Development and implementation of Qur’anic tadabbur module for deep understanding of aqidah among young Muslims in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Wan Yusoff, Wan Mazwati, Preece, Abdul Shakour Duncan, Juperi, Juhasni Adila, Ahmad, Nadzrah, Zainol Abidin, Mashitah
• Format: Proceeding Paper
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: BPL Islamic education
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/105988/1/105988_Development%20and%20implementation.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/105988/

Presently Muslims in Malaysia are facing a tremendous challenge in providing authentic understanding of Islamic knowledge as taught by Prophet Muhammad which affected the beliefs and moral behaviours of young Muslims. Not only they are influenced by Western ideologies such as naturalism, secularism, liberalism, and postmodernism but also by deviant teachings developed and propagated within the Muslim communities by ‘Muslims’. Studies reported the deviant teachings, among others, are Millah Ibrahim, Ilmu Syahadah dan Zikir Nafas Ismail bin Kassim, Raja Bomoh Sedunia, and Prophet Muhammad as Allah. The advancement in telecommunication technologies facilitates the confusion further since many young Muslims are not able to differentiate truth from falsehood. The impacts of the confusion on the authentic Islamic knowledge and aqidah are many but the most devastating impacts are shirk and deviant practices and behaviours. Studies have shown that young Muslims were bored and disengaged during the process of teaching and learning of Islamic education especially during teaching and learning aqidah. Prophet Muhammad taught his companions the Qur’an to get authentic knowledge of aqidah; and they would learn the Qur’an to practice. Thus, the best way to provide authentic understanding of Islamic teachings is through understanding of the Qur’an. A quick survey on the reasons why young Muslim read the Qur’an revealed that majority of them read the Qur’an to get reward from Allah, to protect them from stress, anxiety, and satan. This means that many young Muslims read the Qur’an not to contemplate of the meanings to get authentic knowledge. Hence, they should be taught to ponder on the Qur’anic verses using a method that is not only engaging and mind blowing but also could enhance their critical thinking, and collaboration skills. A review of literature revealed that philosophical inquiry method is effective in promoting classroom engagement and enhancing critical thinking, and collaboration skills. This study aims at developing and implementing module of tadabbur of some selected Qur’anic verses using philosophical inquiry method. The effectiveness of the module will be evaluated by the criteria of students’ engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration skills as well as their level of understanding of key concepts in Islamic aqidah which is indicated by several observable indicators. It will employ qualitative methods to collect and analyse data on the effectiveness of philosophical inquiry method to achieve the set objectives.