Integrative Islamic Education for the Elderly: A Holistic Model from Madrasah Ibnu Mas’ud in Malaysia

Authors

  • Lukman Hakim Sekolah Tinggi Hukum (STH) Galunggung , Indonesia
  • Abdul Kodir UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
  • Muhd Zulhilmi Haron Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v11i1.45186

Keywords:

Community-Based Education, Elderly Education Management, Integrative Educational Model, Lifelong Learning

Abstract

Elderly education represents a critical yet frequently overlooked component of lifelong learning, essential for improving the overall well-being of aging populations. This study investigates how Madrasah Ibnu Mas’ud (MIM) in Malaysia implements an integrative educational model designed to address the spiritual, social, and physical needs of elderly individuals. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, data were gathered through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal that MIM effectively integrates Islamic religious teachings, including Qur’anic study and hadith, with practical daily activities such as congregational prayers, religious discussions, light physical exercises, and structured social interactions. These comprehensive programs significantly enhance the spiritual growth, physical health, and sense of community among the elderly participants. By balancing religious education with physical and social activities, MIM mitigates common elderly issues such as emotional isolation and social disengagement. This integrative model demonstrates substantial potential for improving the holistic quality of life for older adults. Consequently, this research provides valuable implications for Islamic educational institutions, underscoring the necessity of inclusive elderly educational programs that simultaneously nurture religious fulfilment and physical well-being.

References

Al-Attas, S. M. N. (1980). The concept of education in Islam: A framework for an Islamic philosophy of education. Kuala Lumpur: Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM).

Al Issa, H. E., Thai, M. T. T., and Saad, S. (2025). Empowering social entrepreneurial intentions through experiential learning and self-efficacy. The International Journal of Management Education, 23(2), 101154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2025.101154.

Braun, V., and Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Chaffin, A. J., and Harlow, S. D. (2005). Cognitive learning applied to older adult learners and technology. Educational Gerontology, 31(4), 301-329. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601270590916803

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Darling-Hammond, L. (2010). The Flat World and Education: How America’s Commitment to Equity Will Determine Our Future. Teachers College Press.

Freire, P. (2000). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Continuum.

Gutierrez-Rojas, A., Manco-Herrera, C., Nuñez-Escarcena, X., Sanca-Valeriano, S., Rodriguez-Pantigoso, W., and Espinola-Sanchez, M. (2025). The influence of spirituality on psychological resilience in cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliative Care, 24(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-025-01768-5

Hadi, S. (2023). The Qur’anic Spiritual Value of the “Pé-sapéyan Pappa” Social Learning to Improve the Madurese Migrants’ Quality Life. Ulumuna, 27(2), 854-875. https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v27i2.790

Hachem, H., and Vuopala, E. (2016). Older adults, in Lebanon, committed to learning: Contextualizing the challenges and the benefits of their learning experience. Educational Gerontology, 42(10), 686-697. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2016.1218204

Hamzaa, H. G., Atta, M. H. R., Taha, H. M. A., Sayed, M. A., Ahmed, A. K., Othman, A. A., and Wahba, N. M. I. (2025). Exploring the role of spiritual leadership among nurse colleagues: an associative analysis of its impact on passion and altruism. BMC nursing, 24(1), 142. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-02750-5

Hardy, M., Oprescu, F., Millear, P., and Summers, M. (2019). Baby boomers’ development of resources and strategies to engage as later life university students. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 38(5), 503-514. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2019.1634156

Kosa, K. M., Cates, S. C., Godwin, S. L., Ball, M., and Harrison, R. E. (2011). Effectiveness of educational interventions to improve food safety practices among older adults. Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics, 30(4), 369-383. https://doi.org/10.1080/21551197.2011.623943

Korthagen, F. A. (2004). In search of the essence of a good teacher: Towards a more holistic approach in teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 20(1), 77-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2003.10.002

Mehrotra, C. M. (2003). In defense of offering educational programs for older adults. Educational Gerontology, 29(8), 645-655. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601270390225631

Miller, J. P. (2007). Education and the Human Experience: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education. University of Toronto Press.

Miller, J. P. (2010). Whole child education. University of Toronto Press

Montoro-Rodriguez, J., and Pinazo, S. (2005). Evaluating social integration and psychological outcomes for older adults enrolled at a university intergenerational program. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 3(3), 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1300/J194v03n03_05

Noddings, N. (2005). The Challenge to Care in Schools: An Alternative Approach to Education. Teachers College Press.

Ryu, J., Heo, J., and Yang, H. (2023). Older adults benefit from a new community-based physical activity programme. Annals of Leisure Research, 26(5), 667-681. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2022.2027250

Sadeghi, M., & Sha’ban, K. (2017). Integrated Learning in the Context of Islamic Education: A Critical Review. International Journal of Educational Development, 52, 45-54.

Safrilsyah, S., Ibrahim, I., Marwan, M., Yusoff, M., Subhan, S., and Darusman, M. (2024). Urgency of Noble Characters’ Education and Building Students’ Prosocial Behaviors. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 12(3), 1185-1212. doi:10.26811/peuradeun.v12i3.1183

Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.

Senge, P. (1990). The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization. Doubleday.

Smith, T. (2010). The Role of Lifelong Learning in Aging Societies. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 22(4), 276-291.

Thepa, P. C. A., Suebkrapan, A. P. D. P. C., Karat, P. B. N., and Vathakaew P. (2025). The Spirituality of the Relationship between Practicing Buddhist Beliefs and Lifelong Learning Competencies: A Canonical Correlation Approach. The International Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Society 15 (4): 25-50. doi:10.18848/2154-8633/CGP/v15i04/25-50

Umar, M., Ismail, F., Rahmi, S., and Arifin, Z. (2024). Transforming of Moderate Character Education in Islamic Educational Institutions. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 7(1), 171-188. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v7i1.4168

Villar, F., and Celdrán, M. (2012). Generativity in older age: A challenge for Universities of the Third Age (U3A). Educational Gerontology, 38(10), 666-677. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2011.595347

Villar, F., Triadó, C., Pinazo, S., Celdrán, M., and Solé, C. (2010). Reasons for older adult participation in university programs in Spain. Educational Gerontology, 36(3), 244-259. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601270903058341

Wicaksono, W. A., Arifin, I., and Sumarsono, R. B. (2024). Implementing a Pesantren-Based Curriculum and Learning Approach to Foster Students’ Emotional Intelligence. Munaddhomah: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 5(2), 207–221. https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v5i2.1074

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

Downloads

Published

2025-06-10

Citation Check