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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly influenced higher education, including learning practices among students of Islamic Education (PAI). Applications such as ChatGPT, Claude AI, and Gemini are widely used to support academic activities, including information searching, understanding course materials, idea generation, and assignment completion. This study aims to examine the use of AI among PAI students and analyze its implications for critical thinking skills. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed at the Islamic Education Program of UIN Salatiga. Data were collected through written interviews with 12 students selected using purposive sampling and analyzed using an interactive data analysis model. The findings reveal that AI has become an important part of students’ academic activities due to its perceived usefulness and ease of use. Most participants demonstrated critical thinking behaviors by verifying AI-generated information, comparing multiple academic sources, and evaluating the accuracy of responses before using them for academic purposes. Nevertheless, excessive dependence on AI was found to potentially reduce students’ independent learning and analytical engagement. The study concludes that AI has a dual impact on critical thinking: it can enhance critical thinking when used reflectively and responsibly, but it may also weaken cognitive involvement when relied upon excessively. Therefore, strengthening AI literacy, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills is essential in higher education learning practices.

This paper offers a comparative analysis of character education through the lens of Islamic and secular humanistic paradigms. Recognizing the increasing cultural and religious diversity in contemporary educational settings, the study emphasizes the importance of an integrative approach that respects both spiritual and rational ethical frameworks. Islamic character education centers on virtues derived from divine guidance, fostering a moral compass anchored in faith, while secular humanistic education promotes critical thinking, autonomy, and universal ethical principles grounded in reason and empathy. By synthesizing these approaches, educators can cultivate learners’ moral resilience, empathy, and ethical commitment within pluralistic societies. The paper further highlights the benefits of intercultural dialogue, pedagogical innovation, and cultural competence for teachers, parents, and communities in supporting holistic moral development. Ultimately, the integration of these models enriches character education, preparing students to become ethically responsible and socially engaged citizens in globalized contexts

This study explores the development of a sustainable framework for Syariah and legal studies within the context of contemporary educational transformation. Employing a qualitative research approach through content analysis, this study examines relevant scholarly literature, Islamic legal sources, and contemporary educational perspectives to identify key strategies for strengthening Syariah and legal education in response to evolving societal challenges. The findings reveal that the sustainability of Syariah and legal studies requires an integrated approach that combines classical Islamic scholarship with modern legal, social, and technological developments. Several essential dimensions are identified, including institutional reform, curriculum innovation, pedagogical transformation, research advancement, international academic collaboration, and technology integration. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary engagement between Syariah studies and other fields, such as constitutional law, international law, economics, sociology, and digital studies. The findings also emphasize the significance of student-centered learning, critical thinking, and research-based education in enhancing academic quality and intellectual engagement

This study aims to analyze in-depth cognitive learning theory and its implications for improving the effectiveness of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teaching at the elementary school level. The adopted methodological approach is qualitative through library research, with the application of content analysis and theoretical synthesis techniques. Primary data sources were obtained from academic literature including textbooks, scientific journals, and the latest empirical research relevant within the last decade. The results of the analysis indicate that cognitive learning theory positions cognitive processes as the core of learning activities, allowing students to function as active agents in constructing knowledge through understanding, analysis, memory representation, and integration with pre-existing cognitive schemas. In the context of PAI, this approach enables meaningful learning through interactive pedagogical strategies such as collaborative discussions, problem-solving, case studies, and metacognitive reflection, which are empirically adapted to the stages of students' cognitive development. The implementation of cognitive theory significantly contributes to strengthening conceptual understanding, increasing learning engagement, developing critical thinking skills, transferring knowledge, and internalizing Islamic values. Thus, cognitive learning theory makes a substantial contribution to optimizing the effectiveness of PAI teaching in elementary schools through an interactive, systematic, and understanding-oriented approach.

The presence of Generation Z, who grew up entirely in the digital era, has triggered a fundamental transformation in Muslim religious practices, where social media has replaced conventional religious institutions as the primary source of religious information. This condition creates a paradox: Gen Z has become a generation that is highly religious online, yet is often disconnected from physical communities and traditional religious authorities. This study aims to analyze the character of Muslim Gen Z religiosity, identify its forming factors, and examine the impact of the digital era on their religiosity. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using a library research method. The findings indicate that Muslim Gen Z religiosity is characterized by personalization, flexibility, and digital spirituality, strongly influenced by social media. These characteristics are shaped by massive digital technology accessibility, the effectiveness of contextual Islamic preaching on platforms such as TikTok, as well as spiritual needs and social pressure from the digital environment. The digital era brings positive impacts in the form of increased accessibility and religious literacy, but also negative impacts including shallow religious understanding, vulnerability to information bias, and potential exposure to extreme ideologies. This study implies the importance of an integrated digital religious literacy strategy through critical thinking-based Islamic Religious Education curriculum reform, enhancement of educators' digital capacity, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen Gen Z's moderate and reflective religious understanding.

This study aims to analyze the effect of the inquiry learning strategy on students' critical thinking skills in Islamic Education (PAI) learning. The research employed a quantitative approach using an experimental design to examine the effectiveness of the strategy in improving students’ learning outcomes. The subjects of the study consisted of students who were divided into two groups, namely an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received instruction through the inquiry learning strategy, while the control group was taught using conventional teaching methods commonly applied in classroom learning activities. Data collection was carried out through critical thinking tests and classroom observations to obtain comprehensive information regarding students’ learning processes and achievements. The results of the study indicate that students taught using the inquiry learning strategy experienced a significant improvement in their critical thinking skills compared to students who learned through conventional methods. Therefore, the inquiry learning strategy is proven to be effective in enhancing students’ critical thinking skills in PAI learning. This study is expected to become a useful reference for educators in developing more innovative, interactive, and student-centered learning strategies in the educational process.

A mid the growing complexity of contemporary education, the challenge of integrating intellectual achievement with moral and spiritual development has become increasingly urgent. This study examines educational strategies in the Qur’an through the perspective of tafsir tarbawi, focusing on four core approaches: exemplary conduct, advice, dialogue, and storytelling. The research aims to explore how the Qur’an presents pedagogical methods that not only convey knowledge but also shape character and internalize values in learners. Employing a qualitative library research design with thematic and tafsir tarbawi approaches, this study analyzes relevant Qur’anic verses and supporting scholarly literature. The findings reveal that the Qur’an offers a holistic and dynamic model of education in which exemplary conduct functions as a behavioral model, advice serves as a means of value internalization, dialogue promotes reflective and critical thinking, and storytelling strengthens moral awareness through narrative experience. These strategies are interconnected and operate across cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. The study concludes that Qur’anic educational strategies remain highly relevant for contemporary Islamic education, particularly in strengthening character formation, reflective learning, and the integration of values in educational practice.

In the current digital era, social media has become an open space filled with streams of information, including invalid ones. Santri, as the future generation of the ummah, are required to have critical thinking skills to filter, analyze, and make wise decisions. Islamic boarding schools as traditional Islamic educational institutions are faced with the challenge to remain relevant amidst technological developments. This study aims to: 1) Find out the strategies of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III Gresik in improving students’ critical thinking skills toward social media developments, 2) Identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the implementation of the strategy, 3) Understand the role of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III in integrating traditional values with modern approaches to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that the strategies include: 1) Integration of digital literacy and critical thinking in the formal education curriculum, 2) Character building and supervision in the dormitory environment as a key strategy, 3) Strengthening through extracurricular activities, awareness campaigns, and limited training. Supporting factors include strong leadership, dedication from teachers and administrators, presence of traditional Islamic values as ethical foundations, and increased student awareness. Obstacles include time limitations, lack of structured materials, varying digital literacy levels, and the rapid evolution of social media. The pesantren has successfully integrated Islamic values such as tabayyun, adab, amanah, and husnudzon with modern approaches.

In the current digital era, social media has become an open space filled with streams of information, including invalid ones. Santri, as the future generation of the ummah, are required to have critical thinking skills to filter, analyze, and make wise decisions. Islamic boarding schools as traditional Islamic educational institutions are faced with the challenge to remain relevant amidst technological developments. This study aims to: 1) Find out the strategies of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III Gresik in improving students’ critical thinking skills toward social media developments, 2) Identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the implementation of the strategy, 3) Understand the role of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III in integrating traditional values with modern approaches to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that the strategies include: 1) Integration of digital literacy and critical thinking in the formal education curriculum, 2) Character building and supervision in the dormitory environment as a key strategy, 3) Strengthening through extracurricular activities, awareness campaigns, and limited training. Supporting factors include strong leadership, dedication from teachers and administrators, presence of traditional Islamic values as ethical foundations, and increased student awareness. Obstacles include time limitations, lack of structured materials, varying digital literacy levels, and the rapid evolution of social media. The pesantren has successfully integrated Islamic values such as tabayyun, adab, amanah, and husnudzon with modern approaches.

This study is intended to reveal the content of the Pancasila Rahmatan Lil Alamin Student Profile in the Akidah Akhlak textbook for Islamic Junior High Schools based on the Merdeka Curriculum. Through a literature study approach, this research reveals the textbook combines theological, philosophical, and social practice aspects to internalize values ​​such as faith, critical thinking, and harmony in society. The results show that the Akidah Akhlak textbook successfully links spiritual intelligence with skills needed in the 21st century, thus producing students who are intelligent, spiritually strong, and responsible in society. This integration serves as a strong foundation for producing Indonesian students who reflect national identity and universal values ​​in Islam.

The rapid development of modern science and technology has brought major transformations to various aspects of human life, including education, communication, economics, health, and social interaction. Nevertheless, this progress often creates a gap between scientific advancement and spiritual or moral values, particularly when viewed from an Islamic perspective. This study aims to analyze the relationship between modern science and Islamic teachings, while also exploring relevant forms of integration between the two in responding to contemporary life challenges. The research employs a qualitative approach through a comprehensive literature review of books, scientific journals, and other academic sources related to science and Islam. The findings indicate that Islam is fundamentally not opposed to science; instead, Islamic teachings encourage critical thinking, intellectual development, and the pursuit of knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Furthermore, the integration of scientific knowledge and Islamic values is considered essential in maintaining balance between technological progress, ethical responsibility, and human morality. Therefore, continuous and contextual efforts are needed to harmonize science and religion so that both can contribute optimally to the development of a more humane, ethical, and spiritually grounded civilization.

This research examines the comparison between Aristotelian Logic and Modern Logic from the perspective of Islamic education. It aims to understand their concepts, significant differences, the perspective of Islamic education, and their contribution to critical thinking. The study employs a philosophical-comparative approach. The findings indicate that Aristotelian Logic, with its deductive approach and syllogism, emphasizes universal truth and coherence. In contrast, Modern Logic focuses on symbolic formalism and empirical verification. Islamic education views logic as an epistemological tool to harmonize reason (`aql) and revelation (naql). The analysis reveals that integrating both logical systems is not only possible but also strategic. Their synthesis gives rise to "tawhidic rationality," a paradigm that combines analytical rigor with spiritual awareness. This integrative model significantly contributes to forming holistic critical thinking skills, where learners are not only intellectually proficient but also grounded in Islamic ethical and spiritual values. Consequently, this study provides a foundation for developing a more relevant Islamic education curriculum.

Education plays an important role in shaping the quality of human resources, particularly in developing students' critical thinking skills. In the learning process at school, teachers not only act as providers of information but also as facilitators who are able to create active, creative, and participatory learning environments. However, in practice, the learning process is still often dominated by one-way lecture methods, which tend to make students passive and less involved in the learning process. This condition affects the development of students’ critical thinking skills. Therefore, learning strategies that actively involve students are needed, one of which is through the implementation of Problem Based Learning (PBL).This study aims to analyze the strategies used by Islamic Religious Education teachers in implementing Problem Based Learning and its impact on students’ critical thinking skills at SMA Pembangunan V YAPIS Waena. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.The results of the study indicate that the implementation of Problem Based Learning is carried out through several stages, including presenting problems related to daily life, group discussions, problem analysis, and the presentation of discussion results by students. The implementation of this learning model increases students’ activeness in the learning process and encourages the development of critical thinking skills, such as identifying problems, analyzing information, expressing opinions, and drawing logical conclusions. Therefore, Problem Based Learning can be considered an effective learning strategy for improving students’ critical thinking skills in Islamic Religious Education learning.

The concept of science according to Ibn Rushd emphasizes the harmony between religion and philosophy, as well as the importance of using rational thinking methods to achieve the truth. He divides human intellectual abilities into three levels, namely rhetoric, dialectical, and demonstrative, and distinguishes science into theoretical and practical sciences. According to Ibn Rushd, knowledge is obtained through cooperation between the senses, imagination, and intellect, so that the human thought process must run systematically and logically. This research uses the library research method to examine the relevance of Ibn Rushd's thought to Islamic boarding school education in the modern era. The results of the study show that Ibn Rushd's ideas can be the basis for integration between religious science and science, encourage the strengthening of students' critical reasoning, and avoid scientific dichotomy. In addition, the application of his thinking has the potential to improve the quality of learning for Islamic boarding schools to be more contextual, inclusive, and adaptive to the development of science and technology. Thus, the concept of Ibn Rushd's knowledge can strengthen the direction of pesantren education towards a holistic and civilization-oriented education system.

This study examines the learning methods and evaluation of philosophy at STAI Al Mashturiyah within the context of Islamic higher education. The background of this research is the need to strengthen critical, reflective, and ethical thinking among students through philosophy learning that is relevant to Islamic values. The study aims to analyze how philosophy learning methods are implemented and how evaluation practices are applied in the classroom. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected through direct interviews with philosophy course lecturers and supported by academic documents. The findings indicate that philosophy learning at STAI Al Mashturiyah applies a combination of lectures, discussions, and question-and- answer methods, while evaluation is conducted through written assessments and process-based evaluations such as participation and presentations. These approaches contribute to the development of students’ analytical and argumentative skills. The study highlights the importance of integrating interactive learning methods and comprehensive evaluation systems to enhance the quality of philosophy education in Islamic higher education. The results have implications for improving pedagogical practices and strengthening the theoretical and practical foundations of philosophy learning in Islamic institutions.

Islamic Educational Philosophy holds a pivotal role in directing the learning process to remain consistent with Islamic principles. This article seeks to explore how the values of Islamic Educational Philosophy are implemented in the learning activities at the Institute of KH Ahmad Sanusi, with a focus on fourth-semester students. The study adopts a qualitative approach using a descriptive-analytical design based on library research and the examination of instructional practices. The results reveal that Islamic Educational Philosophy serves as a conceptual framework for determining and applying learning strategies, including discussion and inquiry-based learning, which foster active participation, critical thinking, and the internalization of Islamic values. Learning assessment is carried out in a comprehensive manner by addressing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains through individual assignments, collaborative tasks, formal examinations, and academic writing activities. Moreover, the emphasis on self-reflection (muhasabah) enhances students’ awareness of their moral and spiritual responsibilities in the process of seeking knowledge. The application of Islamic Educational Philosophy is therefore expected to support the development of students who are intellectually competent, morally grounded, and reflectively aware as future educators and Muslim intellectuals.

This study discusses the implementation of the Think Pair Share (TPS) strategy in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning in Grade VII of MTs Cerdas Murni, with a focus on its definition, steps, and advantages and disadvantages. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The data used consist of primary data obtained through interviews and direct observation, as well as secondary data from books and journals. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis is carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and verification. Data validity is tested using lingering techniques, triangulation, and negative cases. The results show that TPS is an effective cooperative learning strategy to increase student interaction and engagement. The steps in TPS include the stages of think, pair, and share. The advantage of this strategy is that it increases overall student participation, because each student is actively involved. However, the disadvantage is that it requires a relatively longer time to implement. Teachers have implemented TPS effectively, from greetings and prayers to build morals, to explaining prayer etiquette and dhikr, which enhance students' understanding, cooperation, and courage. TPS is suitable for material that requires in-depth understanding but needs to be adapted to the students' circumstances, such as using mixed methods for practical materials. Another advantage is increased student courage and critical thinking, despite challenges related to student readiness and facilities.

The challenges of modernity, including the secularization of knowledge, the fragmentation of values, and the increasingly pragmatic and utilitarian orientation of education, require a fundamental renewal of Islamic educational philosophy. In practice, Islamic education is often confined to normative and textualistic approaches that emphasize the transmission of doctrinal knowledge, which limits its responsiveness to social dynamics, scientific developments, and contemporary needs. This condition weakens the critical capacity of Islamic education in shaping individuals who are faithful, rational, and morally integrated. Accordingly, this study aims to examine Islamic educational philosophy from the perspective of critical thought reconstruction as an effort to address the challenges of modernity without shifting the fundamental principles of faith that serve as its normative foundation. This study employs a theoretical research approach through library research, using qualitative analysis of academic books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and relevant scholarly works on Islamic educational philosophy and critical thought. The analysis focuses on the ontological, epistemological, and axiological dimensions of Islamic education within the framework of critical reconstruction. The findings indicate that the reconstruction of Islamic educational philosophy is both an epistemological and practical necessity in responding to modern challenges. This reconstruction is not directed toward the domain of ʿaqīdah, which is qaṭʿī and normative in nature, but rather toward renewing modes of thinking, operational value systems, and educational practices. Consequently, Islamic education should function not merely at a normative level but as an effective instrument for individual and social transformation.

Youth radicalization is a serious issue that threatens social harmony, national stability, and the sustainability of nationhood in Indonesia. Various reports indicate that nearly one-third of terrorism perpetrators over the past decade have come from young people, signaling ideological vulnerability among the productive age group. This article aims to propose a youth deradicalization approach through contemporary Islamic thought, emphasizing rationality, openness of thinking, and humanism as its main foundations. This study employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach by analyzing the works, ideas, and thoughts of contemporary Islamic scholars and examining their relevance in the context of youth development and empowerment. The findings show that contemporary Islamic approaches that emphasize critical reasoning, dialogue, and respect for humanity are effective in shaping moderate attitudes, fostering social awareness, and strengthening an inclusive and tolerant Islamic identity. Therefore, this article recommends that religious education be integrated into curricula that emphasize the values of religious moderation, respect for diversity, and the rejection of violence. This approach is expected to help young people become more tolerant, adaptive, and resilient against the influence of extremist ideologies that are harmful to society.

In the era of information and globalization, critical thinking skills have become an essential competence for children, including students in Islamic boarding schools. These skills include the ability to ask questions, seek and evaluate evidence, compare alternatives, and solve problems logically. Islamic boarding schools inherently provide a disciplined environment grounded in religious values that supports the development of critical thinking. However, observations at Raudlatul Hanan Islamic Boarding School reveal several challenges, such as low social sensitivity, limited constructive conflict resolution, and the absence of consistent critical thinking habits. These conditions have the potential to hinder students’ adaptability and problem-solving abilities in the future. To address these issues, a program entitled “Optimizing Children’s Critical Thinking Character through the Internalization of Socio-Environmental Sensitivity Values” was implemented using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. This approach actively involved students, ustadz/ustadzah, and Islamic boarding school administrators from problem identification through planning, implementation, and reflection. The activities included character education seminars, critical discussions, group competitions, and interviews aimed at fostering social sensitivity, reducing exclusive attitudes, and strengthening critical thinking skills from an early age. The results indicate high and enthusiastic student participation throughout all activities, leading both students and administrators to hope that the program will be implemented sustainably on an annual basis.