Modernization of Islamic Religious Education: Efforts to Improve the Balance between Religious Knowledge and Science in Madrasah

Muna Hatija, Akhsanul In'am, Khozin Khozin, Faridi Faridi

Abstract


Islamic religious education in madrasas faces a major challenge in balancing religious knowledge and science. If not addressed, this gap can strengthen the assumption that the two are contradictory, whereas in Islam, the two must complement each other. This study analyzes the strategy of modernizing Islamic religious education in madrasas to integrate religious knowledge and science, identifying the challenges of its implementation, and its impact on students. Using a qualitative approach with a case study at MAN Palopo, this study involved principals, teachers, education personnel, madrasa committees, and grade XI IPA students. The results of the study indicate that modernization is carried out through the integration of Islamic and science curricula, project-based learning (PjBL) methods, and contextual approaches. The main challenges include limited interdisciplinary human resources, minimal technological infrastructure, resistance from educators and the community, and lack of supporting regulations. This modernization has a positive impact on increasing scientific understanding, critical thinking, academic achievement, and religious awareness of students. This study recommends interdisciplinary training for teachers, development of technological infrastructure, and flexibility of integration-based curriculum so that madrasas can build a generation that excels academically and religiously

Keywords


Modernization, Islamic Education, Balance of Knowledge, Religion, Science, Madrasah

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References


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