The integration of the epistemologies of science and Islam in the development of a curriculum system for modern Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia

Authors

  • Iyus Herdiana Saputra Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang
  • Tobroni Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang
  • Moh Nurhakim Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang
  • Diah Karmiyati Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56587/bemi.v4i1.132

Keywords:

Islamic epistemology, integration of knowledge, pesantren curriculum, science, Islamic education

Abstract

Background: The dichotomy between religious studies and science remains a major issue in the Islamic education system, particularly in modern Islamic boarding schools, necessitating an epistemological integration model capable of uniting revelation, reason, and empiricism within a single scientific framework.

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the epistemological integration of science and Islam in the development of the curriculum system for modern Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia, using a case study of Trensains Muhammadiyah Sragen.

Method: This study employs a qualitative approach with an intrinsic case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, and were subsequently analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña interactive model.

Findings: The results indicate that epistemological integration is substantively achieved through the reconstruction of the relationship between revelation, reason, and empiricism within the framework of tawhid. This integration is manifested in an integrated curriculum as well as learning practices based on ayat kauniyah, inquiry-based learning, and scientific research by students. The findings also indicate that this integration contributes to the development of students’ holistic competencies, encompassing critical thinking skills, scientific understanding, and spiritual awareness. However, implementation still faces challenges regarding teacher competencies and the availability of integrative teaching materials. The novelty of this study lies in the formulation of an operational epistemological integration model within the curriculum system and pedagogical practices of modern Islamic boarding schools.

References

Abdullah, M. & Al-Hafiz, H. (2022). Islamic epistemic frameworks and science education: Toward an integrated pedagogical model. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 10(4), 456–472.

Abdullah, M. A. (2012). Islamic studies di perguruan tinggi: Pendekatan integratif-interkonektif. Pustaka Pelajar.

Abidin, H. H. Z., Hanani, N., Khusaini, M., & Ciptadi, G. (2022). Student-Centered Policy Model: Empirical Study of Eco-Pesantren. Nongye Jixie Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Machinery, 53(12).

Al-Attas, S. M. N. (1995). Islam and secularism. International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC).

Al-Faruqi, I. R. (1982). Islamization of knowledge: General principles and work plan. International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).

Azra, A. (2019). Pendidikan Islam: Tradisi dan modernisasi di tengah tantangan milenium III. Kencana.

Bagir, Z. A. (2019). Integrating science and religion in education: Models and challenges. Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science, 54(3), 745–765. https://doi.org/10.1111/zygo.12530

Bowie, R. A., Aantjes, R., Woolley, M., Thomas, C., Revell, L., & Riordan, J.-P. (2023). Science–religion encounters, epistemic trespass, neighbourliness and overlapping domains: Theorisation and quantitative evidence of extent. Journal of Religious Education, 71, 279–295. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40839-023-00209-w

Chen, S., & Tang, X. (2024). Integrating science and values education: Effects on student critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 61(2), 234–256.

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Dhofier, Z. (2011). Tradisi pesantren: Studi pandangan hidup kyai dan visinya mengenai masa depan Indonesia. LP3ES.

El-Hani, C. N., & Mortimer, E. F. (2007). Multicultural education, pragmatism, and the goals of science teaching. Cultural studies of science education, 2(3), 657-702. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-007-9064-y

Erika, F., Riadi, H., Azmira, N., & Pangestu, E. D. (2026). The integration of religion and science in Islamic education: Meanings, objectives, and implications for the development of scientific paradigms. Edunesia: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 7(2), 912–927. https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i2.1568

Fauzi, A., & Ramli, R. (2025). Science-religion integration competence among Islamic school teachers: Development and validation of an assessment model. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 57(1), 99–121.

Febriyani, S., Riadi, H., & Fariati, B. (2026). Integration and interconnection of Islam and science to strengthen the Islamic education curriculum. Jurnal Ilmiah Global Education, 7(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.55681/jige.v7i1.5032

Guest, G., Namey, E., & Chen, M. (2020). A simple method to assess and report thematic saturation in qualitative research. Field Methods, 32(1), 31–44.

Halstead, J. M. (2007). Islamic values: A distinctive framework for moral education? Journal of Moral Education, 47(1), 1–17.

Harahap, S., & Pohan, N. J. (2025). Tantangan dan peluang pendidikan Islam dalam konteks modern. Socius: Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial, 2(11).

Irawan, D., & Putra, R. S. (2022). Integrasi ilmu pengetahuan: Kajian interdisipliner, multidisipliner dan transdisipliner ilmu pendidikan Islam kontemporer. Attaqwa: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Islam, 18(1), 132-140.

Kuntowijoyo. (2006). Islam sebagai ilmu: Epistemologi, metodologi, dan etika. Tiara Wacana.

Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-1767(85)90062-8

Madjid, N. (2008). Islam, doktrin dan peradaban. Paramadina. Pustaka Pelajar

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Nasr, S. H. (2006). Islamic science: An illustrated study. World Wisdom.

OECD. (2021). Education at a glance 2021: OECD indicators. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/b35a14e5-en

Ortiz-Revilla, J., Adúriz-Bravo, A., & Greca, I. M. (2020). A framework for epistemological discussion on integrated STEM education. Science & Education, 29(4), 857-880. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-020-00131-9

Pathin, T. D., & Hanif, M. (2026). Integrasi Ilmu Dalam Kurikulum Pesantren: Tinjauan Filsafat Pendidikan Islam Terhadap Praktik Pendidikan. Kartika: Jurnal Studi Keislaman, 6(1), 634-644. https://doi.org/10.57210/qalam.v6.i01.11

Prayogo, M. S., & Tharaba, M. F. (2025). Integrating Science and Islamic Values Through Excellence Programs in Pesantren Education. MUMTAZ: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 5(2), 594-614.

Rahayu, M. S., & Kurniasih, N. (2023). Developing integrated science-religion curriculum integrated with sustainable development values. International Journal of Instruction, 16(3), 459–478. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2023.16327a

Rofiqi, Zainiyati, H. S., Niam, K., Kusaeri, & Zuhri, A. M. (2026). Educational Leadership Transformation in Traditional Settings: Policy Adaptation and Distributed Authority in Indonesian Pesantren. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 1-19.

Sahil, J., Zubaidah, S., Corebima, A. D., Gofur, A., & Saefi, M. (2024). The practice of science and religion integration: Evidence from an Indonesian Islamic school. Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia, 10(1), 12–26. https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v10i1.31020

Schraw, G., & Olafson, L. (2002). Teachers' Epistemological World Views and Educational Practices. Journal of Cognitive Education & Psychology, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.1891/194589503787383109

Sudrajat, A. (2018). Pesantren sebagai Transformasi Pendidikan Islam di Indonesia. Vicratina: Jurnal Ilmiah Keagamaan, 2(2), 64-88.

Sutiana, D., & Nugraha, M. S. (2025). Integration of Islamic values and science in Islamic primary schools: A philosophy of science approach. Journal of Elementary Education Research and Practice, 1(1), 21-34. https://doi.org/10.70376/bv7bqx53

Syarip, S., Zuhdiyah, Z., & Maryamah, M. (2026). Epistemological Foundations of Science and Technology in Islam: A Literature Review. Academia Open, 11(1), 10-21070. https://doi.org/10.21070/acopen.11.2026.13128

Tursinawati, T., Fitriani, S., Safiah, I., Widodo, A., Sopandi, W., & Amiruddin, M. H. (2024). The integration of the nature of science and religion to increase students’ religious beliefs in acquiring scientific knowledge at the elementary school. Jurnal Prima Edukasia, 12(1), 140–155. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpe.v12i1.67649

World Bank. (2020). World development report 2020: Learning to realize education’s promise. World Bank.

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Yusriani, Y. (2025). Problem Based Learning Model Integrated with Islamic Values on Global Warming Material. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review, 4(4), 1280-1294. https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v4i4.3791

Zarkasyi, H. F. (2020). Misykat: Refleksi tentang westernisasi, liberalisasi, dan islamisasi ilmu. UNIDA Gontor Press.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-03

How to Cite

Saputra, I. H. ., Tobroni, T., Nurhakim, M. ., & Karmiyati, D. (2026). The integration of the epistemologies of science and Islam in the development of a curriculum system for modern Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia. Bulletin of Educational Management and Innovation, 4(1), 154–172. https://doi.org/10.56587/bemi.v4i1.132