Publication Search

This research is motivated by the importance of understanding the niqab (face veil) as a religious symbol and an identity marker for Muslim women, which continues to spark public debate in Indonesia. The niqab is often viewed from various perspectives—religious, cultural, social, and political—making it a controversial topic. These differing viewpoints highlight the need for a deeper exploration of the meaning and practice of wearing the niqab, especially within Islamic higher education institutions. The study aims to examine both the normative and sociological aspects of niqab use among female students at Ma’had Al-Birr, Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar. This institution is known for having a significant number of students who wear the niqab, each with different backgrounds and motivations, ranging from theological beliefs to personal convictions and environmental influences. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a field-based approach. It combines normative Islamic theological perspectives with sociological analysis, using data collection techniques such as observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that students perceive the niqab not merely as a religious obligation to cover one's aurat (parts of the body that should be concealed), but also as a symbol of piety, honor, obedience, and personal ijtihad (independent reasoning) in practicing Islamic teachings. An inclusive campus environment supports these students in engaging freely in both academic and social activities. However, challenges still arise, particularly in the form of stereotypes and perceptions of exclusivity that some individuals associate with niqab wearers. These misconceptions underscore the importance of cross-perspective understanding in addressing this phenomenon. This study is expected to contribute to the development of campus policies that support freedom of expression, uphold mutual respect, and promote a more inclusive, open, and tolerant atmosphere within Islamic higher education institutions—one that embraces the diversity of religious practices and encourages respectful coexistence.

The obligation to seek knowledge holds a central position in Islamic law, grounded in strong normative and theological principles. Islam classifies the pursuit of knowledge as fardhu ‘ain (an individual duty) for essential religious and worldly knowledge, and fardhu kifayah (a collective duty) for broader societal needs. This article explores the legal foundations of this obligation in Islamic jurisprudence and examines its relevance in the context of contemporary education. Using a normative-juridical method, this study analyzes primary Islamic sources such as the Qur’an, Hadith, and the views of classical and modern scholars. The findings show that Islam does not treat knowledge merely as a tool for personal development, but as a moral and spiritual responsibility. In modern educational systems, these values remain highly relevant, particularly in addressing ethical decline and the loss of purpose in learning. This article recommends the integration of Islamic legal perspectives on knowledge into educational curricula to help restore the spiritual and moral aims

This article discusses the integration of social sciences and humanities in Islamic studies as an epistemological reconstruction effort to restore the unity between revelation, reason, and social reality. The research approach used is qualitative with a library research design through critical analysis of academic literature from various sources, including journals indexed by Scopus and Google Scholar. The results of the study indicate that the integration of social sciences and humanities broadens the orientation of Islamic studies from a normative-theological perspective to a more contextual and transformative multidisciplinary analysis. The social sciences serve as analytical instruments for socio-religious phenomena, while the humanities provide a reflective, ethical, and philosophical foundation that enriches understanding of Islamic teachings. The implementation of this paradigm is evident in the concept of "integration-interconnection" at UIN Indonesia and "Islamic revealed knowledge" at IIUM Malaysia, which have successfully developed an ethical and rational scientific tradition without abandoning the values ​​of monotheism. Despite facing epistemological and cultural challenges, scientific integration remains a crucial foundation for the development of an inclusive, humanistic, and humane civilization.