The recent concept of the unity of science has gained popularity, especially in Islamic higher education. This notion emphasizes the integration of various fields of knowledge, eliminating the divide between general sciences and religious studies.
Introducing astronomy education in pesantrens will aid santri in understanding this unity of science concept. The Quran mentions astronomical phenomena multiple times, making it a subject of study in astronomy. In classrooms, students won’t just recite, but critically analyze scientific codes in the Quran. Historically, Islamic civilization prospered by integrating science and religion. Learning astronomy can motivate students to reintegrate these two fields.
Facilitating Collaborations
Astronomy knowledge is valuable for disseminating information to the public. Despite the widespread use of the internet, many still lack understanding about certain aspects of worship related to natural phenomena.
Some believe that the qibla direction in Indonesia faces west, while it’s slightly northwest. Debates also arise regarding fasting following government or local organizational calendars.
These debates often stem from insufficient information and group biases. Pesantrens teaching astronomy can collaborate with various entities, including government bodies and community organizations, to address these misunderstandings.