Transforming Islamic Religious Education Curriculum in Higher Education: A Character-Based Approach for Sustainable Development

Nuhrodin Nuhrodin (1)
(1) Universitas Al-Ghifari

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education (IRE) in higher education plays a strategic role in shaping morally upright graduates capable of addressing complex global challenges. This study examines the transformation of IRE curriculum management through a character-based approach aligned with the principles of sustainable development. Using a conceptual analysis of curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation within the framework of national education policy, the discussion integrates UNESCO’s four pillars of learning—learning to know, to do, to live together, and to be. The proposed transformation emphasizes the integration of noble values into sustainable behaviors, including environmental ethics, social responsibility, and ethical use of technology. Findings indicate that effective IRE curriculum transformation requires adaptive instructional design, the integration of environmental and digital literacy, and assessment methods that evaluate behavioral change rather than solely cognitive achievement. This model fosters graduates who are not only faithful and ethical but also capable of contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study offers practical managerial strategies for curriculum design that harmonize Islamic values with global sustainability agendas, providing a relevant and scalable framework for higher education institutions.

Authors

Nuhrodin Nuhrodin

How to Cite

Transforming Islamic Religious Education Curriculum in Higher Education: A Character-Based Approach for Sustainable Development. (2025). Proceeding International Conference On Sustainable Environment And Innovation (ICOSEI), 1(1). https://doi.org/10.53675/icosei.v1i1.1643

##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##

References

Abdullah, M. (2019). Integrating moral and sustainability education: An Islamic perspective. Journal of Islamic Education Studies, 7(2), 145–160.

Al-Farabi, A., & Abdullah, N. (2023). Embedding environmental ethics in Islamic education curricula. International Journal of Sustainability in Education, 15(1), 23–38.

Aziz, M., Rahim, S., & Yusuf, H. (2024). Religious education and civic engagement: Comparative perspectives in Southeast Asia. Asian Journal of Education and Development, 12(3), 201–219.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Hakim, R., Suryadi, A., & Rahman, M. (2024). Capacity building for sustainability-oriented Islamic education. Journal of Teacher Education in Islam, 9(1), 77–91.

Hamid, A. (2018). Paradigma baru pembelajaran PAI di perguruan tinggi. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 5(1), 45–59.

Hidayat, R. (2020). Implementasi pendidikan karakter dalam kurikulum PAI di perguruan tinggi. Edukasi: Jurnal Pendidikan, 18(2), 123–134.

Ismail, S., & Hakim, R. (2024). Case-based learning in Islamic moral education. Journal of Islamic Pedagogy, 10(1), 54–68.

Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan. (2023). Panduan implementasi pendidikan berkelanjutan di perguruan tinggi. Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi.

Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications.

Ma’arif, S. (2017). Penguatan karakter melalui pendidikan Islam di perguruan tinggi. Jurnal Tarbiyah, 24(1), 67–84.

Mezirow, J. (2018). Transformative learning theory: Applications in higher education. Routledge.

Mulyasa, E. (2013). Pengembangan dan implementasi kurikulum 2013. Remaja Rosdakarya.

Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Rahman, A., Yusof, N., & Hamzah, M. (2024). Moral education and sustainability: A university-based case study. International Journal of Character Education, 8(2), 101–117.

Rahmat, T. (2025). Human Capital and Sustainable Transportation Strategic Alignment in Public Sector Enterprises. Indonesian Research of Sustainability Management, Business, & Administration, 1(02), 57-64.

Ramayulis. (2012). Ilmu pendidikan Islam. Kalam Mulia.

Saepudin, A. (2019). Integrasi pendidikan karakter dalam kurikulum PAI. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 85–98.

Suryana, A. (2021). Tantangan dan peluang pendidikan agama Islam di era global. Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 9(2), 112–125.

Tilaar, H. A. R. (2012). Perubahan sosial dan pendidikan. Rineka Cipta.

UNESCO. (2022). Education for sustainable development: A roadmap. UNESCO Publishing.

UNESCO. (2023). Learning to transform: Education for sustainable futures. UNESCO Publishing.

Wahyudi, D. (2014). Model pembelajaran berbasis karakter dalam PAI. Jurnal Al-Tadzkiyyah, 5(1), 33–47.

Wahyudi, D., Aziz, M., & Rahman, F. (2023). Sustainability integration in Islamic education: Evidence from Indonesia. International Journal of Islamic Education Research, 11(3), 145–160.

Yusof, N., Abdullah, S., & Rahman, A. (2023). Active learning strategies in Islamic religious education. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 20(2), 57–75.

Yusuf, M. (2015). Pendekatan kompetensi dalam pengembangan kurikulum PAI. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Islam, 3(2), 89–102.