’wah approach of majlis taklim from a doctrinal model to a contextual-dialogical one. This transformation includes three main dimensions: the contextualization of da’wah materials that integrate Islamic values with the realities of Australian life, a revolution in learning methodologies from one-way lectures to participatory discussions, and multilingual communication strategies that accommodate the diversity of participants’ backgrounds. The internalization of wasatiyyah (moderate Islam) values was the main focus of learning, with 87% of participants reporting an increased understanding of the practice of moderate Islam in daily life. The strategy of building interfaith harmony is carried out through a dual-track approach that includes internal strengthening and external outreach programs, resulting in 78% of non-Muslim respondents reporting an increase in positive understanding of Islam. The study identified three main challenges: negative stereotypes, resource limitations, and the generational gap. Majlis taklim successfully developed an adaptation strategy that demonstrates the resilience of Australia’s Muslim community in achieving successful integration without sacrificing religious identity. The theoretical contribution of this research is the concept of “contextual da’wah” that enriches the contemporary da’wah literature, while its practical contribution provides a model that can be replicated by minority Muslim communities in other multicultural countries.
Turkish Secularism through the Ages: From Separation to a Religious Free State
Early modern Turkey embarked on a process of secularisation aimed at separating the state from religious influence. However, despite the marginalisation of Islam, religion remains a significant social force in the country. This raises a number of key questions: What is the nature of Turkish secularism? How can religion have an influence in the context of a secular state? And what are the forms and orientations of secularism in Turkey? This research aims to answer these questions through a comprehensive study of the idea, history, and orientation of secularism in Turkey. The research method is conducted by reviewing documents and previous studies related to Turkish secularism, with critical and chronological analyses from the beginning of its implementation to the current period. The findings show that Turkish secularism initially did not simply separate the state from religion, but rather positioned the state as a controller of religion. The harsh nature of this approach led to the emergence of a more liberal version of secularism, which was in line with democratic principles and freed religion from strict state control. Turkish secularism under the current regime is different from the previous one, characterised by the more visible manifestation of religion (Islam) in the public sphere, although the state still maintains its secular principles. This research argues that Turkey’s current model of secularism has the potential to be a reference for other Muslim countries that are still facing conflicts over the relationship between religion and the state.
A Return of Faith in Muslims: The Decline of Islamophobia in The United States
Recently, there has been a decline in anti-Islam or Islamophobia among the global community, including the Muslim community in the United States. Concrete evidence of this development can be seen in the permissibility of Muslims performing religious rituals in public spaces and the increasing number of Muslim representatives in the legislative and executive branches of government. This research explores the factors that led to the reduction of Islamophobic sentiments in New York, United States, during the period 2017-2023. Hostility towards Islam, which reached its peak after 11 September, is now showing a significant downward trend, especially in the period 2017-2023. This study uses a qualitative research method through a literature review, gathering information from academic publications, electronic journals, and other reliable sources such as digital news media. The results of the study identify a variety of factors causing this decline, including socio-cultural aspects, changes in population composition, and political dynamics that favour better acceptance of Islam in America. Especially since Joe Biden took the helm of the country, the reduction of Islamophobic attitudes has become more evident, especially in the political sphere.
The Hijrah Phenomenon and Shifting Religious Preferences: Religious Expressions of Urban Muslims in Contemporary Islamic Law Practice
This research examines the issue of understanding and religious practices in urban Muslim communities in Bandung in the field of muamalah. The reality of religion in urban Muslim communities has a different character from other religious communities. The linkage between the reality of modernity, Islamicity, and identity makes a model of the distinction of contemporary Muslim religious practices. This study is based on field research with a phenomenological approach. Data were obtained by participatory observation in several mosques spread across Bandung. As is known, mosques are the production base of religious discourse for urban Muslim communities and routinely hold a number of religious studies. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with a number of worshipers. Secondary data came from research, journals, books, and other. This article concludes that urban Muslim identity is shown by migrating from practices that contain elements of usury and choosing halal products. The discourse cannot be separated from the social construction of urban Muslims through studies in these urban mosques and their social media. In this context, hijrah has become one of the trends in giving birth to new nuances and perspectives of any Islamic legal thought, which is an annotation of old works. Such changes in preferences have placed the discipline of Islamic law, specifically muamalah fiqh, into one of the expressive spaces of the Muslim community.
When Religious Freedom is Taken Away: The Current State of Minorities in Pakistan
This research examines the state of religious freedom of minorities in Pakistan through a qualitative approach using a systematic review of empirical literature over the last fifteen years. Pakistan, as a country with a 96.4% Muslim population, has various religious minority groups, including Hindus (1.6%), Christians (1.4%), Ahmadiyya, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Parsi who face a hostile environment. Although the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, promised religious freedom in his speech on 11 August 1947, the reality shows that religious minorities have experienced systematic discrimination since the adoption of the 1949 Objective Resolution. This research analyses the condition of minorities from the perspectives of the constitution, legal implementation, and social practices. The findings show that religious minorities in Pakistan face various forms of discrimination ranging from limited access to basic services, employment discrimination, religion-based violence, forced conversions, blasphemy accusations, to premeditated murder. Pakistan’s constitution limits the political rights of minorities, with only Muslims able to become President and Prime Minister. Although the Pakistani government has signed various international human rights treaties and announced various minority protection policies, implementation on the ground is far from adequate. Blasphemy laws have become instruments of repression that threaten minorities with the death penalty. This research concludes that religious minorities in Pakistan suffer from multiple forms of discrimination and systematic oppression that not only violate human rights but also threaten social cohesion and Pakistan’s image of pluralism in international eyes.