Arabic language curriculum as a foundation for strengthening religious education in public higher education

Abd. Aziz Rekan and Hafeezur Rahman Howell and Muhamad Nasir Mohamad Salleh and Nurhasfirah Rosin and Tabrani ZA and Muhammad Anas Ma`arif and Mohamad Azrien Mohamed Adnan (2025) Arabic language curriculum as a foundation for strengthening religious education in public higher education. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 22 (1). 97 -121. ISSN 1829-5746

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Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the implementation of the Arabic Language Program (ALP) and to explore how Arabic functions as a foundational medium for the acquisition of Islamic knowledge at a public higher education institution in Malaysia. This study employed a mixed-method exploratory design in two phases. The first phase involved qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews with 46 informants, classroom observations of two classes and document analysis. These findings were used to construct a quantitative questionnaire, which was then administered in the second phase to 184 respondents. The data were analyzed thematically and statistically with triangulation to ensure depth and validity. The study identified three overarching themes: (i) Towards a Dynamic Arabic Language Curriculum for Holistic Islamic Education, (ii) A Curriculum That Meets the Pedagogical Needs of Arabic Language and Religious Learning and (iii) Challenges in the Execution of the ALP Curriculum. While the findings indicate that ALP has effectively supported students’ progress in Islamic studies, the long-established structure of the curriculum may give benefit from greater responsiveness to current educational and industrial needs. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies be conducted to explore lecturers’ perspectives and post-program outcomes in order to assess its long-term impact and sustainability. This study provides an in-depth evaluation of a 40-year-old Arabic preparatory program, emphasizing its role in strengthening Islamic education and identifying key areas for reform. It offers a valuable framework for enhancing Arabic language curriculum in higher education, particularly for non-native speakers especially in Southeast Asia, in support of religious educational objectives.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Arabic Language Program (ALP), Arabic language Curriculum, Islamic Education, Public Higher Education Institution, Religious Education
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC8-6691 Special aspects of education > LC251-951 Moral and religious education > LC321-951 Religion and education. Education under church control > LC901-915 Islamic education P Language and Literature > PJ Oriental languages and literatures > PJ1-(9500) Oriental philology and literature > PJ6001-8517 Arabic
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Education and Sport Studies
Depositing User:	JUNAINE JASNI -
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2025 10:08
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2025 10:08
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45640

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