Analysing Islamic Values through Student Personal Reading Logs

Abstract

A value is a principle, standard or quality regarded as worthwhile or desirable and deemed a basis of unity. Each religion emphasizes on the importance of various values. As Islam is viewed as a complete way of life, Muslim scholars believe that Islamic values should be instilled in every discipline, including English Language teaching and learning, specifically in reading classes, as English is an important language in the service-led economy. Reading influences the mind. Thus, it is important for students to be able to identify Islamic values in reading short stories. With regards to Islamisation of knowledge, this research was conducted to explore the Islamic values through student Personal Reading Logs. Data were collected using analysis of Personal Reading Logs written by 158 students of Universiti Teknologi MARA. The findings revealed that students were able to discuss intellectually on Islamic values. There are nine themes employed by them in response to these texts: adab, akhlaq, Arabic terms, hadith and the Quranic verses, stories of the prophets, the Muslim student’s related experience, Islamic history, Islamic practices, and Islamic prohibitions. Hence, teachers should infuse Islamic values in their effort to promote Islam as a way of life.