EMPOWERMENT OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MODERN ERA

Abstract

Islamic Education is one of the vital pillars in the development of Muslim societies. It is expected to mold generations that are faithful, pious, morally upright, and capable of addressing the challenges of their times. In the modern era, Islamic education encounters various challenges and opportunities. These challenges include: 1) Globalization, which brings foreign cultural influences that may not align with Islamic values. 2) Advancements in information technology that can be used to disseminate false or misleading information. 3) Evolving critical thinking among the populace, demanding changes in Islamic education. Meanwhile, the opportunities for empowering Islamic education include: 1) The progress of information technology that can be harnessed to enhance the quality of Islamic education. 2) A robust and enthusiastic Islamic movement dedicated to advancing Islamic education. 3) Government and societal concern for Islamic education. This research aims to examine the challenges and opportunities for empowering Islamic education in the modern era. The research employs a qualitative research methodology with a phenomenological approach. Based on the findings, the primary challenges for empowering Islamic education are globalization and the development of information technology. Simultaneously, the main opportunities for empowering Islamic education are the progress of information technology, a strong Islamic movement, and government and societal concern. This study concludes that the empowerment of Islamic education in the modern era should be undertaken while considering the existing challenges and opportunities. Governments, communities, and Islamic educational institutions need to collaborate to realize high-quality Islamic education capable of addressing contemporary challenges. Keywords: Empowerment of Islamic Education, Challenges, Opportunities, Modern Era, Islam.