FORMING MUSLIM IDENTITY THROUGH ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION
INTRODUCTION
In the era of rapidly growing globalization, the challenges to Muslim identity are
becoming more and more complex. Islamic religious education plays a key role in
shaping and strengthening this identity, so it is very relevant to be researched and paid
attention to in depth. In this context, this article will explore the importance of Islamic
religious education in the formation of Muslim identity in the era of globalization.
Globalization has brought significant changes in various aspects of human life,
including in terms of religion and culture. Encounters and interactions with diverse
cultures, changes in information technology, and extensive exposure to various thoughts
and ideologies have had a significant impact on a person's religious beliefs and values.
Especially in the context of Islam, where Muslims are faced with challenges that include
identity, religious practices, and an accurate understanding of religious teachings.1
Islamic religious education plays an important role in shaping a strong and solid
Muslim identity in the midst of the challenges of globalization. Religious education is not
only concerned with understanding and knowledge of Islamic teachings, but also involves
the development of ethical, moral, and spiritual values. In the right educational
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environment, students can gain a deep understanding of Islamic principles, and be able to
integrate those religious values into their daily lives.2
In addition, Islamic religious education also plays a key role in teaching tolerance,
mutual respect, and understanding of differences. In the era of multicultural globalization,
diversity is inevitable. Therefore, it is important for Islamic religious education to provide
inclusive teaching, bridging the gap between religious understanding and the realities of a
diverse world.3
In this article, we will discuss the importance of Islamic religious education in
forming a strong Muslim identity and overcoming the challenges faced in the era of
globalization. We will also explore the role of religious education in building proper
awareness and understanding of religious teachings, as well as how religious education
can encourage acceptance and mutual understanding between different individuals.
By understanding the important role of Islamic religious education in shaping
Muslim identity in the era of globalization, we can explore effective strategies and
approaches in designing religious education curricula that are relevant and responsive to
the needs of the times.
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1. METHOD
This research is a descriptive research that has the meaning of research that intends to
make a description of situations or events. In this sense, descriptive research is the
accumulation of basic data in a descriptive way solely without the need to search for or
explain interconnections, test hypotheses, make predictions, or obtain meanings and
implications, although research that aims to find these things can also include descriptive
methods. 4
In this study, the author uses a qualitative descriptive approach. This approach is used
because the data needed by the author in compiling this research is only in the form of
information, explanations, and oral information. A qualitative approach is a way to obtain
data or information about problems that occur in the field or research location.
According to Ihsan Nul Hakim, qualitative descriptive is a research oriented to natural
phenomena or symptoms. Meanwhile, according to Sugiono, the qualitative research
method is a research method based on the philosophy of postpositivism, used to research
on the natural condition of objects.
So it can be concluded that qualitative descriptive is a method or research in the field
that describes symptoms or problems that exist in natural object conditions.
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2. DISCUSSION
The Formation of Muslim Identity in the Era of Globalization
Islamic Religious Education is a learning and teaching process that aims to provide
understanding, knowledge, and practical experience regarding the teachings of Islam to
Muslim individuals. Islamic Religious Education involves education of religious values,
understanding of religious beliefs and practices, and the application of Islamic teachings
in daily life.5
The main goal of Islamic religious education is to help Muslim individuals gain a
deep understanding of the teachings of Islam, including an understanding of theological
concepts, morality, ethics, laws, and procedures of worship in Islam. Islamic Religious
Education also aims to form the right attitude, behavior in accordance with religious
values, and strengthen Muslim identity.6
The process of Islamic religious education involves teaching from the main sources
of Islam, such as the Qur'an (Islamic holy book), Hadith (traditions and sayings of the
Prophet Muhammad PBUH), and other religious literature. In addition, Islamic religious
education can also involve teaching about Islamic history, understanding the teachings of
other religions, comparative studies of religions, and the application of religious values in
daily life.
Islamic religious education can be carried out in various contexts, including in formal
educational institutions such as schools and universities, as well as through religious
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education programs in mosques, religious institutions, and families. Teaching methods in
Islamic religious education can involve lectures, discussions, study of holy books, the
practice of worship, and the application of religious values in real life.7
Islamic Religious Education has an important role in forming a correct understanding
of religion, developing good morality and ethics, and strengthening Muslim identity.
Through Islamic religious education, Muslim individuals are expected to be able to live
and apply Islamic teachings in every aspect of their lives, both in relation to Allah SWT,
fellow humans, and with the surrounding environment.8
Islamic Religious Education also serves as a means to develop an inclusive and
tolerant understanding of religious and cultural differences, as well as to promote peace
and harmony between religious communities.
In the context of Islamic religious education and Muslim identity in the era of
globalization, there are several relevant theories to consider. Here are some theories that
can provide a deeper understanding of Muslim identity amid the influence of
globalization:
1. Social Construction Identity Theory: This theory emphasizes that Muslim identity is
not static, but is socially constructed through interaction with social and cultural
factors in the surrounding environment. Muslim identity in the era of globalization is
influenced by interaction with various global elements, such as mass media,
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technology, migration, and cultural exchange. Muslim identity in this context is
formed through a complex interaction between local and global factors.9
2. Transculturalism Theory: This theory recognizes that in the era of globalization,
individuals experience encounters and interactions with a variety of different
cultures. Muslim identity in the era of transculturalism is not tied exclusively to a
single culture or tradition, but rather reflects the influence of different religious
traditions and practices. Muslim identity becomes transformative and open to new
cultural influences and adaptations.10
3. Identity Search Theory: This theory emphasizes that in the era of globalization,
individuals, including Muslims, face challenges in seeking and forming a cohesive
and authentic identity. Muslim identity is no longer only determined by traditional
factors such as family and local communities, but is also influenced by global factors
such as media, education, and social change. Muslim identity in the era of
globalization involves a continuous process of reflection and exploration.11
4. Intercultural Dialogue Theory: This theory emphasizes the importance of
intercultural dialogue and interaction in shaping an inclusive and tolerant Muslim
identity in the era of globalization. Muslim identity not only involves understanding
and practicing the teachings of one's own religion, but also appreciating and
respecting the diversity of other cultures and religions. Through dialogue and
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interaction, Muslim identity can develop dynamically by expanding their horizons
and understanding of the world.12
The application of these theories in the context of Islamic religious education can
help us understand how Muslim identities are formed, changed, and adapted in the era of
globalization. With a deeper understanding of these theories, Islamic religious education
can design responsive and relevant approaches to help build a strong and inclusive
Muslim identity in the era of globalization.
In the results of this study, the theory of social construction identity has strong
relevance. Research findings show that Muslim identity in the era of globalization is
inseparable from interaction with social and cultural factors around it. The research
participants conveyed how the influence of mass media, technology, and cultural
exchange has affected their religious understanding and practice. Muslim identity in the
era of globalization is formed through the complex interaction between local and global
factors.
The theory of transculturalism also has significant relevance in the context of Muslim
identity in the era of globalization. The study participants described how they were open
to new cultural influences and adaptations in their religious practices. They recognize that
Muslim identity is no longer tied exclusively to one culture or tradition, but reflects the
influence of different religious traditions and practices. Muslim identity in the era of
transculturalism becomes transformative and combines elements from various cultures.
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Furthermore, the theory of identity search is very relevant in understanding the
experiences of research participants. In the complex era of globalization, research
participants face challenges in finding and shaping a cohesive and authentic Muslim
identity. They reflect on the influence of global factors such as media, education, and
social change in shaping their identities. The process of reflection and exploration is
constantly found in their efforts to understand themselves and articulate their Muslim
identity in a global context.13
Finally, the theory of intercultural dialogue is also important in the context of Islamic
religious education in the era of globalization. The findings of the study suggest that a
growing Muslim identity involves inclusive dialogue and interaction with other cultures
and religions. Research participants emphasized the importance of building an
understanding and appreciation of cultural and religious diversity as an integral part of a
strong Muslim identity. Intercultural dialogue is a bridge to expand insight and
understanding of the world involving Muslim identity.
In conclusion, the theories of social construct identity, transculturalism, identity
search, and intercultural dialogue provide significant insights in understanding Muslim
identity in the era of globalization in the context of Islamic religious education. This
research shows that Muslim identity in the era of globalization is formed through
complex interactions with social, cultural, and global factors that influence each other. A
responsive approach to Islamic religious education must recognize and consider these
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influences to help build an inclusive, adaptive, and dialogue Muslim identity with other
cultures and religions in an increasingly complex era of globalization.
After conducting in-depth data analysis, this study produces findings that provide a
deeper understanding of the importance of Islamic religious education in shaping Muslim
identity in the era of globalization. These findings not only contribute to our
understanding of the role of religious education in the context of globalization, but also
present research gaps that need to be filled in the future.
One of the important findings of this study is that Islamic religious education plays a
key role in building a strong Muslim identity in the era of globalization. Through a deep
understanding of the teachings of Islam, students can gain a solid foundation to face
various challenges and influences that come from outside.14 Religious education also
plays a role in shaping ethical and moral values that reflect the teachings of Islam, which
are the foundation of decision-making and daily behavior.
In addition, Islamic religious education also helps to build proper awareness and
understanding of religious teachings, thereby reducing the risk of misinterpretation or
misappropriation of teachings that often occur in the complex context of globalization.
This is important in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of Islamic religious
teachings in the midst of diverse information flows and cultural influences.15
This research also reveals that Islamic religious education has a key role in teaching
tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding of differences. In the era of multicultural
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globalization, where intercultural interactions are increasingly occurring, Islamic
religious education is a bridge to strengthen a sense of inclusivity and understanding
between individuals with different religious and cultural backgrounds. It supports the
development of a harmonious and respectful society.
However, while this research provides valuable insights, there are still some research
gaps that need to be filled in the future. One of them is the need for further research on
the effectiveness of different teaching methods in Islamic religious education in the era of
globalization. Exploratory studies involving comparisons between traditional methods
with more innovative and responsive approaches to the needs of the times can provide a
deeper understanding of how Islamic religious education can be improved.
In addition, further research can also be conducted to analyze the influence of Islamic
religious education in shaping Muslim identities in the midst of the rapid development of
digital technology and social media. How Islamic religious education can utilize digital
technology as an effective tool in facing challenges and helping to build a strong Muslim
identity in the digital age needs to be explored further.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of Islamic religious education in
shaping Muslim identity in the era of globalization. Islamic religious education plays a
key role in strengthening Muslim identity, building proper awareness and understanding
of religious teachings, and teaching tolerance and understanding of differences. However,
the study also identifies research gaps that need to be filled, such as studies on the
effectiveness of teaching methods and the influence of digital technology in Islamic
religious education. By complementing this gap, we can continue to improve relevant and
responsive Islamic religious education practices in the era of ever-evolving globalization.
3. CONCLUSION
This article illustrates the importance of Islamic religious education in facing the
challenges of Muslim identity in the era of globalization. Based on the results of research
and analysis using social construction identity theory, transculturalism, identity search,
and intercultural dialogue, it can be concluded that Islamic religious education must be
responsive and relevant to the increasingly complex global context.
In the era of globalization, Muslim identity is no longer tied to one culture or
tradition, but is formed through complex interactions with social, cultural, and global
factors that influence each other. The research participants conveyed the influence of
mass media, technology, and cultural exchange in their religious understanding and
practice. They also acknowledged the transformation and adaptation of Muslim identity
through the influence of new cultures that are in line with Islamic teachings.
Islamic religious education must provide a deep understanding of Islamic teachings,
strengthen Muslim identity, and help students understand and face global influences
critically. The approach to Islamic religious education must encourage inclusive
intercultural dialogue, teach tolerance, mutual understanding, and cooperation between
religious communities.
Thus, Islamic religious education has an important role in shaping a correct
understanding of religion, developing good morality and ethics, and strengthening
Muslim identity in an increasingly complex global context. Through Islamic religious
education, Muslim individuals can live and apply Islamic teachings in their daily lives,
promote peace, and build an inclusive understanding of religious and cultural differences.
