Spiritual Education in the Islamic Studies Curriculum in West

Omara, Attia and Berghout, Abdelaziz (2025) Spiritual Education in the Islamic Studies Curriculum in West. Electronic Interdisciplinary Miscellaneous Journal, 79 (1). pp. 1-26. ISSN 2617-958X

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Abstract

The Islamic studies curriculum in the West is still in its early stages of development compared to the advancements in the number of Islamic centers, schools, teacher training programs, civic education initiatives, and efforts to contextualize Islam for multicultural societies. However, the integration of spiritual teachings of tazkiyah (self-purification) and taṣawwuf (Sufism), remains largely overlooked. This paper examines three prominent Islamic curricula in the United States—ICO, Safar, and Weekend Islamic Studies revealing a focus on rational knowledge while marginalizing spiritual teachings and experiential learning of the Divine. The study advocates for the need of tajdīd (renewal) as a solution, emphasizing the need to simplify and adapt Sufi and spiritual teachers for development of curriculum that nurtures maʿrifah (knowledge of God) and maḥabbah (Divine Love). Such integration can enrich students' moral and spiritual consciousness, enabling lives guided by faith (īmān), virtuous action (ʿamal ṣāliḥ), and certainty (yaqīn).

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamic Studies curriculum, spiritual education, taṣawwuf, tajdīd (renewal)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP174 The Practice of Islam > BP188 Islamic religious life BPL Islamic education B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology > BV1460 Religious Education D History General and Old World
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
Depositing User:	Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout
Date Deposited:	09 May 2025 07:43
Last Modified:	09 May 2025 07:43
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/120050

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