Reconstructing the Aqidah Curriculum Through ‎Malay Cultural Values: A Conceptual Literature ‎Synthesis

Abstract

This study aims to reconstruct the Aqidah curriculum based on Malay culture as an effort to develop a more contextual Islamic education curriculum while maintaining the core principles of Islamic teachings. The study employed a qualitative approach using library research by analyzing academic books, scientific journal articles, and other relevant literature related to Aqidah education, Islamic education curriculum, and Malay culture. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis through data reduction, categorization, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that Malay culture contains values closely aligned with Islamic Aqidah, including religiosity, politeness, respect for parents and teachers, togetherness, and social responsibility. These values provide a strong foundation for reconstructing the Aqidah curriculum. The proposed reconstruction model integrates Malay cultural values into four essential curriculum components: learning objectives, learning materials, learning strategies, and the learning environment. This model positions Malay culture not merely as a learning context but as a conceptual foundation for curriculum development. Consequently, the reconstructed curriculum is expected to strengthen students' religious character, reinforce their cultural identity, and create Aqidah learning that is more meaningful, contextual, and relevant to the characteristics of Malay society.