Abstract
This study explores a balanced educational model that integrates English language instruction with Islamic values, addressing the increasing necessity of English proficiency in Muslim societies while preserving cultural and religious identity. Drawing from a qualitative case study of an Islamic nursery, the research examines how faith-based media, bilingual storytelling, and culturally sensitive pedagogy can foster both linguistic development and moral education. Findings reveal that incorporating Islamic symbols, narratives, and ethical communication into English lessons significantly enhances student engagement, vocabulary retention, and behavioral growth, while also reinforcing spiritual identity. The research highlights that English, when framed as a tool rather than an ideology, can serve as a bridge for intellectual empowerment, global communication, and da’wah without compromising Islamic ethics. Thematic content analysis of classroom observations and teacher interviews underscores the role of culturally relevant content in reducing cultural dissonance and promoting a safe learning environment. The study also emphasizes the empowerment of teachers when instructional practices align with personal values, fostering creativity and job satisfaction. Implications suggest that Muslim educators and policymakers should invest in teacher training, bilingual curricula, and Islamic-aligned English materials to develop spiritually grounded, globally competent learners. By harmonizing English education with Tawhidi philosophy, this integrated model demonstrates that linguistic skills and religious identity are not mutually exclusive but can coexist to nurture well-rounded, faith-conscious individuals prepared for modern challenges.
References
Al Zeera, Z. (2001). Wholeness and holiness in education: An Islamic perspective. International Institute of Islamic Thought.
Bin Jamil, A. I., Rekan, A. A., & Badar, S. (2024). From Integrated to Standard: Reformation of the Islamic Religious Education Curriculum and Teacher Training in Malaysia BT - Global Agendas and Education Reforms: A Comparative Study (B. Akgün & Y. Alpaydın (eds.); pp. 171–193). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-3068-1_9
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Cummins, J. (2000). Language, power and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Multilingual Matters.
Farah, R. R., & Sumarsono, P. (2025). Navigating Western and Islamic Cultural Values in English Education : A Narrative Case Study of Teachers at International Islamic Boarding School. 10(May), 57–72.
Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (2nd ed.). Teachers College Press.
Halstead, J. M. (2004). An Islamic concept of education. Comparative Education, 40(4), 517–529. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305006042000284510
Kirkpatrick, A. (2007). World Englishes: Implications for international communication and English language teaching. Cambridge University Press.
Kramsch, C. (1998). Language and culture. Oxford University Press.
Muzaffar, C. (1986). Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) Malaysia: Islamic Resurgence and the Question of Development. Source: Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 1(1), 57–75.
Nasr, S. H. (1984). Knowledge and the sacred. SUNY Press.
Phillipson, R. (1992). Linguistic imperialism. Oxford University Press.
Qur’an 49:11–12. (n.d.). The Holy Qur’an.
Sahih al-Bukhari. (n.d.). Book 78, Hadith on Manners.
Sulayman, H. I. (2014). Values-based Curriculum Model: A Practical Application of Integrated ‘Maqasid Al-Sharia’ for Wholeness Development of Mankind. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 123, 477–484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.1447
Suleiman, Y. (2003). The Arabic language and national identity: A study in ideology. Edinburgh University Press.
Wain, A. (2021). ICR 12.1 Produced and distributed by IAIS Malaysia THE POLITICISATION OF ISLAM IN MALAYSIA AND ITS OPPONENTS.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Arowa Binte Selim, Zannatul Ferdous Chowdhury (Author)