The integration of these educational institutions results in a comprehensive Islamic education system, emphasizing not only classical Islamic knowledge but also academic integrity.
These institutions, represented by dayah, aim not just to impart classical Arabic but also English language skills, essential for contemporary learning. Their curriculum blends classic learning traditions with Western styles in teaching and subjects.
However, dayah must continually improve and innovate its education system and teaching methods to compete globally and produce high-quality graduates. Their task is weightier, not just producing competent graduates in STEM fields but also nurturing quality IMTAQ (Islamic Moral and Character) to tackle the challenges of our times.
A fundamental phenomenon in contemporary Muslim education is the separation between institutions focusing on different orientations—some emphasizing general knowledge while others solely traditional studies.
Pesantrens aim to dissolve this educational dualism, harnessing the positives of both and discarding their shared weaknesses. The effort is to compromise between these two institutions, ultimately creating an ideal educational system, known as Indonesia’s convergence education system. This initiative is rooted in merging scholarly elements.
Islamic education history showcases the balance between religious and worldly knowledge during Islam’s zenith. Scholar Hasan Langgulung emphasize that this balance only waned during weaker times, not due to Islam but due to a rejection of knowledge sourced from the West. Thus, this new education system aligns with the integration of these two disciplines, demanding the Islamic education world to update itself to catch up with technological advancements.