Subjects of Study in Islamic Religious Education

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education (Pendidikan Agama Islam/PAI) learning is essentially an interactive and systematic process that involves continuous interaction between educators and students in order to develop students’ spiritual, intellectual, and moral potential. In this process, teachers play a crucial role not only as transmitters of knowledge but also as guides and facilitators who design and adapt learning strategies according to the diverse abilities, characteristics, and learning needs of students. Students, as the main subjects of learning, are not positioned merely as passive recipients of information, but as active participants who are encouraged to understand, internalize, and practice Islamic teachings in their daily lives. Islamic education views human beings as creatures endowed with innate potential (fitrah), including the natural capacity to recognize and believe in Allah SWT. This foundational perspective emphasizes that education should nurture and develop these inherent potentials in a balanced manner. Therefore, PAI learning is directed toward achieving harmony between knowledge, faith, and righteous deeds. Through this balanced approach, PAI is not solely oriented toward cognitive achievement but also toward the development of students’ Islamic character, moral integrity, and holistic personality.